J
0^
.\
Varied Bunting
(Cvanospiy.a Versicolor)
HE
V
KEY
TO
North American Birds.
CONTAINING A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF EVERY SPECIES OF LIVING AND FOSSIL
BIRD AT PRESENT KNOWN FROM THE CONTINENT NORTH OF THE
MEXICAN AND UNITED STATES BOUNDARY, INCLUSIVE
OF GREENLAND AND LOWER CALIFORNIA,
/"f! U ( 7)
WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED
GENERAL ORNITHOLOGY:
AN OUTLINE OF THE STRUCTURE AND CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS;
AND
FIELD ORNITHOLOGY,
A MANUAL OF COLLECTING, PREPARING, AND PRESERVING BIRDS.
Cf)e Jiftf) iEtttion,
(entirely revised)
^
EXHIBITING THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, AND INCLUDING
DESCRIPTIONS OF ADDITIONAL SPECIES
IN TWO VOLUMES.
Volume II.
By ELLIOTT COUES, A.M., M.D., Ph.D.,
Late Captain and Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army and Secretary U. S. Geological Survey; Vice-President of the American
Ornithologists' Union, and Chairman of the Committee on the Classification and Nomenclature of North American Birds ;
Foreign Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; Corresponding Member of the Zoological Society
of London ; Member of the National Academy of Sciences, of the Faculty of the National
Medical College, of the Philosophical and Biological Societies of Washington.
PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.
BOSTON:
DANA ESTES AND COMPANY.
1903,
v/. fnS.^n.i"
la
CONTENTS TO TOLUME 11.
PART III. — Continued.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.
PAGE
Older PICARLTi^: Picarian Birds 537
Suborder TROCHILI : Huiiiiuiugbirds 543
Family TiiOCiiiiJD.i; : Hummingbirds 54;j
Sidjordci-CYPSELI: Swifts 555
Fauiilv ^IicuoPODiD.E : Swifts 555
Subfamily Micropoduue : Typical Swifts 5.j()
Subfamily C/uedtrime : Spine-tail Swifts 558
Suborder CORACLE : Coraciau Birds 560
Family Caprijiulgid.e : Goatsuckers 561
Subfamily CaprimulgiiKe: True Goatsuckers; Night-jars 562
Suborder HaLcYONES: Halcyoniform Birds . . ' 570
Family Alcedjnid.t: : Kiugfisliers ... 571
Subfamily Alcedininre : Piscivorous Knigfisliers . . . . ' 572
Suborder TROGONES : Trogons 574
Family TuoGoxiD.E : Trogous 575
Suborder PICI : Piciform Birds .... 576
Family Picid.k : Woodpeckers, Piculets, Wrynecks 576
Subfamily Fieiiue: Woodpeckers 577
Suborder COCCYGES : Cuculiform Birds 602
Family CucL'LiD.E : Cuckoos 602
Subfamily Crofophagbia' : Auis; Guiras 60-1.
Subfamily Neomorphinrc : Ground Cuckoos 605
Subfamily Canilin/e: Tree Cuckoos ... 607
Order PSITTACI: Parrots 611
Suborder EUPSITTACI : Carinate Parrots 61 i
Family Aiun.E: Macaws, etc 616
Sul)f;niiily Coiiurbue : Wedge-tailed American Parrots . ')!()
Orfler RAPTORKS: Hirds of Prey 617
Suborder ^^TRIGES: Nocturnal Birds of Prey; Owls (jH»
Family Aluconid.'E: Barn Owls ()21
Family Strkjid.k : Other Owls 623
IV CONTENTS.
PAGE
Suborder ACCIPITRES: Diurnal Birds of Prey 648
Family Fai.conid.e : Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, etc 649
Subfamily Circinee: Harriers 651
Subfamily Milvince : Kites 653
Subfamily ^(?c2/>?VrM^; Hawks 657
^\xhidL\m\j Falconin<e : Falcons 662
Subfamily Pohjborina; : Caracaras 677
Subfamily ButeonirKe: Buzzards and Eagles 678
Family Pandionid.e : Fish Hawks ; Ospreys 698
Suborder CATHARTIDES : American Vultures 700
Family Cathartid^: American Vultures 700
Subfamily Sarcorhamphina; : Condors and King Vultures 701
Subfamily CathartirKe : Turkey Vultures 701
Order COLUMB^: Columbine Birds 705
Suborder PERISTER^: True Columbine Birds 706
Family Columbid^ : True Pigeons or Doves 709
Subfamily Columbinee : Arboreal Pigeons 709
Subfamily Zenaidina; ■ Ground Doves 712
Subfamily Starnceiiaduuc : Quail Doves 719
Order GALLIN-^ : Gallinaceous Birds ; Fowls 719
Suborder PERISTEROPODES: Pigeon-toed Fowls 720
Family Cracid.e : Curassows, Guans, etc ' . 721
Subfamily Penelopinre : Guans 721
Suborder ALECTOROPODES: True Fowls 721
Family Puasianid^: Pbeasants, etc 722
Subfamily P//«i7V/«/;^^; Pheasants 723
Family MKLEAGRiDiD/t ; Turkeys 726
Family Tetraonid^ : Grouse . 730
Family Perdicid^ : Partridges and Quails 749
Subfamily P6'/-f/«a«<? ; Old World Partridges and Quails 750
^nhi&m\h OdoHfoijIioruuf : American Partridges and Quails 752
Order LI MICOLiE: Shore Birds ; Waders 762
Family Jacanid,e : Ja^anas 765
Family Charadriid/E : Plovers, etc 767
Subfamily Charadnma : True Plovers 767
Family Aphrizid.e : Surf-Birds and Turnstones 783
Subfamily Aphnzinee: Surf-Birds 784
Subfamily ^r^wffm;?)^ • Turnstones 784
Family H/EMatopodid.e: Oyster-catchers; Sea Pies 787
Family K.eciirvirostrid/e : Avocets, Stilts 789
Family Phalaropodid.e : Phalaropes 793
Family Scolopacid.e: Snipe, Sandpipers, etc 798
Order PALUDICOLiE: Marsh Birds . 844
Suborder G RUES . Cranes, Agamis, and Courlans 846
Family Gruid.e ; Cranes 847
Family Aramid^ : Courlans 849
CONTENTS. V
PAGE
Suborder RALLI : Rails and Rallit'orni Birds 850
Family Rallid.e : Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots 850
Subfamily i£«//w,*; Rails and Crakes 851
Subfamily G allitmlma: : Gallinules .... 859
Subfamily Falicma;: Coots 861
Order HERODIONES: Herons and their Allies 863
Suborder IBIDES: Ibis Series 864
Family Ibidid.e : Ibises 864
Family Plataleid.e : Spoonbills 868
Suborder CICONLE: Stork Series 868
Family Ciconiid.e: Storks 869
Subfamily Tantalmm : Wood Ibises 869
Subfamily Ciconiince : True Storks 870
Suborder HERODII : Heron Series 870
Family Ardkid.e : Herons 871
Subfamily Anleuue: True Herons 873
Subfamily Botauritue : Bitterns 883
Order LAMELLIROSTRES: Anserine Birds 887
Suborder ODONTOGLOSS.E : Grallatorial Anseres 887
Family Pii(Exicoi'Tp:rid.e : Flamingoes 888
Suborder ANSERES : Anserine Birds Proper 890
Family Axatid.e : Swans, Geese, Ducks, and Mergansers 890
Subfamily Cygime: Swans 893
Subfamily Anserin/e: Geese 896
Subfamily ^««i/«<f.' River Ducks 908
Subfamily Ftilif/idiiKe : Sea Ducks 920
Subfamily Merr/ince: Mergansers 947
Order STEGANOPODES : Totipalmate Birds 951
Family Sulid.e : Ganuets ; Boobies 953
Family PELic.iNiD.E : Pelicans 956
Family PiiALACROcoRACiD.E: Cormorants 959
Family ANiriXGiD.E : Anliingas ; Darters; Snake-birds 968
Family FuKGATiD.E: Frigates; Men-o'-War 969
Family PiiaethoxtiD/E : Tropic Birds 971
Order LONGIPENNF^S : Long-winged Swimmers — Jaegers, Gulls, Terns,
Skimmers 973
Family Stercokakuu.e : Jaegers, or Skuas 975
Fa?nily Larid.e : Gulls, Terus, Skimmers 982
Subfamily Larince : Gulls 982
Subfamily Sterniiuc : Terns, Sea-swallows 1000
Subfamily Rhynchopvup : Skimmers 1019
Order TUBIXARES: Tube-nosed Swimmers 1021
Family Diomkdeiu.e: Albatrosses 1022
Family Procellariid.b : Petrels 1026
Subfamily Fulmarhtrr: Fulmars, etc 1027
VI CONTENTS.
PAGE
Subfamily Pi'{^2'«^ • Shearwaters, etc 1031
Subfamily Frocellariinm : Short-legged Stormy Petrels 1040
Subfamily Oceanitinm : Long-legged Stormy Petrels 104-4
Order PYGOPODES: Diving Birds 1046
Suborder GAVI^E: Loous 1047
Family Gaviid.e : Loous, or Divers , . 1047'
Suborder PODICIPEDES: Grebes 1051
Family PoDiciPEDiDiE : Grebes 1051
Suborder ALaE : Auks 1059
Family Alcid.k : Auks, Murres, etc 1059
^Vi^i'&mxX'^ FratercuUnte : Sea Parrots, or PufBus 10G2
Subfamily Phaleriditue: Auklets, Murrelets, and Black Guillemots 1068
Subfamily ^//2V(!r<?: Sea Doves 1080
Subfamily ^/r//«« .• Murres or Guillemots, and Auks 1081
PART IV.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF THE FOSSIL BIRDS OF NOBTII AMEKTCA.
A. Teutiaky Birds 1087
B. Cretaceous Birds 1093
C. Jurassic Birds 1097
INDEX 1099
APPENDIX 1145
Part III. — Continued.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS
OF
NOKTH AMERICAN BIRDS.
Order PICARI^: Picarian Birds.
nnHIS is a miscellaneous assortment (in scientific language, "a polymorphic group ") of birds
-*- of highly diversified forms, grouped together more because they differ from other birds in
one way or another, than on account of their resemblance to one another. As commonly re-
ceived, this order includes all non-passerine Land Birds down to those with a cered bill (Par-
rots and Birds of Prey). Excluding Parrots, which constitute a strongly marked natural group
of equal value with those called orders in this work, Picaria correspond to Strisores -\- Scan-
sores of authors ; including, however, some that are often referred to Clamatores. (This
''order" Scansores, or Zygodactyli, containing all the birds that have the toes arranged in
jndrs, two in front and two behind (and some that have not), is one of the most unmitigated
inflictions that ornithology has suffered; it is as thoroughly unnatural as the divisions of my
artificial key to our genera.) I have no faith whatever in the integrity of any such groupius;
as "Picaria;" implies; but if I sliould break up tliis conventional assemblage, I should not
know what to do witli the fragments; not being prepared to follow Garrod to the length of
a classification of birds based primarily upon the condition of certain muscles of the leg; and
knowing of no available alternative. With this protest, and upon such understanding, I retain
the Picarian group, as iu the original edition of the Key, to include all tlie Nortli American
Land Birds of non-passerine character, without a liooked and cered bill, and without tlie proper
characters of the Columbine and Galliue families. The A. 0. U. ignores the major group, and
presents instead three orders — Coccyges, Pid, and Macrochires. With this procedure I have
no quarrel, as the three are precisely coincident with my tlirce suborders CucuUformcs, Pici-
formes, and Cypseliformes.
Manifestly, from what has been saiil, Pivaria- are insusce]>tible of satisfactory dcfiuititm :
but I may indicate some leading features, wlietiier of positive or negative diaraeter, tliat tiioy
538 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARIjE.
possess in common. The sternum rarely conforms to the particular passerine model, its pos-
terior border usually being either entire or else doubly-notched. The vocal apparatus is not
highly developed, having not more than three pairs of separate intrinsic muscles ; the birds,
consequently, are never highly musical. There are some modifications of cranial bones not
observed in Passeres. Picaritp, like lower birds, usually lack a certain specialization of flexor
muscles of the toes seen in Passeres. This anatomical matter requires special attention, as
some important classificatory considerations are involved. The jjasserine rule is, that the
flexor liallucis, which bends the hind toe, is perfectly distinct from the flexor perforans, which
bends all the other toes ; and that the former has but one tendon, going to hind toe, while
the other has three tendons, going to all the rest of the toes. Passerine birds being considered
to represent the "normal" (or usual) arrangement, are called nomopelmous ; and all birds
which do not have this arrangement I call anomalopelmous. Passerine birds are also called
schizopelmous, with reference to the complete separation of the hallucal from the other dig-
ital tendons. But the anomalopelmous Picarian birds present several further specializations
of the arrangement for bending their toes. In the Hummingbirds the flexor hallucis besides
going to the first toe supplies also the second digit by a branch, and sends in addition the
rudiments of little slips to the third and fourth digits. In the Hoopoes the arrangement
is nearly schizopelmous, but there is a desmopelmous feature beyond the bases of the
toes. In the Cuckoos, again, the tendons of the flexor hallucis and flexor perforans are
connected by a vinculum or ligament at the point where they cross each other on the way
to their respective digits ; they are hence called desmopelmous, and this arrangement is also
shared by psittacine and gallinaceous birds. Again, in the Swifts and Goatsuckers, of the
group Cypseliformes, the respective tendons of these two muscles are extensively blended to-
gether ; they are hence termed sympelmous. Fourthly, in numerous zygodactyle birds, the
Woodpeckers and their allies, the flexor perforans has only one tendon, which goes to the
" middle" or third toe, i. e. the outer anterior one, while the flexor hallucis splits into two
or three tendons, which supply all the other toes ; tliey are hence termed antiopelmoiis. Fifthly,
in the Trogons, which are yoke-toed in a diff"erent way from any other birds, by reversion of
the second instead of fourth toe, the flexor hallucis has two tendons which supply the two hind
toes, and the flexor perforans has likewise two tendons, for the front toes ; they are thus what
is called heteropelmous. The technical terms here used of the birds themselves are equally ap-
plicable to the anatomical arrangements ; one may speak, for example, of anomalopelmous feet,
or anomalopelmous tendons, as well as of anomalopelmous birds. Three of the five arrangements
noted for Picarian birds, the sympelmous, antiopelmous, and heteropelmous, are peculiar to
this group. With regard to the ambiens muscle, it is absent in most Picarice, which are there-
fore anomalogonatous ; but present in the homalogonatous Cuckoos and their near relatives the
Turacous. Externally, the feet are very variously modified; one or another of all the toes, ex-
cept the middle one, is susceptible of being turned, in this or that case, in an opposite from the
customary direction ; the fourth one being frequently capable of turning either way; while in
five genera of Picidce and one genus oi Picumnidce the first, and in two genera oi Alcedinidce
the second, toe is deficient. When all four toes are turned forward, as in the Colies, the feet
and their owners are termed pamprodacti/lous. When there are three in front and one behind,
as in Kingfishers, the term anisodactylous is used ; and when the digits of such a foot are
extensively soldered together, the formation is called syndactylous. In some cases, as the
family Microj)odid(B or Swifts, some members of it are pamprodactylous, others anisodactylous.
A very frequent arrangement is that of toes in pairs, two behind and two before ; most such
yoke-toed birds have the properly zygodactylous arrangement, by reversion of the fourth or
outer toe, as in the Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, and others; but in the Trogons alone the second
or inner toe is the reversed one, and the arrangement is styled heterodactylous. The tarsal
envelop is never entire behind, as in the higher Passeres. Another curious peculiarity of the
PIC A RLE: PICA RI AN BIRDS. 539
feet is, that the claw of the hind toe is smaller, or at most not larger, than that of the third
toe ; and on the whole the hind toe itself is inconsiderable, weak if not wanting, not always
perfectly incumbent and apposable. The wings, endlessly varied in shape, agree in possessing
ten developed primaries, of which the first is rarely spurious or very short. (Notable excep-
tions to this occur in the Pici with spurious first primary, and in the Indicatoridce, with only
nine primaries.) A very general and useful wing-character is, that the coverts are larger and
in more numerous series than in Passeres ; the greater coverts being at least half as long as
the secondary quills they cover, and sometimes reaching nearly to the ends of these quills.
This is the common case among lower birds, but it distinguishes most of the Picaria; from
Passeres; it is not shown, however, in the Picidce and some others, as the Indicator idoe, Meya-
Ifemidce, and Rhamphastidce. The wing is quintocubital as a rule (with variability in Alcedi-
nidte and some Cypselidce'). The tail is indefinitely varied in shape, but the number of its
feathers is a good clue to Picarue. There are not ordinarily more than ten perfect rectrices,
and occasionally there are only eight, as in the Anis (Crotophaga') ; the AVoodpeckers have
twelve, but one pair is abortive ; there are twelve, however, in the Kingfishers, Puff'-birds,
Indicators, and some others ; ten or twelve indifierently in the Motmots. Pulviplumes occur
in the Leptosomatidce an«l Podargidce. The bill shows numberless modifications in form, and
lias its own specialization in nearly every family ; it assumes some of the most extraordinary
sliapes, as in the Hornbills and Toucans, and is seldom of the simjde style seen in a Thrush or
Finch; it is never hooked and cered, as in Parrots and Birds of Prey, nor soft and swollen at
the nostrils, as in Pigeons.
With this sketch of some leading features of the group (it will <niable the student to recog-
nize any Picarian bird of this country at least, and that is my main object), I pass to the
consideration of its subdivision, with the remark that a precedent may be found for any con-
ceivable grouping of the families that is not perfectly preposterous, and for some arrangements
that are nearly so. As well as I can judge from the material at my command, and relying
upon authority for data that I lack, the provisional arrangement adopted in the 2d-4th editions
(tf the Key must be entirely remodelled. Such is especially the case with the '' Cuculiform"'
Picarians, which I justly stigmatized (p. 446) as " a mixed lot requiring to be reconstructed
by exclusion of some of the fiimilies given as entering into its composition.'' There are at
least 24 Picarian families, seven of them North American, rouglily divisible into three groups
or series, which I ft)rmerly called Cgjjsclifonnes, Cnculifornies, and Piciformes, answering to
tlie CgpselomorjjhfB, Coccygomorphce, and Celeomorphcc of Huxley, or the so-called " orders ''
Macrochires, Coccyges, and Pici of the A. 0. U. But I am now satisfied that we can best im-
jirove up(Mi these divisions by efiiicing their alleged boundaries and remapping tlie 24 families
liy redistributing them directly into several more than three suborders or superfamilies. Such
ran be satisfactorily established, primarily upon stnmg anatomical grounds, secondarily U{)on
good external characters. The structural modifications most serviceable for classification are :
]iresence or absence of the ambiens muscle ; the disposition of the digits and especially of their
Hexor tendons ; conformation of the bony palate, sternum, and bones of the wing; presence or
absence of colic cfeca, as curiously related to the condition of the elpeodochon ; and various
peculiarities of tlie pterylosis, such as the presence or absence of aftersluifts, pulviplumes, and
tuft on the oil-gland, condition of the dorsal and ventral tracts, number of remiges and roc-
trices, etc. The arrangement of the carotid arteries is also to be taken into account. Details
of external form are insignificant in comparison with such morphological characters as those
just indicated, and may even bo deceptive; fi)r the superficial resemblance is sliglit between
some chisely related families, and conversely. Thus, the great helmeted II(»rnbills are specially
related to the small slender-billed lIoo]>oes; the Toucans, witli their enormous bills, behmg to
the series vvhidi includes the Barbels, I'uti'-birds. Jacaiiiars, and Woodpeckers; and otlier sucii
instances could be cited.
540 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PIC ARI^.
There are more than 1,800 species of Picarice, and the order as a whole is cosmopolitan.
But it is richest in geneni and species in the tropical regions of either hemisphere, and most
of the families occur only in limited areas, especially the Ethiopian and neotropical. Thus,
the Leptosomatidae are peculiar to Madagascar, and the Todidce to the Antilles. Exclusively
Ethiopian are the Irrisoridce, Coliidce, and Musophagidce ; Ethit)pian and Oriental are the
Indicator idee, Upupidre, Bucerotidce, Meropidce, Coiaciidce, and three of these families (not
Indicatoridte or Bucerotidce) are represented in Europe. Exclusively neotropical are the
Rhamphastidce, GalbuUdce, Bucconidce, Momotidie, and Steatornithidee ; while the Trochilidee
are characteristic of the same region, but have a few nearctic representatives. The PodargidfB
are Oriental and Australian. Two families, Trogonidce and Capitonida, are remarkable in
being represented alike in the tropical portions of both hemispheres. The Alcedinidce are
widely dispersed in the Old World, with one American genus. Finally, the Micropodidce,
Capriimdgidce, Picidce, and CucuUdce are well represented in both temperate and tropical
regions of both hemispheres.
The very numerous genera fall in at fewest the foregoing 24 families, which are universally
recognized. The o}>en questions are, whether a family Maeropterygidce should not be dis-
sociated from the Micropodidce, a family Nyctibiida from the Cajn'imulgida, a family Centro-
podidm from the CucuUdce., and the families Picumnidce and lyngidce from the Picidce.
Without prejudice to these points, the 24 conceded families may be disposed in nine superfam-
ilies or suborders, according to the following arrangement, which is much more natural than
that given in former editions of the Key. The seven North American families, representing
as many major groups, are marked with the asterisk, and will be fouud more fully characterized
beyond, under their respective heads.
Natural Analysis of Suborders and Families of Picarls;.
A. Anomalogonatous ; ambiens absent.
a. Formula A only, without B, X, or Y, i. e. femorocaudal present, accessory femorocaudal, semitendinosus, and acces-
sory semitendinosus absent. Nude oil-gland and no caeca ; spinal pteryla with narrow apterium. Sternum en-
tire behind. Tensor patagii brevis peculiar.
aa. Feet anisodactylous. Palate "schizoguathous." One family, American, and specially characteristic of the
Neotropical region I. TROCHILI
*1. Hummingbirds. Bill tenuirostral, and tongue peculiar. Rectrices 10; secondaries only (!. A nest;
eggs 2, white 1- Fam. Trochilid^
bb. Feet picarian, sympelmous and anisodactylous or pamprodactylous. Palate "aegithognathous." One family
of both hemispheres (or two) 11. CTPSELI
*2. Swifts. Bill fissirostral, and tongue not peculiar. Rectrices 10, often mucrouate. A nest ; eggs plural or
single, white 2. Fam. MiCEOPODiDiE
(Note. Sternum entire, phalanges 2-3-3-3, eggs plural, in Micropodina. Sternum entire, phalanges 2-3-
4-5, eggs plural, in Chieturince. Sternum fenestrate, phalanges 2-3-1-5, egg single, in Macropteryginoe or
Fam. MACROPTERYGin>E.)
b. Formula including X, without B ; usually A X T, sometimes A X or X Y. Oil-gland and caeca variable. Spinal
pteryla variable.
cc. Feet passerine, schizopelmous (to beyond bases of toes, where desmopelmous) and anisodactylous. (Formula
A X Y.) Palate desmognathous. Manubrium sterni acute. Tufted oil-gland and no csBca. Sinistrocarotid.
Bill tenuirostral ; tongue lipoglossine. Sternum not entire. Spinal pteryla forked in scapular region. After
shafts rudimentary or none. Two Old World families III. UPUP.^
3. Wood Hoopoes. Sternum 2-fenestrate. Nostrils lateral, operculate. Plumage metallic ; no crest. Tail long,
graduated. African ; 3 genera, Irrisor, Scoptelus, Bfiinopomaslus 3. Fam. Irrisorid.«:
4. Ground Hoopoes. Sternum 2-notched. Nostrils superior, non-operculate. Pliunage non-metallic ; a large
compressed crest. Tail short, square. African and Eurasian ; one genus, Upupa .... 4. Fam. Upupid.e
dd. Feet picarian, sympelmous and anisodactylous, and more or less syndactylous (toes 3 in front, 1 behind ; the
former more or less united in a fleshy sole). Palate desmognathous. (Formula A X Y, except in Alcedinidw.
Oil-gland and caeca variable.) Eggs white. Five families.
IV. HALCYONES
5. Hornbills. Sternum 2-notched at most. Skeleton pneumatic. Tufted oil-gland and no caeca. Carotids two,
one or none functional. Pterylosis peculiar ; spinal tract defective in cervical region, no aftershafts, no down-
feathers, eyelids lashed. Rectrices 10. Bill enormous, helmeted, or otherwise peculiar. Tongue lipoglossine.
PICARI^: PIC ART AN BIRDS. 541
Chiefly Oriental and Austromalayan (subfamily Bucerotincx), but also Ethiopian (subfamily ^Mcort'inop); about
60 species 5. Finn. Bucerotid.*;
*6. Kingfishers. (Formula A X.) Sternum 4-notched. Tufted oil-gland and no CiEca. Bicarotidean. No spinal
space and no aftershafts. Rectrices 12 as a rule, 10 in Tanysiptera. Feet thoroughly syndactylous (3-toed in
two genera by loss of 2d toe). Bill long, but more or less fissirostral ; tomia not serrate (exc. Syma). Tongue
lipoglossine. Two subfamilies, chiefly Old World, only one genus American G. Fam. AlcedisidjE
7. Mutmots. Sternum 4-fenestrate. Oil-gland nude or slightly tufted; no caeca. Bicarotidean. No spinal
space ; plumage aftershafted. Rectrices 12, in Baryphthenrjus 10, the middle pair long and usually spatulate.
Bill serrate. Neotropical 7. Fam. Momotid*
8. Todies. Sternum 4-notched. Tufted oil-gland and 2 caeca. Bicarotidean. No spinal space or fork. Rectrices
12, short, even. Bill long, flat, obtuse, minutely serrulate. Eggs plural, white. Nest burrowed un^ler ground.
Antillean ; one small geuus, Todus 8. Fam. Todid^
9. Bee-eaters. Sternum 4-uotched. Nude oil-gland and 2 caeca. Carotids variable. A spinal space. Toes syn-
dactylous. Plumage aftershafted. Rectrices 10, 12 ?. Bill tenuirostral. African and Eurasiatic ; 2 subfam-
ilies, Meropina; and yyctiornithinre y. Fain. Meropid^
ee. Feet picarian, sympelmous and pamprodactylous (4 toes in front). Formula A X Y. Palate desmognathous ;
no vomer nor basipterygoids. Tufted oil-gland and no caeca. Sinistrocarotidean. Plumage aftershafted.
Spinal pteryla simple in scapular region. Sternum 4-notched. Rectrices 10. A nest ; eggs white. One fam-
ily, Etliiopian V. PAMPRODACTYLI
10. Colics. Bill short and stout. Tail very long. One genus, Colitis (including Bhabdocolius and Crocolius),
of about 9 species 10 Fam. Coi^uvx
ff. Feet picarian, sympelmous and anisodactylous (in one family somewhat zygodactylous). Palate various. Nude
oil-gland, or none ; caeca. Spinal pteryla furcate in scapular region. Five (or six ?) families VI. CORAf 'liE
11. Kirumbos. Palate desmognathous. Fourth toe versatile; foot thus pseudozygodactylous, Formula A X Y.
A pair of uropygial powder-down patclies ; plumage aftershafted ; frontal antise plumose ; sexes unlike, <f
metallic. Rectrices 12. Bill stout ; nostrils anterior. One Madagascan genus, of one or two species
11. Leptosomatid^
12. Rollers. Palate desmognathous ; basipterygoids rudimentary ; vomer attenuate. Formula A X Y. No pow-
der-down. Two carotids. Nude oil-gland. Plumage aftershafted, alike in both sexes, non-metallic, but
brilliant. Rectrices 12. Bill stout ; nostrils subbasal. Two subfamilies ; Coraciinw, two arboreal, diurnal
genera, Eurasiatic and African ; and Brac/iypteraciiiiw, three terrestrial, somewhat nocturnal genera, con-
fined to Madagascar 12. Corachd.e
*13. Goatsuckers. Palate schizognatlious ; basipterygoids small ; palatines expanded posteriorly ; vomer trun-
cate in front. Two carotids. Sternum 2- or 4-notched. Nude oil-gland, small. Plumage aftershafted. Rec-
trices 10. Bill very small, weak, but deeply fissirostral. Habits partly nocturnal. No nest ; young downy :
eggs normally 2, colored or colorless. Nearly cosmopolitan 13. Caprimcloid.«
(Note. No powdtr-doivn, sternum 2-notclied, phalanges 2-.3-4-4, middle claw pectinate, and bill not toothed,
in CaprimulgiiKT ; powder-down, sternum 4-notched, phalanges normal, 2-3-4-5, no pectination, and bill
toothed in Xyctibiinre or fam XvrTiBiin.K )
14. Frofj-months. Palate desmognathous ; basipterygoids rudimentary ; palatines expanded in lateral processes.
Sternum 4-notched. No oil-gland (/'oi/i/ );/»,?) ; uropygial powder-down patches (not i\\ ^Fgollielesf). Rectrices
10. Phalanges normal, 2-3-1-5, and claw not pectinate. Rictus enormous. Habits nocturnal. A nest; eggs
white or colored ; young downy. Oriental and Australian. Podurgus and Batrachoslomus, of the subfamily
Poilarginw, nostrils basal ; ^gotheles, of the subfamily ^gothehnce, nostrils subterminal
14. Fam. Podarqid*
15. Oil-birds. Peculiar in the fornuila X Y, and otherwise ; perhaps should stand alone as a suborder, Sleator-
nithes, related to the Owls. Palate desmognathous ; basipterygoids develope 1 : palatines contracted. Sternum
2-notched. Large nude oil-gland. Two carotids. Bronchial syringes. Skull owl-like. Rectrices 10. One
genus. Neotropical 15. Fam. Steatornithid.k
gg. Feet picarian in a peculiar way, heteropelmous and heterodactylous (zygodactylous, but by reversion of second
toe). Formula A X (as in Kingfi.shers). Palate schizognathous ; basipterygoids present. Nude oil-gland and
2 small c*ca. Sternum 4-notched. Sinistrocarotid. General pterylosis passerine ; spinal pteryla simple ;
plumage aftershafted. Rectrices 12. One family, of both hemispheres VII. TROGONES
*1C. Trogons. Bill stout, serrate or smooth IC. Tkooonid.e
hh. Feet picarian, antio|>elmou8 and perfectly zygodactylous (in the usual way, by reversion of fourth toe ; hallux
wanting in certain .'i-toed genera). Formula including X, usually al.so Y. Palate and carotids variable. No
basipterygoids. Oil-gland variable. Aftershafts small or vestigial. Spinal pteryla simple. Sternum and tensor
patagii brevis characteristic. Wing-coverts tending to reduction to passerine Bmallness. Six (or eight ?)
families VIII. PICI
•17. Woodpeckers. Palate of the peculiar structure called pnurognathous ; vomers paired. Formula A X Y
(with some exceptions). Maiuibrlum storni furciitc. Sinistrocarotid. Tufted oil-gland and no rjrca. Syrinx
broncho-tracheal, with om- p.iir of intrinsic and one of extrinsic niuscles. Wing-coviTt.s posxerine. Rectrices
normally 12, one pair spurious. Bill peculiar ; fong\ie usually lumbriciforni. Hallux luis.shig In five genera.
Nest in holes ; eggs plural, wliite. Nearly cosmopolitan ; three subfamilies, /'irimr with rigid acumiiinte rec-
trices, Pieumnina and lyngimr with soft rectrices, the two latter sometimes sciuirated as different f.tniilion
17. Film. rictD.«
542 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PICARnE.
18. Guide-birds. Palate called aegithognathous or schlzognathous ; vomer forked. Intrinsic syringeal muscles
one pair. Formula A X Y. Manubrium sterni acute. Sinistrocarotid. Tufted oil-gland and no caeca. Ven-
tral pteryla forked on throat. Wing-coverts passerine. Primaries only 9. Rectrices 12 (in /rerfica/or), or 10
(in Prodoiiscus). Bill moderate. Two genera, African and Asiatic 18. Fam. iNDicATORiDiE
19. Barbels. Palate called aegithognathous or desmognathous ; vomer forked. Formula A X Y. Manubrium
sterni acute. Sinistrocarotid. Tufted oil-gland and no cseca. Syrinx simply broncho-tracheal, without in-
trinsic muscles. Ventral pteryla forked. Wing-coverts passerine. Rectrices 10. Bill moderate, highly
bristly. About 30 Old World genera ; 2 genera (Capito and Tetragunops) Neotropical
19. CAPIT0N1D.E (or MegALjEMID«)
20. Toucans. Palate desmognathous ; vomer truncate. Nasals holorhinal ; no basipterygoids. Formula A XY.
Manubrium sterni acute. Sinistrocarotid, as a rule. Tufted oil-gland and no caeca. Plumage aftershafted.
Wing-coverts passerine. Rectrices 10. Bill enormous ; tongue macroglossine, horny, and feathery. Nest in
holes in trees ; eggs white. Five or more Neotropical genera ; 50 or more species . 20. Fam. Rhamphastid.*;
21. Jacamars. Formula A X Y or A X. Bicarotidean. Nude oil-gland, but caeca developed. Ventral pteryla
branched in gular region ; plumage brilliant, aftershafted ; wing-coverts subpasserine. Rectrices 12 (radac«d
to-10 in two genera). Hallux missing in one genus (Jacamaralcyon) ; feet somewhat syndactylous. Bill tenui-
rostral, with keeled gonys and' ridged culmen. Nest in burrows. Eggs 2, white. Neotropical. GalbuUnce,
5 genera ; Jacamaropinw, one genus 21. Fam. GrALBULlDiE
22. Puff-birds. Palate desmognathous. Formula A X Y ? Bicarotidean. Nude oil-gland, but large caeca.
Ventral pteryla unbranched in gular region ; plumage dull, not aftershafted ; wing-coverts not passerine.
Rectrices 12. Bill stout, with flat gonys. Nest in burrows. Eggs 2, white. Neotropical ; genera 7 or more.
22. Fam. Bucconid^
B. Homalogonatous ; ambiens present.
Formula A B X Y or A X Y ; i. e. femorocaudal present, its accessory present or absent, semitendinosus and its
accessory present.
Feet picarian, desmopelmous and zygodactylous (in the usual way by reversion of 4th toe ; hallux always present).
Palate desmognathous. Spinal pteryla forked in scapular region IX. COCCYGES
*23. Cuckoos. Feet perfectly zygodactylous. Nude oil-gland and 2 caeca. Plumage not aftershafted. Rectrices
10 (8 in Guira and Crotophaga). (Formula normally A X Y, but A B X Y in Centropus, etc ) Syringes vari-
able. Cosmopolitan ; genera upward of 40, in several subfamilies 23. Fam. CuculiDjK
24. Turacoiis. Feet imperfectly zygodactylovis ; fourth toe versatile. Tufted oil-gland and no caeca. Plumage
aftershafted. Rectrices 10. (Formula A B XY.) Ethiopian; genera 6 24. /^«»». Musophagid^
It must be obvious, from the foregoing exhibit, that no linear arrangement of the groups
can possibly exhibit tlieir various interrelations; and consequently, any sequence of the families
we may adopt becomes a choice of evils. By common consent, the highly specialized Tro-
chilidce stand at or near the '* head " of the series, and near or next to them come the Micro-
podidce (Cypselidce). Again, the homalogonatous Cuciilidce and Musophagidce, differing most
from all the rest, and even hinting at gallinaceous affinities, are best put at the " foot " of the
series. But between these extremes there is room for wide difference of opinion in arranging
the families of the whole order, even when we have only those of North America to deal with.
It will be observed that our seven families represent as many of the whole number of suborders,
only the Pamprodactyli (the Colies) and the Upupce being unrepresented in our fauna. Now
the XTpupce are certainly "high" in the Picarian series, with their passerine feet, etc. — so
high that Salvin makes them head the order, even taking precedence of the TrocMlidce. Yet
their closest relationships are with the BuceroUdce, or Hornbills ; and to bring out this fact I
am obliged, in the foregoing schedule, to bring in the Halcyones next after the UpnpcE. But
this arrangement has the disadvantage of throwing the Caprimidgidce far out of their unde-
niable bearing upon the Cypselidce, and so upon the Trochilidce ; for the actual relationships of
these three families are so close that with most authors they form one suborder — the so-called
Macrochires, Cypseliformes, or CypselomorplicB. In a faunal work like the present it may not
be necessary to insist upon considerations involved in the relationships of the H(jopoes and
Hornbills; and it is easy to bring the Caprimnlgid/e next after the Cypselida;, by simply trans-
posing the places occupied by the Halcyones and Coracicv in the foregoing scheme. Making this
single change, the sequence of our seven suborders and seven families becomes : Trochili,
Trochilidce; Cypseli, Micropodidce ; Coraci^, Caprimnlgidce ; Halcyones, Alcedinidce :
Trogones, Trogonidce ; Pici, Picida; ; and Coccyges, Cuculidce. This arrangement seems
to me to be as " natural" as any tliat can be devised; it certainly brings out some good points.
TROCHILIDyE : HUMMINGBIRDS. 543
as in placing the yoke-toed (vvliether heterodactylous or zygodactylous) families together, after
the anisodactylous or pamprodactylous ones ; it heads the list with the Humuiers, and foots it
with the Cuckoos ; and it violates no obvious interrelations of the intermediate famihes. Hav-
ing these recommendations, this is the sequence I shall adopt in the present edition of the
Key.*
Suborder TROCHILI : Hummingbirds.
See p. 540 for analytical characters of this group, especially in comparison with the tissi-
rostral macrochirous type — the Ci/jiseli. The skeleton agrees closely, iu general, with that
of the Swifts, but has many minor peculiarities in detail, among which the most prominent are
the modifications of the facial bones conformably with the long slender bill. The palatal ar-
rangement is schizognathous. The deeply carinate sternum widens toward its uunotched
xiphoid border; there is no manubrium; the furculum is U-shaped, with rudimentary hypo-
clidium ; the coracoid canaliculate; the humerus very short and stout, the radius arched, the
metacarpus and phalanges greatly elongated. A chief anatomical peculiarity is the structure
of the tongue, which somewhat resembles a Woodpeckei-'s in being protrusible or capable of
being thrust far out of the beak by a muscular mechanism connected with the long horns of
the hyoid or tongue-bone, which curve up around the back of the skull ; the tongue is in efl'cct
a sheathed double-barrelled tube, appearing like two cylinders united for some distance, tlien
opening out with a thin lacerated edge. This structure is supposed to be used to suck the
sweets of flowers. There are no cseca, and the oil-gland is nude. The myological formula lacivs
the ambiens, accessory femorocaudal, semitendinosus, and its accessory, as in the Swifts ; the
flexor longus hallucis supplies the hallux and by a branch the second digit, besides sending the
remnants of slii)s to the third and fourth ; the second, third, and fourth digits are supplied as
usual by the flexor digitorum. There are no sterno-tracheals. There is one carotid artery, the
left. The pterylosis is characteristic. This is a highly monomorphic or monotypic group,
containing a single definitely circumscribed family, peculiar to America, and specially charac-
teristic of the Neotropical region.
Family TROCHILID^ : Hummingbirds.
Tenunostral macrochirous Picaricc. These beautiful little creatures will be known on
sight by their diminutive size and gorgeous coloration, without regard to their technical char-
acters. They are called Hummingbirds because their wings make such a noise in flight,
whirring so rapidly that the eye cannot follow their vibrations. The French know them as
oiseaux-mouches, or "bird-flies," for the same reason; their curious resemblance to insects has
struck every one who ever saw a Hummer pcnsed on misty pinions before a flower, when a
second glance might be refpiired to distinguish the feathered bird from a furred sphinx-moth. In
])owers of flight the Hummers are equalled by few if any birds, and certainly surpassed by none
iu the marvellous rapidity with which they dart through the sunsiiiue. ^
• The arranRement in former editions of the Key is: Ctpseliformes, Caprimiilffidir, Ci/psrlidir, Trochilidcr ;
CucuLiFORMEs, Troffoniilip, Alreiliiiklir, Cuciilktif ; Picifokmes, I'irkia-. This is bad, both in the construction of sub-
orders and sequence of families. In the classification atlopted in tlie A. O. U. Lists there is some faulty construction of
three major groups as in Key, with an improvement in their sequence. Reversing the A. O. U. arrangement, which pro-
ceeds from lowest to highest, in order to correctly exhibit its relations with the foregoing, we find it to be : Order Macro-
CHtREs ; Suborder Trix hili, Troc/iilitftr ; Suborder Cypseli, Afitropoilidir ; Suborder Caprimuloi, Caprimiilgitlir. Order
Pici ; no suborder, /'Iriilir. Order Coccyges ; Suborder Alcyones. Alcedini<l(r : Sahorder Trooones, Trogonuiir ; Sub-
order CucuLi, Ciiruliilir. In the Standard Natural History, Dr. Stejneger judiciously recognizes the seven North Amer-
ican superfaniilies of Picarian birds ; but their sequence is less happy, especially in the wiile separation of C(ij>ritiiul(jiit(r
from Ciijisilidir and Trm/iilidir His seipience rever.sed, or from highest to lowest, is, for the foregoing families : Tro-
chilidir, Miiiiiiiodidrr, Tniiioiiidir, J'icidtr, Alcriliiiidir, Cfipriiniilijiiltr, Cuciilidtr. Both the numl>er and the sequence of
groups, so far as those of North America are concerned, as given in the foregoiug text, are identical with those presented
iu the British Museum Catalogues.
544
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARl.I^ — TROCHILI.
The flying-apparatus, as in the Swifts, presents a very deep-keeled entire sternum, for
attachment of powerful pectoral muscles; a very short upper-arm, but the distal segments of
the fore limb lengthened, particularly the hand, bearing a long, thin-bladed, or even falcate
\if
Fig. 354. — Hummingbirds. (From Michelet.)
wing ; primaries 10, the 1st usually
longest ; secondaries reduced to 6, and
very short. Tail of 10 rectrices, but
otherwise too variable to be character-
ized, presenting almost every pecu-
liarity in size and shape as a whole, in
size and shape of individual feathers,
and often difl'ering in form as well as
color in the opposite sexes of the same
species. Feet extremely small and
weak, unfit for progression, formed ex-
clusively for perching ; tarsi naked or
feathered. Hind toe incumbent, as in
Passerine birds. Claws all large, sharp
and curved. The bill exhibits the
tenuirostral type in perfection, being
long and extremely slender for its
length ; it is usually straight, subulate
or awl-shaped, or with lancet-shaped
tip; it is often decurved, sometimes
recurved, and again bent almost at an angle ; in length it varies from less than the head to
more than all the rest of the bird. The cutting edges of the mandibles are inflected, and either
serrate, serrulate, or smooth ; the rictus is devoid of bristles. The nostrils are linear, with a
supercumbent scale or operculum, sometimes naked, oftener feathered. In size the Hummers
average the least of all birds, the giants among them alone reaching a length of 6 or 7 inches,
the pygmies being under 3 inches ; the usual stature is 3 or 4 inches. In a few the coloration
is plain, or even sombre; most have glittering iridescent tints — "the most gorgeously bril-
liant metallic hues known among created things." The sexes are usually unlike in color.
Hummingbirds, like poets, belong to the genus irritahile ; they are very nervy if not also
brainy little creatures, of greater courage than discretion, quick-tempered and extremely pug-
nacious— the Kingbird which has just whipped a Hawk or a Crow maybe assaulted and
worsted by the impetuous Ruby-throat. The food of Hummers was formerly supposed to be
the sweets of flowers. It is now known that they are chiefly insectivorous. Their little nests
are models of architectural beauty. The eggs are always two in number, elliptical in shape,
and white in color. The young hatch weak and helpless, requiring to be fed by the parents,
Hummers being thus of altricial nature. The voice is not musical.
The family is one of the most perfectly circumscribed in ornithology, and one of the largest
groups of its grade. So intimately and variously are the genera interrelated that every attempt
to divide it into subfamilies has proven unsatisfactory. Hummers are peculiar to America.
Species occur from Alaska to Patagonia ; but we have a mere sprinkling in this country.
The centre of abundance is in tropical South America, particularly Colombia. Nearly 500
speciniens are current. The genera or subgenera vary with authors from 50 to 150. Mr. D.
G. Elliot, one of the highest authorities upon the subject, gives 426 species, assigned to 125
genei'a. The latest monographer, Mr. Osbert Salvin, one of the most careful and critical
ornithologists who ever lived, arranges the Hummers in 3 series called Serrirostres, Inter-
medii, and Laevirostres, with 127 genera and 480 species. None of the known North Ameri-
can Hummers exhibits the extremes of shape of bill or tail which some of the tropical genera
TR OCHILIDJE : HUMMINGBIRDS.
545
illustrate; in only one (Calothorax lucifer) is the bill decidedly curved. Only one species is
more than 5 inches long — the magnificent Coeligena clemendee. Some curious shapes of tail,
including marked sexual characters in this respect, are exhibited by certain genera, especially
the wonderful Loddigesia.
Only one species, the common Ruby-throat, is known to occur in the East ; this was the
only one known to Wilson. Audubon gave four species, but one of them erroneously. Since
his time, many new forms of these exquisite creatures have successively been brought to light
over our Mexican bor-
der. In 1858, Baird
gave seven (one of them
Lampornis mango, erro-
neously, as Audubon liad
done). In 1872, in tlie
Key, I was able to in-
crease the number to ten,
but with two wrongly
given (the Lamponiix
and Agyrtria linncii).
The same ten, with the
two errors, were given
by Baird and Kidgway
in 1874. Within ten
years the discoveries
were so many, that, after
eliminating the two er-
rors, I was able to de-
scribe in 1884 no fewer
than fifteen perfectly
distinct species of United States Hummingbirds ; and I then stated that I had no doubt that
several others would in due time be found over our Mexican border. The sixteenth (Coeligena
clemendee) was added to the 3d ed. of tlie Key, 1887; the seventeenth and eighteenth (Tro-
chiliis violijugidaris and S. floresH) were installed in the 4th ed., 1890. I have now to
include the nineteenth (Basilinna Irucofis). But Afthi>< heUmfP is not confirmed, reducine: fur
the present the total to eighteen. Among the probabilities are Lamprolccma rhami and Cam-
pglopterus hemileucurus.
The discrimination of the females and young is difficult ; but witli the adult males there
should be no trouble. The following table is intended to enable the student to tell the genus
and species directly of any United States Hummer, if tlie specimen lie has in iiand be an adult
male. If a female or young, he must refer to the detailed descriptions. He will be much as-
sisted by the figures of generic details drawn from nature by Mr. R. Ridgway for Mr. D. G.
Elliot's monograpli, and kindly loaned to mv by Professor Baird.
Fig. 355. — Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, (f, 9i and nest, nearly nat. size.
(Sheppard del. Nichols sc.)
Analysis of Genera and Species of X. A. Trochilidoe (athdt males).
Frontal featliers not fully covering nasal scale. Tarsi feathered. Tail emarginate. Bill broad, in part flesh-colored.
Nasal scale entirely naked.
White stripe on head. Crown, face, and chin blue-black. Tail mostly rufous .... Unsilinna ranluti
Tail mostly blue llnsilinna leucotis
Nasal scale partly naked.
Crown green ; throat blue ; tail blackish Imhe Intirnslris
Throat grci-n; tail rufous; sides rufous Aiiii:ilscrrtinivriilrijir/Mlconota
Throat green 1 tail rufous; sides green .imizilis tzacatl
35
546
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — PICA R LE —TRO CHILI.
Frontal feathers covering nasal scale.
Bill not perfectly straight.
Bill curved throughout. Tail forked, with almost filiform lateral feather Calolhorax lucifer
Bill nearly straight. Length over 4 inches. Throat and breast green Eugenes fulgens
Bill perfectly straight.
Length over 5 inches Caligena clemencioB
Length under 4 inches.
Crown as well as throat with metallic scales.
Scales lilac-crimson. Lateral tail-feather parallel-edged Calypte annce
Scales violet. Lateral tail-feather acutely falcate Calypte costm
Scales red Selasphorus Jioresii
Crown simply glossy, like back ; throat with metallic scales.
Middle tail-featliers unlike back in color.
Scales confined to ends of throat-feathers, their bases snow-white Stellula calliope
Middle tail-feathers like back in color ; throat-scales forming a continuous surface.
Lateral tail-feathers white-tipped ; none acuminate. Outer primary abruptly emarginate and acute
Atthis morcomi
Lateral tail-feathers not white-tipped ; some or all acuminate.
Throat-scales coppery-red ; back and tail greenish ; outer two primaries acute, falcate ; all the
tail-feathers acuminate, the two outer acicular Selasphorus alleni
Throat-scales coppery-red; back and tail mostly chestnut; primaries as in >S'. alleni; next to
middle tail-feather abruptly notched Selasphorus ru/us
Throat-scales lilac-red ; back golden-green ; 1st primary emarginate, turned outward, next ob-
liquely incised at end Selasphorus platycercus
Throat-scales opaque black, becoming violet posteriorly; back golden-green; primaries not
peculiar Trochilus alexandri
Throat-scales ruby-red ; back golden-green. Primaries not peculiar (Eastern)
Trochilus colubris
EU'GENES. {QfX. elyevr}s, eugenes, weW-horu.) Fulgent Hummers. Of great size : about
5 inches long. Bill much longer than head, not quite straight, flattened and slightly widened at
base, subcylindrical in continuity, with lancet-pointed tip. Frontal feathers extending on nasal
scale. Tail ample, in $ moderately
forked, in 9 double-rounded, all the
feathers broad, with rounded ends.
Tarsi feathered. A tuft of downy-
white at insertion of feet. Outer
primary but little narrower or more
falcate than the rest. Sexes nearly
alike in form, unlike in color. Bill
black; no white on tail of $ .
E. f ul'gens. (Lat. fulgens, glitter-
ing. Figs. 356, 357, 358.) Re-
fulgent Hummingbird. Rivoli
Hummingbird. Papantzin. $:
Tail simply forked. General body-
color shining golden-green above
and below, duller on belly and cris-
suin, on breast showing opaque
black when vievA-ed from before
backward. Crown glittering metallic violet in proper light, opaque black viewed obliquely
from behind forward. Gorget glittering emerald-green in proper light, opaque greenish -black
from the opposite direction. White marks about eyes. Tail like body, but more brassy.
Wing-coverts and lining of wings like body ; quills dusky-purplish. Large : length about
5.00; extent 6.50; wing 2.75 ; tail 1.75; bill over 1.00 from feathers on culmen, nearly 1.50
along gape. 9 : Upper parts like those of $, but crown like back. No emerald gorget,
whole under parts whitish, specked here and there with green ; throat with dusky specks.
Nests of Rivoli and Black-Chinned Hummers.
TROCHILID^E : HUMMINGBIRDS.
547
Fio. 357. — Refulgent Hummingbird, head, nat
6126. (From Elliot. )
Fio. 358. —Tail of the same, cf,
nat. size. (From EUiot.)
Wings as in ^, but tail very different ; double-rounded, both central and lateral feathers
shorter than intermediate ones ; middle feathers brassy-green, others the same iu decreasing
extent, increasing in
blackish toward
ends, and squarely
tipped with dull
white. Smaller:
length about 4.50;
wing 2.50; tail 1.50 ;
bill, however, about
as long. A large
and mo.st magnificent species, inhabiting the table lands of Me.xico, and N. to Arizona, where
it breeds in the Huachuca Mts. up to 6,000 feet or more. Nest often high in trees, saddled on
a limb, composed chiefly of vegetable down, lichened outside with cobweb; with a cavity, top
1.75 X 0.75 ; eggs 0.63 X 0.40, June, July. See Osprey, Jan. 1899, p. 65, plate.
CCEIjIG'ENA. (Lat. cceligena or cceligena, heaveu-born ; codmn or caelum, the sky, heaven ;
gignere, to beget, bear; iu passive, to be born.) Heavenly Hummers. Cazique.s. Of
greatest size; our species over 5.00. Bill longer than head, straight ; wings long and ample;
tail large, rounded, with broad feathers; tarsi feathered. Sexes nearly alike ; $ 9 with wliite
stripe on head and lateral tail-feathers white-tipped.
C. clemen'ciae. (To .) Blue-throated Hummingbird. Topiltzin. Adult J :
Above bronzed green, purer green on neck, more bronzy on rump ; crown dark ; a long sharp
wiiite postocular stripe ; gorget metallic azure-blue; quills and tail-feathers purplish-black,
the outermost pair of the latter broadly tipped with white. B(>low. dull gray ; flanks glossed
with green, under tail-coverts edged with white. Bill black. 9 similar, lacking gor-
get; throat gray. Very large : $ 5.40; e.xteut 7.50 ; wing 3.10; tail 2.00; bill about 1.00.
This magnificent species had long been known as an inhabitant of the table lands of Mexico,
when it was discovered over our borders in the Sta. Catalina Mts., Ariz., by F. Stephens,
May 14, 1884 : see Brewst. Auk, Jan. 1885, p. 85 ; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 879.
TRO'CHILUS. (Gr. rpdxtXos, trocJiilos, Lat. trochilns, a runner: a plover so named by
Herodotus : by Linnaeus transferred to Hummingbirds.) Gorget Hummers. Bill slender
and subulate, not widened at base ; frontal feathers covering
iiiisal scale. Tail in ^ forked or emargiuate, with lanceo-
late feathers; in 9 simply rounded or
double-rounded, with broader feathers.
Outer 4 primaries not peculiar ; hut
1st one strongly curved or bowed at
end inward ; inner 6 abruptly smaller
and more linear (in ^ at least). Tarsi
Fio. 3.")9. — Ruby- . , ,,.,, , , , , ,,.
throited Hun.mingbird, ''^I'^t'd. IJlH bhick. A metallic gorget
9 tiiii, nat. size. (From in ^, not ])r(donged into a ruff; no
Elliot.) , ^11-
scales on crown. 9 l;u'king gorget,
and tail white-tipped.
T. co'lubris. (Latinized fmm the 1)arbarous colihri. V\\x^.
355,359,360.) Kubv-tiiroatkd HrM.MiNfunuD. Scrap-
per. (J: Tail forked, its feathers all narrow ami ))ointed ;
no scales on crown ; metallic gorget reHecting ruby-rnl.
Above, golden-green; below, grayish, sides green; wings and tail (except middle feathers)
dusky-purplish. 9: Tlimat white, sometimes specked with ilusky ; tail double-rouuded, cen-
tral fcatliers shorter than next, lateral then graduated ; all broader than in ^ to near end, then
Fio. 360. — Ruby-throat«d HiimminK-
bird, (f , nat. size. ^Kroiu Elliot.)
548
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —PICARLE— TROCHILI.
Fig. 361. — Alexander Hum
mingbird, tail of young (f and $
nat. size. (From Elliot.)
rapidly narrowing with concave inner margin ; tail with black bars, and lateral feathers white-
tipped ; no rufous on tail in either sex. Length of ^ 3.25; extent 5.00; wing 1.75; tail 1.25 j
bill 0.66. Young $ begins by winter to show the red. Eastern N. Am., especially U. S., abun-
dant in summer, generally seen hovering about flowers, sometimes in flocks, extends N. to the
Fur Countries, W. to the Great Plains, and in winter S. to Cuba, Mexico, and Veragua ; breeds
from Florida to Labrador. Feeds on insects and sweets of Howers. Nest a beautiful struc-
ture, of downy substances, stuccoed with lichens outside ; eggs 2, white, 0.50 X 0.33.
T. alexan'dri. (To Dr. Alexandre, of Mexico, its discoverer. Figs. 356, 361.) Alexan-
der Hummingbird. Black-chinned Hummingbird. Sponge Hummer. Size and general
appearance of T. coluhris. $ : Tail double-rounded ; central
emargiuation about 0.10, lateral graduation more ; the feathers
all acuminate, and whole-colored. Ujiper parts, including two
middle tail-featliers, as in T. coluhris. Gorget opaque velvety-
black, only posteriorly glittering with violet, sapphire, and em-
erald. Other under parts whitish, green on sides. Length 3.25 ;
wing l.^S ; tail 1.25 : bill from frontal feathers 0.75. ? : Tail
different from that of ^, both in shape aud color; simply
slightly rounded (without appreciable central emargiuation) ;
lateral feathers scarcely acuminate; middle feathers like back, darkening at ends; others with
broad purplish-black space near end, and white-tipped ; thus so closely resembling coluhris 9
that lack of decided emargiuation of tail is the principal character. No gorget, the throat
often with dusky specks. Eggs 0.50 X 0.32, indistinguishable from those of common Ruby-
throat. Pacific coast region from Lower California to British Columbia, aud E. to Rocky Mts.
and Texas ; winters in Mexico.
T. violijugula'ris. (Lat. viola, a flower, the violet, as if diminutive of a digammated form of
Gr. 'iov, ion, used for violaceus, Gr. lotLbrjs, ioeides, of a violet-blue color, and Lat. jugularis,
of the jugulum or throat.) Violet-throated Hummingbird. Adult $ : Above, metallic
golden-green ; sides dull-green ; flanks less green, the feathers tipped with brown ; gorgelet
violet glancing to steel-blue ; wings dusky-purplish with a buff line along edge of manus, the
coverts dull-green ; primaries broad to the tip, that of the first recurved ; tail slightly forked ;
its feathers broad except the last pair, which are narrowly linear ; shafts of the outer pair
abruptly angulated; middle feathers and base of seccmd pair metallic green ; rest dusky-purplish ;
under tail-coverts white with green spots. Length 3.60; wing 1.80; tail 1.20; bill 0.75. A
very dubious species,
known only from the
type specimen, taken
Apr. 5, 1883, at Santa
Barbara, S. Cala. (See
Bull. Coop. Club, Sept.
15, 1899, p. 99.) Tro-
chilus violajugulum \^sic^ Jeffries, Auk, April, 1888,
p. 168; A. 0. U. Committee's Suppl. List, 1889, p. 10;
A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 429. 1. T. violijugularis
COUES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903.
CALYP'TE. (Gr. KaXvurfi, Kalupte, a proper name.)
Helmet Hummers. Crown of ^ with metallic scales
like the gorget, which is prolonged into a ruff; outer pri-
mary not attenuate ; tail of ^ forked, the outer feather abruptly narrow and linear, of 9
slightly double-rounded. No peculiarity of primaries. Bill ordinary, as in Selasphorus or
Trochilus ; black. No rufous color anywhere. Tail of ^ unvaried ; of 9 white-tipped. (Our
only genus with bill ordinary and scales on crown of ^.)
Fig.
nat. size.
3G3. — Anna Hummingbird,
(From Elliot.)
Fig. 362. — Anna Hummingbird, d", 9 ,
nat. size. (From Elliot.)
TROCHILIDJE: HUMMINGBIRDS. 549
C an'nae. (To Anna, Duchess of Rivoli. Figs. 362. 3fi3.) Anna Hummingbird. (^: Top
of head with metallic scales like those of throat, the latter prolonged into a ruff; the iridescence
lilac-crimson, covering whole head and throat, except a separating line through eye. Tail
deeply forked ; middle feathers very broad and rounded, the lateral all successively more nar-
rowed and linear, especially the outermost, but all M'ith obtuse ends. Outer primary narrower
than the next, but of no special peculiarity. Back and middle tail-feathers golden-green ;
other tail-feathers, like the wing-quills, purplish-dusky, without any rufous or white ; under
parts whitish, nearly everywhere glossed over with green. Length about 3..50 ; wing 1.90;
tail 1..3.5; bill 0.75. 9 like J excepting on head and tail. No metallic scales on head; crown
like back, golden-green ; throat whitish, with dusky, often metallic red, specks. Tail rounded,
slightest central emargination, all but middle feathers (which are like back) green (or gray) at
base, then black for a space, then white-tipped (no rufous). Under parts gray, with much
green gloss. California, common, resident; L. Cala ; S. Arizona; Guadalupe Isl.
C. cos'tae. (To The Marquis de Costa, of Chainbery, France. Fig. 304.) Costa Hum-
mingbird. (J : Metallic scales on top and sides of head as well as throat, latter prolonged
into a Haring ruff; iridescence violet, sapphire, steel-blue or purplish, not red. Tail lightly
forked ; middle feathers broad and obtuse, lateral narrowing successively, but outermost
abruptly narrowest, falcate — very noticeable. Outer primary simple. Back and middle tail-
featliers golden-green ; other tail-featlicrs like wing-quills, pur-
plish-dusky. Below whitish, the belly gray, glossed with golden-
green. Small: length 3.00-3.25: wing 1.75-1.80; tail 1.00; bill
0.67. 9 • No scales on head. Tail simply rounded, or with least
possible central emargination ; lateral tail-feathers narrowing, but
outermost not noticeably different from the next. Crown like back ;
throat like belly, with dark specks. Middle tail-feathers like back, yiq. .■?G4. — Costa Humming-
others green or gray, then black, then white-tipped. Entire under bird, cf, 9, nat. size. (Elliot.)
parts whitish. Compared with anna, our only other species with scales on crown in ^, costce
is smaller; throat ruff much more flaring; glitter entirely different (not red at all); tail less
forked, with ahiiost acicular falcate outermost feather; under parts less glossed with green.
9 costce lacks green gloss on under parts, which are more white, has much narrower tail-
feathers, and is smaller, in comparison with 9 anna. 9 costce more closely resemlilos 9 '•*^'<''-
luln calliope, but the latter has traces at least of rufous on tail and under parts. Also resembles
9 Trochiliis, but has cdl the lateral tail-feathers white-tipped. Arizona, Nevada, and southern
California, Utah, and New Mexico, and southward in migrations in L. Cala. and W. Mexico.
SELAS'PHORUS. (Gr. ae\as, selas, light; (f)op6s, pharos, bearing.) Lightning Hum-
MF.KS. Bill slender and subulate; frontal feathers covei'ing nasal scale. Tail in ^ 9 graduated
or rounded, not forked, and extensively* rufous or tij)ped with white ; central much broader
than lateral feathers. Details of shapes of feathers varying with species and sexes (see de-
scriptions, and figs. 365, JJ66). Outer primary, or 2 outer ones, of ^ abruptly attenuate, the
en<l bowed ; inner 6 primaries not abruptly narrower than those farther outward. Tarsi naked.
Bill black. A metallic gorget in ^, little or not produced into a ruff; no scales on crown (ex-
cept ill floresii — if this species belongs here). 9 lacking gorget, and tail white-tip|ted. Eggs
of our species indistinguishable, nearly or quite O..")0 X 0.;W.
S. flore'sii. (To Signor Floresi, of Mexico.) Floresi'.s IIum.miNGBIRD. Adult ^ : Crown
glittering red with metallic scales, like the gorget, as in the genus Calypte (to which the bird
may belong — in part at least): tlius distinguished from any other species of Selasphonis.
Miiidle ])air of tail-feathers green and rufous; outermost pair dusky; belly white ; sides and
flanks green. Length .3.25 ; wing 1.75; tail 1.40; culnien 0.65. 9 unknown. The alleged
species is not well established, eitlirr grnerically or specifically; and its occurrence in liie U. S.
is accidental. It was originally described from Bolafios, Mexico, by Goui.d, Mou. Troch. iii,
550
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. —PICAUIyE—TRO CHILI.
pt. xxiii, Sept. 1861, pi. 139. A specimea was taken at San Francisco, Cal., in May, 1885;
see W. E. Bryant, Forest and Stream, xxvi. No. 22, 1886, p. 426 ; Coues, Key, 4th
ed. 1890, p. 903; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [431. 1.]. The bird was needlessly renamed
Trochilus rubromitratus and Selasphorus mhromitratus ; see Ridgw. Auk, Jan. 1891, p. 114.
S. ru'fus. (Lat. rufus, reddish.) Red-backed Rufous Hummingbird. Nootka Hum-
mingbird. $ : No metallic scales on crown. Gorget glancing coppery-red, somewhat pro-
longed into a ruff. Tail cuneate ; middle pair of feathers broad, narrowing rather suddenly to
a point. Next pair broad, nicked or emarginate near end (fig. 365). Next three pairs succes-
sively narrowing gradually, but not even the outer becoming acicular. Two outer primaries
narrow, falcate, gradually very acute, the ends bowed inward. General
color above and below cinnamon-red, becoming more or less green on
crown, sometimes flaked with green on back, fading to white on belly.
Tail-feathers cinnamon-red, deepening to dusky-purplish at ends. Quills
dusky-purplish. Length about 3.50 ; wing 1.50-1.67, averaging 1.60;
tail ].30; bill 0.65. 9 showing same characters of tail and wing, but
less plainly. Coloration extensively rufous, but overlaid with green ; no
gorget, replaced usually by a few metallic feathers ; under parts exten-
sively white, but shaded with cinnamon on sides and crissum. Middle
tail-feathers glossed with greenish, darkening to black at end, and usu-
ally touched with cinnamon at base ; other tail-feathers extensively
rufous, then black, finally white-tipped. Length 3.50; wing 1.70; tail 1.20. On comparing
9 rufus with 9 platycercus, a great difi'erence in size of outer tail-feather is observable ; in
rufus it is only 0.12 broad, and under 1.00 long ; in platycercus it is 0.25 wide, and over 1.00
long. Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, N. to Mt. St. Elias, Alaska ; E. to portions of Texas, Mon-
tana, etc.; S. in winter on the table lands of Mexico; the commonest and most extensively
distributed species in the West; noted as the northernmost species of the family. (This is
T. rufus Gm., the true " Nootka Sound Hummingbird ;" <J easily known by its cinnamon-
red back, and nick in next to middle tail-feather. S. henshawi Elliot.)
S. al'leni. (To C. A. Allen, of California. Figs. 366, 367.) Green-backed Rufous
Fig. 3G5. — Tail of .S".
rii/tis, nat. size.
Hummingbird.
cJ: Two
Allen Hummingbird. In generalities similar to the last
outer tail-feathers on each side very small
and narrow, the outermost almost acicu-
lar ; next little larger ; 3d abruptly
larger ; 4th from the outer smaller than
3d or middle pair. Upper parts golden -
green, dullest on crown. Under tail-
coverts, belly, and sides cinnamon, paler
on median line, white on breast next to
the gorget. Tail-feathers cinnamon,
tipped and edged with dusky-purplish.
Length about 3.25 ; wing 1.50 ; tail 1.18;
bill 0.64. 9 similar to 9 rtifus ; averaging smaller ; tail-
feathers narrower, especially the outer ones. Coast region
of California and northward to British Columbia; E. into
Arizona. (This is the bird often described as 9 rufus ; care-
fully distinguished by Henshaw, Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877,
p. 53; considered by Elliot to be true rufus Gm.)
S. platycer'cus. (Gr. nXarvs, platus, broad ; KtpKos, Jcerkos, tail. Fig. 368.) Broad-
TAiLED Hummingbird. ^ : No scales on top of head ; crown like back. A gorget of scales^
not prolonged into a ruft". Outer primary attenuate, acuminate, ending acicular, the point
Fig 3G6. — Tail of
S. alleni, nat. size.
Gorget fiery-red.
Fio. 367. — Green-backed
Hummingbird, (f, nat. size.
ElUot.)
Rufous
(From
TROCHILIDJE : HUMMINGBIRDS.
551
turned outward ; next primary also narrowed, not so mucli as the Jst, its end obliquely incised
with a slight nick. Tail ample ; middle feathers scarcely or not shorter than the next, but the
rest rapidly graduated ; middle and several lateral ones broad, briefly acuminate, the outermost
narrowed linearly with rounded end. Above, including crown, golden-green ; two middle tail-
feathers purer shining grass-green ; lateral tail-feathers purplish-dusky, some of them with
narrow longitudinal chestnut edging only on one or the other web (a strong character of the
species : compare extensively rufous tail-feathers of the two foregoing species). Gorget glanc-
ing lilac-red : other under parts whitish, glossed with golden-green on sides and sometimes
elsewhere. Quills purplish-dusky. Length nearly or quite 4.00; extent 4.75-5.00; wing
nearly or quite 2.00; tail 1.35; bill
0.70. 9- Outer primary narrow and
falcate, but without special attenuation
at end. Outermost tail-feather nar-
rower than the rest, as in J* , but others
rounded at ends, not acuminate. Lat-
eral tail-feathers chestnut at base quite
across, then black for a space, then
white-tipped. Above, like ^ ; below,
no gorget ; throat wliite with dark
specks ; no green on sides, which are
more or less rufous, as in S. riifus 9 .
from which some care must be taken F.o. 3G8. - Broad-tailed Hummingbird, cf, $.nat. size. (From
in discrimiiuition. It is usually less Elliot.)
rufous below; middle tail-feathers entirely green, these having dark ends in ^ rufus; rufous
on lateral tail-feathers confined to their bases and of less extent than the black, while in 9
rufus the rufous equals or exceeds the black area ; next to middle tail-feather in 9 platycercus
green, with only rufous edging of outer web near base, short black end, and white tip; in 9
nifus the same feather is rufous on both webs to an extent equal to the green, black, and white
spaces all together. Though such details are not absolutely constant, they suflBce to distinguish
all the many specimens I have examined. Rocky Mt. region, U. S. and southward ; X. to
Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada; Sierras Nevadas of California; S. in winter to Guatemala.
AT'THIS. (Or. 'AtBIs, Atthis, Attic; also a proper name.) Attic Hummers. Crown of
(^ not metallic like gorget, which is prolonged into a ruff; outer primary of ^ attenuate; tail
graduated, the feathers rounded at end, the lateral ones black-barred and white-tipped in both
sexes (peculiar in this respect among North American genera). Bill only about as long as head.
Size very diminutive.
Note. —A. heloixft, the Heloise Hummingbird of the Key, 2d-tth eds., 1SS4-00, p. 405, and of A. O. U. List, Ist ed.
188C, No. 435, proves to have been admitted upon an erroneous identification of a young specimen of Stelbiln calliope from
El Paso, Texas: see Ridow. Auk, Jan. 1891, p. 115; A. O. U. Comm., Auk. Jan. ISiKi, p. 111. Its place is taken by the
following species :
A. inor'eoiiii. (To G.
Frean Morcom of Los Angeles, Cal.)
_^ I5IRD
Fio. 3C0. — Heloise Hummingbird, tf, ?. nat. size. (From Elliot.)
MoRCOM'.s Hl'MMINO-
Adult ^ : Outer pri-
mary attenuate at end, with
a needle-liko point, as in iS".
plittf/cercKs, but not bowed out-
ward. Tail graduated, tlie cen-
tral feathers, however, slightly
shorter than the next, all round-
ended, none notably narrowed.
No scales on crown ; those of
552
S YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — PICA RI^E —TRO CHILL
throat produced into a ruff. Bill diminutive. Plumage unknown. Adult 9 '■ No peculiarity of
outer priinary. Above, including crown and middle tail-feather?, bright bronzy-green, inclin-
ing to grayish-brown on crown, and middle tail-feathers tinged with rufous on basal half, and
outer web edged with same nearly to tip ; other tail-feathers cinnamon-rufous on basal half,
then with a narrow green metallic bar, then black for 0.20, then tipped with white. Below
white, becoming cinnamon-rufous on sides and flanks, with a tinge of same on under tail-
coverts ; throat marked with spots and streaks of bronzy-green (gorget of ^ doubtless glanc-
ing violet, sapphire, and lilac, as in heloisce). Primaries plain purplish-dusky, as usual.
Length 2.95-3.00 ; wing 1.40 ; tail 0.75 ; bill 0.50. Huachuca Mts., S. Arizona, July 2, 1896 ;
type 153,886, U. S. Nat. Mus. Ridgw. Auk, Oct. 1898, p. 325 ; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk,
Jan. 1899, p. Ill, No. 435 (vacated by A. heloisce).
STEL'LULA. (Lat. stellula, dim. of Stella, a star.) Starry Hummers. No scales on
crown; those of throat confined to tips of the lengthened feathers, thus not forming a continu-
ous metallic surface, but set like stars in a fleecy, snowy bed. Tail of ^ slightly double-rounded,
the lateral feathers graduated, the central also shorter than the next ; middle feathers wnlike
back in color ; all broad, and rather widening to near the suddenly contracted ends ; outer
feather slightly incurved, the others ending about as acutely as a silver teaspoon. Outer pri-
mary simple. Bill longer than head, ordinary, but not entirely black. 9 like $ in form of
tail and wings. Size very diminutive.
S calli'ope. (Gr. KaXXtoVj?, Kalliope, Lat. Calliope, one of the Muses. Fig. 370.) Cal-
I-IOPE Hummingbird. ^ : Crown and back golden-green. All tail-feathers dusky, with
rufous at base and slightly pale tips.
Gorget violet or lilac, set in snowy-
white; sides of throat, and crissum,
white. Below, white, glossed with
green on sides. Bill yellowish below.
Length 2.75; wing 1.60; tail 1.00;
bill 0.60. 9 : Form of ^ ; color of
upper parts the same. No gorget ;
Fig. 370. — Stellula calliope, cf , nat. size. (From Elliot.) throat whitish with dark specks ; Other
under parts quite strongly tinged with rufous. A white mark under eye ; bill light at base
below. Middle tail-feathers green, not so golden as the back, ending with dusky ; others
green (or gray) for a distance decreasing on successive feathers, crossed with black, tipped
with white to reciprocally increasing extent, and touched with rufous at base, as in several
allied species ; but the small size, slight rufous on tail, and extensive rufous on under parts,
are characteristic. Eggs 0.47 X 0.30. Mts. of whole Pacific slope, U. S. and British Colum-
bia ; E. to Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico ; S. into Mexico.
CALOTHO'RAX. (Gr. kuXos, kalos, beautiful; daipa^, thorax, chest.) Lucifer Hum-
mers. Very different from any of the foregoing. Bill curved throughout, longer than head ;
but nasal scale covered as usual by feathers, and bill black. Tail deeply forked ; lateral tail-
feather shorter than next, and in our species filiform and acicular. Tarsi partly plumose.
Sexes unlike.
C. lu'cifer. (Lat. Xwci/er, the light-bearer ; ?Ma;, light, /ero, I bear. Fig. 371.) Lucifer
Hummingbird. Cohuatl. ^ : Above, bronzy-green ; gorget lilac-purple ; three outer tail-
feathers purplish -dusky. Below, white, bronzed with green on flanks. Bill black. Length
3.50; wing 1.50; tail 1.35; bill 0.75. 9: Above, like ^, but browner on head; no gorget;
under parts rufous ; belly white. Middle tail-feathers bronzy-green ; next green tipped with
black ; rest rufous basally, then crossed with black and tipped with white. Tail not so deeply
forked as in ^. The 9 ™ay he known by the curved bill. Mexico to southern Arizona and
western Texas; introduced into our Fauna upon a 9 wrongly identified as "Doricha enicura."
(See Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 108.)
TROCHILIDuE : HUMMINGBIRDS. 553
AMIZI'LIS. (Latiuized from amazili, vox barb.) Amazili Hummers. Belonging to a
group which includes Basilinna and lache; very unlike any of the others. Nasal scale large
and tumid ; nasal slit entirely exposed ; feathers extending
iu a point on sides of culmen, sweeping obliquely across
basal part of nasal scale, and forming at angle of mouth a
deep re-entrance with those of chin, which reach much far-
ther forward on interramal space. Bill light-colored, dark-
tipped, quite broad and flattened at base, thence gradually
tapering to the acuminate tip, slightly bent downward, the
curve most noticeable just back of the middle. Tarsi
appearing feathered nearly to toes, but really naked except
at the top in front. No lengthened ruffs or tufts about
head ; no metallic scales on top of head, different from those pj^ 371. — Lucifer Hummingbird. ^,
of upper parts at large; no special head- markings. Tail nat. size. (FromEUiot.)
ample, forked or emarginate, the feathers all broad and obtuse, with simply rounded ends.
No peculiar primaries, though the outer ones are narrower and more falcate than the next.
Of large size, usually 4.U()-5.()0. Sexes alike in form and color. An extensive genus, cover-
ing some 25 species, two of which are known to reach our border: foregoing characters more
particularly applicable to these. {Amazilia of former eds. of the Key.)
A. tzacat'l. (Apparently Aztec, ^acatl, grass, herbage ; given as the proper name of a certain
Toltcc chief.) Rieffer's Hummingbird. Dusky-tailed Hummingbird. Tzacatl. Adult
(J 9 : Above, metallic grass-green, or golden-green, more brassy on crown and rump; hnig
upper tail-coverts cinnamon-rufous. Wings purplish-dusky, their coverts like back. Tail
deep chestnut, the feathers edged and ended with bronzy-purplish. Throat, breast, and sides
metallic green, glittering emerald in certain lights on the former, on the latter duller and more
bronzy ; feathers gray beneath the metallic tips, and this color prevailing on abdomen ; crissum
rufous ; fiank-tufts fleecy white. Bill extensively light-colored, dusky at end. Length about
4.U0; wing 2.25; tail 1.60; bill 0.80. Differs from the next iu not having the under ])arts ex-
tensively fawn-colored. Lower Rio Grande of Texas, to S. Am. A. fiiscocaudata of 2d-4th
eds. of Key, 1884-90, p. 4GG; A. fuscicaudata of A. O.U. Lists, 188()-1)5, No. 438; but Tro-
chiliis fuscicaudata Fraser, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 17, is antedated by T. tzacatl De La Llave,
Registro Trimestre, ii. No. 5, for Jan. 18:33, pub. not before Mar. p. 48 : see Riciim. Auk, Oct.
18n!>, p. 323.
A. cerviniveii'tris chalcono'ta. (Lat. cerrinus, like a deer, cerriis ; iu this case meaning
fawu-colored ; ventris, of the belly ; Gr. xoXkoj, chalkos, brazen ; varos, notos, back.) RuFOUS-
BELLIED Hummingbird. Adult ^ 9 : Upper parts shining goldea-green, nearly uniform from
head to tail, but top of head rather darker, and with reddish gloss in some lights, and upper
tail-coverts somewliat shaded witli reddish. Metallic gorget of great extent, reaching fairly
on breast, glittering green when viewed with bill pointing toward observer, dusky-green when
seen in opposite direction. Less scintillating and more golden-green feathers extend a little
farther on breast and sides, and most of the under wing-coverts are similar. Belly and under
tail-coverts very dull rufous or pale cinnamon ; flocculent snowy-white patches on flanks.
Wings blackish, with purple and violet lustre. Tail large, forked about O.-'W; color intense
chestnut, having even a purplish tinge when viewed below ; middle feathers glossed with
golden-green, especially noticeable at their ends, and all the rest tipped and edi^'ed for some
distance with dusky. Length 4.00 or jnore; extent 5.50; wing 2.30; tail 1.50; bill 0.!»0.
Lower Rio Grande of Texas and southward. Only differs from the type form in paler belly
and crissum. Oberh. Auk, Jan. 1898, p. 32; A. O. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. I 12.
No. 4.39. {A))ia;ili(i cerviniventris of former eds. of Key and A. O. U. Lists.)
554
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARI^ — TROCHILL
Fig. 372. — Xantus Hummingbird,
nat. size. (Prom Elliot. )
BASILIN'NA. (Gr. ^aaiXivva, basilinna, a queen.) Queen Hummers. Head appearing
more globose than in any other North American genus, in consequence of non-extension of feathers
on base of upper mandible, where they do not reach opposite those on chin, leaving the turgid
nasal scale entirely exposed. Bill broad at base, tapering regularly to tip, with distinct supra-
nasal grooves; scarcely longer than head, straight. Tarsi feathered. Tail ample, all the
feathers broad and rounded ; nearly even, in ^ a little double-rounded by shortness of both
lateral and central pair of feathers, in $> simply a little rounded. No peculiarity of primaries.
Sexes nearly alike in form ; 9 lacking green gorget of ^ ; bill
iu (? 9 partly flesh-colored; ^ 9 "'ith white stripe on head;
no pure white on tail.
B. xan'tusi. (To L. J. Xantus de Vesey. Fig. 372.) Xan-
tus Hummingbird. Adult <?: Above, and throat, metallic
grass-green ; below, cinnamon-rufous ; face blue-black ; a white
stripe behind eye ; wings purplish-dusky ; tail purplish-chest-
nut, the central feathers glossed with golden-green ; bill flesh-
colored, black-tipped. 9 • Shining green above, including
central tail-feathers ; below, and face, pale rufous, whitening
about vent, and sides greenish ; head-stripe rufous, whitening
on auriculars ; tail-feathers, except central pair, chestnut, with dark terminal spot. Length
3.5U; extent 4.7.5; wing 2.10; tail 1.25; bill 0.72. Eggs 0.47 X 0.30. Cape St. Lucas, N.
to lat. 29°. "
B. leuco'tis. (Gr. XtvKos, lenkos, white ; ovi, wt6s, ohs, otos. ear.) White-eared Hum-
ming XICOTENCAL. Adult (J : Above, shining grass-green, more golden on rump, darker on
nape and occiput; f*;e and chin metallic blue; white postocular streak; throat, breast, belly,
and crissuni green, posteriorly mixed with whitish ; central rectrices like back, lateral ones steel-
blue, bronzed at tips ; bill flesh-colored, black-tipped. 9 wi^'i crown and nape dark brown,
the feathers edged with rufous ; black spot under the white streak ; below, dusky whitish ;
throat bufl" with dusky specks ; flanks with green spots ; crissum whitish with dusky specks ;
lateral tail-feathers tipped with grayish-white ; bill mostly black. Young ^ like 9 • Size of
the foregoing. Central America and Mexico to S. Arizona, where discovered on the Chiricahua
Mts. at an altitude of about 10,000 feet, by Dr. A. K. Fisher, June 9, 1894; Auk, Oct. 1894,
p. .325; A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 440. 1.
I'ACHE. (Gr. 'la;()j, /ffc/ie, a proper name. Fig. 373.) Circe Hummers, 'iii ear Amizilis;
with broad and not perfectly straight bill longer than head, reddish at base, and frontal feath-
ers partly covering nasal scale; supranasal groove very dis-
tinct. Tail ample, forked, with broad obtuse feathers ; no
wing- or tail-feathers peculiar in shape. Tarsi feathered.
Sexes, unlike in color.
I. latj^iros'tris. (Lat. latus, broad ; rostrum, beak.) Circe
Hummingbird. ^ : Above and below glittering green ;
more golden above, more emerald below ; throat sapphire-
blue ; tail steel-blue-black, the feathers tipped with gray;
flanks and under tail-coverts white. Bill reddish, tipped with
black. Length nearly 4.00; wing 2.00-2.25; tail 1.30, forked
0.35; bill 0.80. 9 above like $, but middle tail-feathers nat.
bronzy-green ; others bronzed at base, then broadly bluish, then white-tipped. Under parts
dark gray. Easily recognized among our species by the special coloration, as described, and
by peculiarities of bill ; in all our genera excepting lache, Amizilis, and Basilinna, the nasal
scale is covered by extensive frontal feathers. S. Arizona, S. W. New Mexico, and Mexico.
Fig. 373. — Circe Hummingbird, ^f,
size. (From Elliot.)
MICR OPODIDjE : S WIFTS.
555
Suborder CYPSELI: Swifts.
See p. 540 for characters of this compact monotypic group,
which consists of a single family, unless the peculiarities of the
genus Macropteryx (<jr Dendrochelidon) be evaluated at the rank
of another family. There is no question of the proper position
oi Cypseli ; fur, notwithstanding the obvious difference between
an extremely fissirostral and an extremely tenuirostral type of
bill, the Swifts are such very near relatives of the Humming-
birds, that the two might be combined in one suborder Macro-
chires. The skeletal and muscular cliaracters most useful in
classification are quite alike. Thus, there is a similar con-
formation of the palate; the same deep-keeled sternum, and
the same relative proportions of the upper arm, fore-arm,
and manus; but tlie Swifts have a less perfectly pas-
serine foot than the Hummingbirds, sometimes with
a different ratio of the phalanges, or reversed position
of the iuillux. The myological formula i-? identic<il,
in the absence of the accessory fcmorocaudal, sem-
itendinosus, and accessory semitendinous, as u(ll
as of the ambiens; and there is the same pecuh-
arity of the tensor patagii brevis. In both sub-
orders there are no cfcca, though the oil-irland
is nude; and in Cypseli the seven secondauch
are but one more than the minimum numb( i
found in the Hummers. Other features of th(
Ci/pxeli will be jxiinted out under the head ot
tlie only establislied family, commonly called
Cypseliche, but now known as Micropodidcc
Furthermore it need only be remarked hen
close supei-ficial resemblance between Swifts
simply mimetic; and it is not necessarj
trust also not required by the reader
"Key" thus far) to argue the differ-
Oscine Passerine and any Picarian
it the >tiikingly
,ind Sw.illows is
at this late day (I
who has turned the
ences between an
bird.
Family MICROPODID^
Swifts.
{Cypselidce of former edd.
of tlie Key.)
Fissirostral macrochiroi<<
angular when viewed from
eyes, unnotched, unbris-
Nostrils exposed, superior,
feathers tending to reach
loiii,', tiiin, and jiointed (frequently as lonir as the whtde bird); primaries acute and somewhat
falcate; secondaries extremely short and few. 'J'ail of 10 rectrices, variable in shape, often
mucronute. Feet small, weak, the cnvehip rather skinny than scaly; tarsi naked or teathered;
Fio. 374. — White-throated Swift, nat. size.
(E. H. Fitch.)
I'icaricc: Bill very small, flattened, tri-
above, with great gape reaching below
tied, about six times as long as ctilmen.
nearer ciilmcn than commissure; frontal
forward under them. Wings extremely
556 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICA RLE — CYPSELI.
hiud toe frequently elevated, or versatile, or permanently turned sidevrays or even forward
(pamprodactylous) or the four toes tending to divaricate in right and left pairs ; lateral toes
nearly or quite as long as the middle ; anterior toes deeply cleft, with basal phalanges (in the
true Swifts) extremely short, penultimate very long, the number of phalanges frequently ab-
normal (2, 3, 3, 3, instead of 2, 3, 4, 5 ; see p. 133, fig. 40) ; claws sharp, curved, never pec-
tinate. Plumage compact, usually sombre and whole-colored, or only relieved with white ;
sexes alike and young little difi'erent (plumage softer, more varied, and young unlike adults, in
the genus Macropteryx). Sternum deep-keeled, widening behind, its posterior margin nor-
mally entire (exceptionally 2-fenestrate, in Macropteryx)] furculum stout, rather U- than
V-shaped. Volitorial ability very great. Nidification various, always peculiar. Eggs several
(except in the Tree Swifts), narrowly oval, white. Young hatched naked and helpless.
" One of the most remarkable points in the structure of the Cypselidce is the great devel-
opment of the salivary glands. In all the species of which the nidification is known, the
secretion thus produced is used more or less in the construction of the nest. In most cases it
forms a glue by which the other materials are joined together, and the whole nest is affixed to
a rock, wall, or other object against which it is placed. In some species of Collocalia, how-
ever, the whole nest is made up of inspissated saliva, and becomes the ' edible bird's nest ' so
well known in the East." (Sclater.)
The student will have observed that the characters of the MicropodidcB as above drawn
require several exceptions to be taken in the case of the genus Macropteryx (or Dendrochelidon) ,
which contains five or six species of East Indian Tree Swifts, difieriug notably from other
Swifts. The osteological peculiarities of these birds are decided in several respects, aftecting
the bones of the skull, sternum, fore-arm, tarsus, and toes (see Lucas, Auk, Jan. 1889,
pp. 8-13). The plumage is peculiar, approaching that of Caprimulgine birds; the egg is
stated to be single, and the nidification to resemble that of the Frog-mouths (Batrachostomus).
The departure of the Tree Swifts from Micropodidce proper is on the whole in the direction
of the^ Caprimulgi. If we exclude this remarkable genus as the type of a separate family
Macropterygidce or Dendrochelidonidce, the remaining Swifts form a well defined family of 8
genera and about 75 species, inhabiting all the temperate and tropical regions of the globe.
They are divisible into two subfamilies, mainly according to the structure of the feet ; and both
of these divisions are represented in North America.
Analysis of Subfamilies and Genera.
MiCROPODlN^. Front toes with 3 joints apiece. Hind toe lateral or versatile. Tarsi feathered.
Toes feathered. Tail not spiny Aeronautes
Ch.etorin^. Front toes with 3, 4, and 5 joints from inner to outer. Hiud toe posterior or lateral, but not reversed.
Tarsi and toes naked.
Tail emarginate, not mucronate C)/pseloides
Tail rounded, mucronate ChcBtura
Subfamily MICROPODIN/E : Typical Swifts.
Ratio of phalanges abnormal, the 3d an^ 4th toes having each 3 joints like the 2d ; basal
phalanges of all the anterior toes very short (fig. 40). Hind toe reversed (in Micropiis or
Cypselus), or lateral (in Aeronautes and Pamjptila). Tarsi feathered (in Micropus) ; toes
also feathered (in Aeronautes and Panyptila). This subfamily contains about one-third of
the species of Swifts, most of which belong to the genus Micropus. This genus is chiefly Old
World, but two South American species are referred to it by late authority. Panyptila is a
neotropical genus, to which our Rock Swift has usually been referred ; but in Panyptila the
tail is deeply forked, with acuminate lateral feathers (compare Aeronautes^ below). There
are two species of Panyptila, P. cayanensis and P. sancti-hieronymi. An interesting feature
is shown by the group of Palm Swifts, in which, as first pointed out by Hartert, there is a
MICROPODIDyE — MICROPODINuE: TYPICAL SWIFTS. bbl
curious sort of spurious zygodactylism ; for the toes are in right and left pairs, the third and
fourth toes being one side, the first and second on the other side. In the typical Palm Swifts,
constituting the genus Tachornis as now restricted and defined, the toes are naked. There
are several Old World species, and one West Indian (T. phcenicohia) . The other genus of
Palm Swifts has feathered toes ; its single species, Claudia squamata, inhabits South America.
The Palm Swifts " build tiny nests agglutinated with saliva to tlic leaves of palms," while the
species oi Micropus usually nidificate in holes in rocks, about buildings, etc, only occasionally
in trees. The most remarkable nests in. the whole subfamily are those constructed by the
Swifts of the geuus Panyptila, which glue together plunt-seeds to form a tube about two feet
lung, hung to the under side of an overhanging rock or tree trunk, with the entrance at the
lower end of the tube, and a shelf at its top inside, like a cornice or bracket, on which the eggs
rest. '
AERONAU'TES. (Gr. af)p, depos, aer, aeros, air, the air, atmosphere; vavTr)s, nautes, a
sailor; i. e. an aeronaut: well applied to these "sky-scrapers.") Sky Swifts. Rock
Swifts. Tail about ^ as long as wing, moderately forked, with stiffish and narrowed, but
not acuminate spiny, feathers. Wing pointed by the 2d primary, the 1st decidedly shorter.
Tarsi feathered to the toes; those also feathered to some extent. Hind toe elevated, lateral,
but not reversible. Front toes witli slight basal webs. Eyelids naked. Colors black and
white. Aeronautes Hartert, Brit. Mus. Cat. B. xvi, 1892, p. 459; Panyptila of all former
eds. of the Key : for the change of name, see above. The genus was wrongly united with
Micropua in the A. 0. U. List of 188G.
A. saxa'tilis. {\ji\i. saxatilis, rock-inliabitiug ; s«.n«n, a rock.) White-throated Rock
Swift. Black or blackish; chin, tliroat, breast, and middle line of belly, tips of secondaries,
edge of outer primary and lateral tail-feathers, and a fiank-patch, white. Forehead and line
over eye ])ale; a velvety black space before eye. Bill black ; feet drying yellowish. The
purity of color varies with wear of the feathers, some specimens being dull sooty brownish,
others more purely and even glossy blackish. The extent of white along belly is very vari-
able. The flank-patches are conspicuous, in life sometimes almost meeting over rump. Length
6.50-7.00; extent about 14.00; wing about the same as length ; tail about 2.()r), forked, soft.
Western U. S., Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, and S. in winter to Guatemala; N. to Montana
and Idaho ; E. to W. Texas and eastern foothills of the mountains, as the Black Hills of S.
Dakota, etc. ; migratory in most of its U. S. range, but resident on and near our southern
border; occurs in Lower California and on some of the islands; not yet known to occur in
Gregon, Washington, or anywhere N. of the U. S. ; breeds in suitable places throughout its
U. S. range. Thi.s is a large and beautiful Swift — a high-fiior of almost incredible velocity,
witli a loud shrill twitter, nesting in tlie most inaccessible cliffs, sometimes by thousands, in
May, June, and July. The nest is securely placed far in holes and crevices of rocks or indu-
-rated earths, usually at a great height; it is a saucer-like structure, about 5X2 inches, with
a shallow cavity, made of various vegetable materials well glued together with saliva, and
lined with feathers. Eggs several, in one instance 5, narrowly subelliptical, 0.87 X 0.52,
vhite. Tiie name of this bird seems as hard to fiiwl as its nest and oggs ! The species is un-
quostionably tlie Acanthylis saxatilin of WoODHOUSE, Sitgreave's Rep. Expl. Zufii and Col.
\i. 185.'3, p. (i4, type locality Inscription Rock, N. M. I stood on this very rock July .'{, 18()4,
and knew that Dr. Woodhouse's birds were flying in my face; hence Panyptila sn.ratilis
Coles, Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 182, Liter eds. 1884-90, p. 450, and now Atronautefi sa.ratilitt :
see my Birds N. W. 1874, p. 2(55, for particulars. Next, this Swift was described as Cypselus
melanoleucHf) Baird, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, ]>. 118; wiience Panyptila mclanoleuca Baird,
B. N. A. 18.58, p. 141 ; 3Iicropi(s mclanolcKCKs Uiixiw. Auk, July, Ir^f^l. p. 2.'{0: \. O. V. List,
1st cd. l-^st;. p. t*'j;} ; Aeronautes miUniolcucus Hartert, as above; A. O. !'• List, 1895,
No. 4-J5.
658 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. -PICARIM— CYPSELI.
Subfamily CH/ETURIN/E: Spine-tail Swifts.
Toes with normal number of phalanges , all but the penultimate ones extremely short. An-
terior toes cleft to base (no webbing). Hind toe not reversed, but sometimes versatile ; our species
have it obviously elevated. Tarsi never feathered; naked
and skinny, even on the tibio- tarsal joint. In the prin-
cipal genus, Chcetura, containing about two-thirds the
species of the subfamily, of various parts of the world,
the tail-feathers are stiflened and mucronate by the pro-
jecting rhachis. There are over 30 species of these
spine-tailed Swifts, in several sections of the genus, by
some systematists ranked as separate genera (especially
Hemiprocne) ; but they are much alike, and our familiar
Chimney Swift is a fair example of them all. Cypseloi-
des is an exclusively American genus of 5 or 6 species,
Fig. 375 — Chfetztrince. Head and mu- r. i . ■ . n^^ t ■ -,
cronate laii-ieatiier of Chwtura peiagica^nax. one of which occurs m our Country. 1 he third geuus is
size. (Ad. nat. del. E. c.) Collocalia, containing the Swiftlets or so-called Salan-
ganes, some 12 or 15 species of which range widely over warm and temperate parts of the Old
World from Africa to Oceania. The Swiftlets include such species as C. fiiciphaga, which
build the " edible " nests of their own saliva, more or less mixed with fiicus or other seaweeds,
mosses, etc.
CYPSELOI'DES. (Gr. Kv-<^eKos, kiipselos, Lat. cypselus, the European Swift, Cypselus
opus, now called 3Iicropus apiis ; eiSor, eiclos, form, likeness.) Cloud Swifts. Tail forked
tar emarginate, with obtusely-pointed but non-mucronate stifBsh feathers. First primary long-
est. Tarsi naked, skinny. Hind toe elevated, but perfectly posterior. Front toes cleft to
base. Nostrils embedded in feathers. Uuicolor. (Genus Nephoccetes Baird, 1858, correctly
JSfephcecetes, as in former editions of the Key, p. 457, where it is said to be "scarcely different''
from Cypseloides ; and I am glad to see that it has been replaced by Cypseloides in the A. 0. U.
Lists.)
C. ni'ger borea'lis. (Lat. nicjer, black ; borealis, northern. Our species is a variety of the
West Indian C wi^rer. Fig. 374.) Northern Black Cloud Swift. Adult i^ 9 : Entire
plumage sooty-black, with slight greenish gloss, little paler below than above; feathers of
head and belly with grayish edges. A velvety black area in front of eye ; forehead hoary ;
eyelids partly naked. Bill black ; feet probably dusky-purplish in life. Length 7.00 or more ;
wing the same; tail 2.75, forked nearly 0.50 in adult ^, merely emarginate in 9 j tarsus
0.50; middle toe and claw about the same. Young: Tail rounded; plumage dull black-
ish, nearly every feather skirted with white, especially noticeable on belly, rump, and upper
tail-coverts and inner wing quills; crissum mostly white; supposed to require several years
to perfect the black plumage. Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, U. S. and British Columbia; a
great black Swift still imperfectly known; supposed to nest in cliffs up to 11,000 feet:
ranges to about 13,000; crops found filled with Ephemeridce. The bird breeds in holes
and crevices in cliffs, often inaccessible, like the Rock Swift, in June and July, and it has
been observed in so many localities during the breeding season that it may be confidently
stated to nest in suitable places nearly or quite throughout its North American range. It is
migratory with us, arriving over our borders late in April, and returning in September. It
is more common in the Pacific coast region than in the interior, and ranges S. in winter to
Costa Rica. The West Indian habitat once assigned was an error, it being that of AT. niger
proper, from which our bird differs decidedly in being larger — average wing measure-
ments over G.50, instead of about G.OO. I am at a loss to understand why the A. 0. U.
micropodid.e—ch.eturinjE: spine-tail swifts.
559
persisted in refusing to recognize borealis as a subspecies till 1897, when it accepted the
position I had maintained in the Key since 1872 : see Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 12t), No. 422.
The bird is recognized as a full species by Dr. Sclater, and as a good subspecies by Mr.
Hartert; and Major Bendire also separates the two forms, though he does not venture to
differ from the A. O. U. in nomenclature (Life Histories, ii, 1896, p. 175). The differ-
ences are at least as great in size as those separating Chcetura vauxi from C pelagica. In
these days, when North American Ornithology has been thoroughly Brehuiized, with hair-
splitting and heart-rending super-refinements, the present case can only be explained as a
miracle.
CH.(ETU'RA. (Gr. x"''"'?' chaite, a bristle ; ovpa, oura, a tail. Fig. 375.) Spine-tail
Swifts. Tail short, less than half as long as wing, even or a little rounded, mucronate, — the
stiff spiny shafts of the feathers protruding like needles beyond the webs. First primary
longest. Tarsi naked and skinny. Hind toe elevated, but posterior. Front toes all of about
tlie same length, cleft to base. Feathers reaching to but not far below nostrils. Unicolor or
bicolor (our species one-colored, sombre.) Se.xes alike.
C. pela'gica. (Gr. TreXayioy, pelagios, Lat. pclagiciis, pelagic, marine, or oceanic; application
to this bird questionable. lu 1758 Linnaeus nauied it Hirundo pelagica, but in 1766 he
changed the specific term to ^;e-
I'lsgia. The IlfXacryoi or Pelasgi
were anciently a nomadic tribe,
and the implication of the term in
ornithology is supposed to be the
bird's migration, without any ref-
erence to the sea. Gr. adjectival
forms of the word are ntXairyiKos.
neXdcryios, ntXacryis, ireXacryids,
becoming in Lat. Pelasgicus, Pe-
Insgius, Pelasgis, Pelasgias, mean-
ing Pelasgian, Grecian, Hellenic ;
Pelasgia, noun, is found as the
name of a certam district of Thes-
saly. The adj. Pehtsgicus occurs
in Pliny, and pelasgica is the femi-
nine form of this, which I adopted
in the 2d-4th eds. of the Key.
But I now follow the A. 0. U. in
revertiug to pclagkri LiXN. 1758,
without prejudice to the (juestion
of what this word was intended to
mean. Figs. 376, 377.) Chi.m-
.NEY Swift. Chimney " Sw.vllow." " Chimney Sweep." Sooty-brown,
with a faint greenish gloss above ; below jniler, becoming gray on the throat ;
wings black; a velvety black space about eyes. Length about 5. (Ml or rather
more ; wing the same ; extent about 12.50 ; tail 2.(J0, even or a little rounded,
spiny. The sexes are quite alike, and the young hardly differ after tiioy are
fully fledged. Eastern L'^. S. and adjoining British Provinces, N. to lat. 54° in the interior,
W. to tiie Great Plains, S. in winter to Central America: migratory, and very abundant in
summer, but not known to winter within our limits ; migrates in March, April, Sept., and Oct.,
breeds thnnighout its North American range, mostly in ,Iune .-md .July. Like Swallows, which
this bird so curiously resembles, not only iu form, but in mode of lliiriit, food, and twittering
Fio. 37G. — Chimney Swift.
660
5 YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — PICA RIJ^— CORA CLE.
notes, it has mostly forsakeu the ways of its ancestors, who bred in hollow trees, and now places
its curious open-work nest of bits of twig glued together with saliva, inside disused or little used
chimneys in settled parts of
the country. In districts still
primitive, however, it continues
to use hollow trees, to which
it resorts by thousands to roost.
Not impossibly winters in such
retreats in a lethargic state !
The dry twigs for its pretty
basket -like nest are snapped
ofl' the trees by the birds in full
flight. No soft lining is used ;
the nest is shaped like half a
saucer, 3 or 4 inches across by
2 or 3 in the other width, and
less than an inch deep ; the
twigs used are from half an
inch to 2 inches or even more
in length, and a sixteenth to
Fig. 377. — Nest and Eggs of Chunuey Swift.
an eighth of an inch thick, usually much varnished over with the dried saliva. The eggs are
4-5, seldom 6, 0.70 to 0.80 long by 0.53 broad, thus narrowly elliptical, and pure white. So
great are the volitorial powers of this bird, that the sexes can come together on the wing.
C. vaux'i. (To Wm. S. Vaux, of Philadelphia.) Vaux's Swift. Similar; paler; rump
and upper tail-coverts lighter than rest of upper parts ; throat whitish. Smaller ; length 4.50 j
wing the same; tail 1.67. Pacific Coast region, U. S. and British Columbia, rarely in the
interior E. of the Sierras Nevadas and Cascade ranges ; S. in winter to Central America. Nest
and eggs as in the common species; eggs averaging a trifle smaller. This species still uses
hollow trees to breed in, but is already beginning to utilize chimneys.
Note. — One or two other species of this genus, representing the subgenus Hemiprocne,
may be expected over our border — especially the Collared Swift, Hemiprocne zonaris-
of Mexico, etc. This is a large handsome bird, blackish, with a white collar around the neck
behind, and a white breast ; length about 9.00; wing nearly as much; tail 3.00. The Half-
collared Swift, H. semicollaris, also inhabits Mexico.
Suborder CORACI-^ : Coracian Birds.
See p. 541 for characters of this group, framed to include the five families Leptosomatidcey
Coraciida;, Capritmilgidce, Podargidce, and Steatornithid(e. Only one of these, the Capri-
midgidce, is North American. In former editions of the Key, this family included the Podar-
gidce and Steatornithidce, and was brought under a suborder Cypseliformes, corresponding
exactly to the "order" Macrochires, of the present A. 0. U. classification, and including the
Trochilidce and Micropodidce. (It should be observed here that the original Macrochires of
Nitzsch included only the " long-handed " families, the Swifts and Hummers, as did also the
precisely equivalent Cypseliformes of Garrod ; but that the Cypseliformes of Coues, like the
Cypselomorplice of Huxley, combined the Caprimidgidce with the Cypselidce and Trochilida;.)
But the undeniably close relations of the Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummers are overbalanced
by the closer affinities of the Caprimulgiue Birds with the Rollers and Kirumbos ; hence the
present association of all the Coracian birds in one suborder. The Steatornithida;, a mono-
typical neotropical family consisting of a single species, Steatornis caripensis, the Guacharo
CAPRIMULGID.E: GOATSUCKERS. 561
or Oil-bird, is so peculiar in many respects that it is sometimes set apart in a superfamily or
suborder Steatornithes (see p. 541 for characters); otherwise the transition from the Caprimul-
gidce on the one hand, through the Podargidce, to the Leptosomatidce, and thus to the Cora-
ciidce, on the other hand. A curious evidence of affinity between these families may be
witnessed in the lofty tumbling of our Night-hawks, comparable with those aerial evolutions
which have given the Kollers their name. A marked feature of Coracian birds is the presence
of pulviplumes in some of the families. The conformation of the palate is too various to fur-
nish decisive indications; it is of a type called iegithognathous or schizognathous in one of the
families, but desmognathous in the others. The syrinx is tracheo-bronchial, or pseudo-bron-
chial, or bronchial; in the latter case there are of course a pair of syringes, as in Steatornis ;
the syringeal muscles are not more than one pair. The oil-gland is nude, if present ; there
are cfeca. The sternum is deep-keeled, 2- or 4-notched. The spinal pteryla forks over the
shoulders. Two carotids occur (always '^). The ambiens is absent ; neither is there any ac-
cessory femorocaudal, and in Steatornis the femorocaudal itself is missing ; the flexor digitorum
profundus, and not the flexor hallucis, supplies the hallux, by the sympelmous arrangement of
tendons. The feet are anisodactylous, in the Kirumbos imperfectly zygodactylous by versatil-
ity of the 4th digit ; in the true Goatsuckers this digit lacks one phalanx ; there are also some
other peculiarities of the feet, which as a rule are very small, weak, and scarcely fitted for pro-
gression, or even for perching in an ordinary fashion. The rectrices are 10 or V2 ; primaries
1(1; secondaries more than 7. The suborder as a whole consists of nocturnal Picarian birds,
with more or less resemblance to Owls; the Oil-bird is quite owlish, and even so diurnal a fam-
ily as the Rollers contains nocturnal species. The suborder as a whole is nearly cosmopolitan ;
but four of its five families inhabit restricted areas, and only one is common to both hemispheres.
Tliis is the
Family CAPRIMULGID^ : Goatsuckers.
(So called from a traditional superstition.) Fissirostral Coracian I'icarite, Head broad,
flattened; neck inappreciable; eyes and ears large. Bill extremely small in its horny portion,
whicli is depressed, and triangular when viewed from above, but with enormous gape reaching
below the eye, and generally with bristles at-
taining an extraordinary development. Nos-
trils basal, exposed, roundish, with a raised
border, sometimes prolonged into a tube.
Wings more or less lengthened and jjointed,
df-riving tlieir sweep mainly from elongation
of the distal joints and the feathers, tlie prox-
imal segment being short; of 10 primaries
and more than 7 secondaries; the latter not
so extremely short as in Clipselidcc AwA Tro- Fio. 378. -Whippoorwill, a aetirostral Caprimulgine.
,.,., rp ., -,, • , em (From Tenney, after Wilson.)
chiluhe. lail variable in shape, or 10 rec-
trices. Plumage aftershafted ; pulviplumes jirosent only in one genus (Xi/ctibius). Feet
extremely small; tarsus usually short, and partly feathered; hind toe very short, commonly
elevated and turned sideways ; front toes connected at base by movable webbing, and usu-
ally showing abnormal ratio of phalanges, the 4th toe having but 4 joints (p. 133, fig. 41) ;
middle toe lengthened beyond the sliort lateral ones, its claw usually pectinate (fig. iiSO).
Tlie small oil-gland is nude, and ca-ca are present. The arrangement of the palatal bones
is not desmognathous; small basipterygoids are present; tlie jtalatines are cxpandetl later-
ally; the vomer is truncate in front. The sternum is 2-notclied (4-notch<'d only in Xifcti-
bius). As thus defined (to the exdnsioii of I'odnrffiihr ami Stfalornithi<l(r, which used lu
562
S YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — PICARIjE — CORA CLE.
be forced into this family), the Caprimulgidce are a defiuitely-circutnseribed, easily-recog-
nized group of about 20 genera and 100 species, of temperate and tropical parts of both
hemispheres. They are all more or less nocturnal, and have a certain resemblance to Owls.
The flight is perfectly noiseless; the plumage is very soft and lax, as in Owls, and the colors
are blended in the most intricate pattern. In certain exotic genera, either the wing or tail
develops a pair of immensely lengthened feathers. Thus, in the African pennant-winged
Cosmetornis vexillarius an inner primary of the ^ is prolonged into a slender streamer a foot
and a half long ; and in the related African standard-bearer, Macrodipteryx macrodipterus, the
same primary of the ^ is similarly elongated, with a bare shaft bearing a webbed spatula or
racket at its end. The African Scotornis climacurus has greatly produced central tail-feathers ;
but the peculiar development of rectrices reaches an extreme in the South American lyre-
tailed Goatsuckers, Macropsalis lyra and its congeners. The whole family is strictly insectiv-
orous, and consequently the species of temperate latitudes are migratory. None of the species
are nest builders, the eggs being simj^ly dropped in open places ; these are normally two in
number, generally colored, sometimes unmarked. The young hatch downy, but helpless. The
Caprimulgidce are divisible, according to the structure of the feet and other characters, into
two subfamilies : Nyctibiince, phalanges normal, middle claw not pectinate, pulviplumes pres-
ent, sternum doubly-notched, upper mandible toothed, containing one genus (Nyctibius) of
tropical America ; and Caprimulgince, comprising the rest of the family. The latter alone is
represented in North America. Our " Whippoorwills " are typically caprimulgine, and give a
good idea of the essential characters of the family; our '* Night-hawks" are more aberrant,
representing a particular section of the subfamily; but neither of these gives any hint of the
singular shapes which some of the genera assume.
Subfamily CAPRIMULCIN/E : True Goatsuckers ; Night-Jars.
Sternum singly-notched on each side behind. No pulvij^lumes. Bill not toothed.
Ratio of phalanges abnormal (2-3-4-4). Outer toe 4-jointed (fig. 41); middle claw pectinate;
liind toe very short, elevated, semi-lateral ; anterior toes movably
webbed at base ; lateral toes not nearly reaching base of mid-
dle claw. Tarsus very short, commonly much feathered (longer
and naked in Nyctidromus and Phalcenoptilus). Besides the
semipalmation of the feet, there is another curious analogy to
wading birds ; for the young are downy at birth, as in Prcccoces,
instead of naked, as is the rule among Altrices. The plumage
is soft and lax, much as in the Owls; the birds have the same
uijiseless flight, as well as, in most cases, nocturnal or crepus-
cular habits ; and some of them bear an odd resemblance to
Owls. Besides this fluffiness and laxity of the plumage, the
skin is very thin and tender; it is diflScult to make good speci-
mens of the Whippoorwills, and the curiously variegated blended
shades, of exquisite beauty, like the powdery coloration of a
moth's wings, are at best not easy to describe. An evident
design of the capacious mouth is the capture of insects ; the
active birds quarter the air with wide-open mouth, and their
minute prey is readily taken in. But they also secure larger
insects in other ways ; and to this end the rictus is frequently
strongly bristled, as in the Tyrannidce and Capitonidce. The most usual quarry consists of
nocturnal or crepuscular moths and beetles. In all our genera except Chordeiles, the rictal
bristles are 1.00 or more in length, in a firm regular series along gape — relatively longer and
Fig. 379. — Night-hawk, a gla-
brirostral Caprimulgine. (From Ten-
ney, after Wilson. )
caprimulgidjE — caprlml^lgin.E: true goatsuckers. 563
stiffer than whiskers of a cat. Our several genera are readily discriminated by good charac-
ters of nostrils, enormous rictal bristles, and comparatively short wings of Night-iars jjroper,
in comparison with slight bristles, forked tail, and long pointed wings of Chonleiles ; they
respectively represent two sections of the subfamily — Setirostres, bristled-billed (fig. 378),
and Glabrirostres, smooth-billed (fig. 379). Most genera of the subfamily are setirostral, and
most such species belong to the Old World genus Cajmmulgus, from which our Antrostomus
differs little ; leading glabrirostral genera, besides Chordeiles, are Lyncornis, Podager, and
Lurocalis. In both sections the feet are so extremely short that the birds cannot perch in the
usual way, but sit lengthwise on a large branch, or crouch on the ground. They lay two
lengthened, more or less nearly elliptical, white or thickly spotted eggs, on or near the ground,
in stumps, etc. The sexes are distinguishable, but nearly alike. The voice is peculiar, and
has given several of the species their fanciful onomatopoetic names.
Analysis of Genera.
A. Setirostres. Long rictal bristles. Plumage very lax.
Tarsus extensively feathered. Nostrils not extensively tubular.
Tail rounded, much shorter than wing. Primaries all mottled, without white spaces. Eggs colored. Large
and medium-sized Antrostomus
Tarsus naked, except on joint above. Nostrils extensively tubular.
Tail square, much shorter than wing. Primaries all mottled, without white spaces. Eggs colorless. Small.
(Western.) • P/ialcrnoptiliis
Tail rounded, about as long as wing. Outer primaries mostly whole-colored, with great white spaces. Eggs
colored. Very large. (Southwestern.) A'yctidromus
B. Glabrirostres. No long rictal bristles. Plumage more compact.
Tarsus moderately feathered. Nostrils not extensively tubular.
Tail forked, much shorter than the pointed wing. Outer primaries mostly whole-colored, with great white
spaces. Eggs colored. Medium-sized Chordeiles
NYCTI'DROMUS. (Gr. pv^, gen. vvktos, mix, nuctos, night; dpofios, dromos, act of coursing.
Fig. 380.) Night Coursers. Nos-
trils prolonged as cylindric tubes open-
ing forward and outward. Rictal
bristles immense, simple; other bris-
tle-tipped or bristle-bearded featliers
about bill. Tarsus lengthened, but
not exceeding middle toe without claw,
naked except just on the joint. Wing
scarcely rounded ; tipped by 2d, 3d,
and 4th ([uills, 1st longer than oth,
foliling to about middle of tail, which
is rounded, and approximately of equal
length with the wing. Plumage not
so lax as in a Whippoorwill ; in this,
as in tlie .stiffisli primaries with little
marbling but great wllite spaces, and Kio. ,3.-^0. — Head, foot, and pectinated claw of X yd id ro in II 3,
under parts barred cro.sswise, is seen '"'t- «i^e- (Ad. nat. del. R. Ridgway.)
an approach to Chordeiles, between wliich genus and Phakenoptilus Xi/ctidiomus probal'ly
comes. One or two species, long well known in tropical America.
N. albicol'lis iiierrilli. (Lat. albus, wliite; coUum, neck. To Dr. J. C. Merrill, U. 8. A.)
Mkruim/s I*AK.\riiri:. Adult ^ : Assuming bniwnish-gray as ground color of upper parts :
Crown licavily daslicil witli black .streaks along the midillo line, with narrow blark sh.itt-
Hnes at the sides and on nape. Back more diffusely streaked willi black iu smaller pattern.
V.
564
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —PICARLE— CORACLE.
leuding to break up in chains of shaft-spots, and with lighter gray and brown marbling.
Scapulars and tertiaries boldly and beautifully marked with firm, even, sharp lines of white or
tawny-white — the arrow-headed edg>ings of angular black terminal fields. Wing-coverts
curiously mottled with black, white, and tawny — the white and tawny conspicuous as large
irregularly roundish spots. Five outer primaries with a large oblique white spot, on 1st at
about its middle, on others nearing their ends; these primaries othei'wise plain blackish, ex-
cept a little marbling at their ends — the whole eflect thus as in Chordeiles. Other primaries
and all secondaries blackish, fully scalloped and barred with tawny in increasing amount and
regularity from without inward. Four middle tail-feathers clouded with the same variegated
colors as other upper parts, but without definite white — the markings tending to wavy cross-
bars. Next two lateral feathers on each side with great white spaces on one or both webs at
end, 2-3 inches long, the rest of these feathers chiefly barred with black and tawny ; outer
feather chiefly black, but with marbling, and with white and tawny. Ear-coverts rich chestnut,
well contrasted with surroundings. Throat with a broad white collar, some of the white
feathers black-tipped. Under parts ochraceous or pale tawny, varied with whitish, and pretty
regularly barred crosswise with blackish-brown, thus somewhat as in Chordeiles. Length
13.00; extent 25.00; wing and tail, each, 7.50; tail graduated 1.00; tarsus 1.00 ; middle toe
and claw 1.25. Another Texas specimen (perhaps 9 > ^"t with even more white on tail, but
white on only 4 primaries) is much smaller: length about 10.50 ; wing (5.50 ; tail 6.00. The
species is said to be very variable in size and markings ; 9 to have the collar buflf. N. E.
Mexico into Texas, where common in the valley of the Lower Eio Grande. Eggs 2, laid on
the ground in woods or thickets; 1.25 X 0.92, creamy-bufl" or salmon-color, splashed and
spotted with pinkish, brown, and lilac; the markings generally profuse and evenly distributed,
but sometimes mainly confined to the larger end, or quite faint over the whole surface ; size
also varying about 0.25 in length. They are found in Texas from the middle of April through
June. (N. albicoUis of the 2d and 3d eds. of the Key, in the 4th ed. 1890, p. 902, distinguished
from the stock form of tropical America, after Sennett, Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 44; A. 0. U.
List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 419.)
ANTRO'STOMUS. (Gr. avrpov, antron, a cave : arofxa, stoma, mouth ; alluding to the cav-
ernous mouth. Fig. 381.) American Night- jars. Nostrils oval, with a raised rim not
prolonged as a tube, opening upward and
outward. Rictal bristles immense, with
or without lateral filaments, and other
bristly or bristle- bearded feathers about
bill. Tarsus not longer than middle toe
without claw, feathered in front nearly to
toes. Wing rounded, tipped by 2d and
3d quills, folding to beyond middle of tail,
which is rounded (not enough so in fig.
383) and much shorter than wing. Plu-
mage very lax, with minutely marbled
coloration, in some places as if dusted or
frosted over ; primaries weak, all mottled
with tawny, without great white spaces ;
under parts mottled, with little tendency
to regular crosswise barring ; markings of crown longitudinal. Size medium and rather large ;
sexes distinguishable ; eggs 2, heavily colored. Highly nocturnal. Containing those shadowy
birds, consorts of bats and Owls, — those scarce-embodied voices of the night, here, there, and
everywhere unseen, but shrilling on the ear with sorrow-stricken iteration.
Fig. 381. —Head and foot of Whippoorwill, nat. size
nat. del. R. Ridgway. )
(Ad.
CAPRIMULGID.E—CAPRIMULGIN.^: TRUE GOATSUCKERS. 565
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Large : wing 8.00 or more ; rictal bristles garnished with lateral filaments. Tail with large wliole-colored spaces in
(f only. (Antrostomus proper) carolinensis
Small : wing 7.00 or less, rictal bristles simple. Tail with light spaces in both sexes.
Eastern N. Am vociferus
Arizona and New Mexico . . v. macromystax
A. carolinen'sis. (Lat. Carolinian. Fig. 382.) Chuck-will's-widow. The rictal bristles
tvith lateral filaments. Singularly variegated with black, white, brown, tawny, and rufous, the
prevailing tone fulvous ; a whitish or tawny throat-bar ; several lateral tail-feathers with large
whole-colored space in ^, all variegated in 9 • Adult (^: Taking dark wood-brown as ground
color of upper parts, this is heavily dashed with black, lengthwise on crown in large pattern,
elsewhere similar in smaller style, everywhere minutely punctuated with ochrey and gray, as
if dusted over; wing-coverts and inner quills more boldly varied with black centre-fields and
tawnv or whitish edgings of the feathers. Four middle tail-feathers singularly clouded with
Fio. 382. — Antrostomus Carolinensis, nat. size. (L. A. Puertes.)
gray and tawny on a seeming black ground, tlie pattern tending crosswise. All other tail-
feathers with inner webs having 2-3 inch long whole-colored spaces, white viewed from above,
tawny seen from below (a curious difference, which has caused some confusion in descriptions
of the sexes of this bird) ; their outer webs mottled with black and tawny. Primaries black,
fully mottled with broken-up tawny-reddish cross-bars. General tone of under parts ochra-
ceous, becoming quite so posteriorly, with pronounced tendency to black cross-waves. Length
11.00-12.00; e.xtent about 25.00; wing 8.00 or more; tail (>.00 or more; whole foot 1.75.
9 only differs in lacking whole-colored spaces on tail, all tlio feathers being motley through-
out; primaries more closely mottled with reddish; rather smaller; but the Chuck-will's-widow
is on the whole about twice as bulky as the Wiiippoorwill, and should never be mistaken for
it. South Atlantic and Gulf States ; Cuba; S. in winter to the IT. S. of Colombia ; N. on the
Atlantic only to Virginia regularly, to Massachusetts accidentally, in the Mississipjii valley to
Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and casually Kansas; W. in portions of Arkansas, Indian Ter-
566 S YSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — PICA RLI^ — CORA CI^.
ritory, and Texas ; resident on our southern border, migratory in the rest of its range, April
and Sept. ; breeds throughout, chiefly in May and June. No nest ; eggs laid on the ground,
in woods, 2 in number, equal-ended or nearly so, averaging 1.45 X 1.05, creamy or pinkish,
but very heavily marked in intricate pattern with browns and neutral tints ; the tone extremely
variable in its blotching, marbling, and clouding, indescribable in few words. The bird feeds
maiuly upon large night-flying lepidopterous and coleopterous insects, but includes many others
in its fare, and has long been known to devour occasionally small birds. It is very common
in the Southern States, but an elusive recluse.
A. voci'ferus. (Lat. vociferus, voice-bearing. Figs. 378, 381, 383.) Whippoorwill.
NiCtHT-jar. The rictal bristles simple. Upper parts variegated with gray, black, whitish,
and tawny ; prevailing tone gray ; black streaks sharp on head and back ; colors elsewhere
delicately marbled, including four median tail-feathers ; wings and their coverts with bars of
rufous spots; lateral tail-feathers black, with large white ((?) or small tawny (9) terminal
spaces; a white ((^) or tawny (?) throat-bar. Adult ^ : Assuming stone-gray as ground-
color (jf upper parts : Crown with a purplish cast, heavily dashed lengthwise with black; back
Fig. 38:J. — Whi|i|iuorwiU, i nat. size. (From Brehm. Tail not rounded enough.)
darker, with smaller streaks; tail beautifully marbled with slate-gray and black tending cross-
wise on 4 middle feathers ; scapulars with bold black centre-fields set in frosty marbling ; hind
neck with white specks, as if continued around from white throat-bar. Primaries black, with
a little marbling at their ends, fully broken-barred with tawny-reddish ; no white spaces.
Three lateral tail-feathers mostly black, with pure white terminal spaces 1-2 inches long.
Under parts quite blackish, on breast powdered over with hoary-gray, more posteriorly marbled
with gray and tawny, tending crosswise. Lores and ear-coverts dark brown. It is only in
perfect plumage that the colors are as slaty and frosty as described ; ordinarily more brown
and ochrey. Length 9.00-10.00 ; extent 16.00-18.00; wing 6.00 or more; tail 6.00 or less ;
whole foot 1.40; longest rictal bristle about 1.50; the distance across from one corner of mouth
to the other about as much as length of gape. Adult 9 '• General tone more brownish and
ochrey; throat-bar tawny-whitish; tail-spaces very slight and ochraceous; rather smaller.
Eastern U. S. and British Provinces, N. in Canada to lat. 54° iu the region of Lake Winnipeg,
W. to Manitoba and Assiniboia, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, and Texas ;
S. in winter to Guatemala ; casual in some of the West Indies ; migratory in nearly all its
N. A. range, but winters on our Gulf coast; breeds from the S. States northward, mainly in May
and June ; migrates mainly in April and Sept. A shady character, oftener heard than seen, of
recluse nocturnal habits and perfectly noiseless flight, in the breeding season ceaseless in
caprimulgidjE—caprimulgiNuE: true goatsuckers. 567
uttering with startling vehemence its uncouth cries. The notes are likened to the phrase which
has given the name ; they are very rapidly reiterated, with strong accent on the last syllable ;
when very near, a clicking sound, and sometimes low murmuring tones, may also be heard.
No nest; 2 eggs on ground (dead leaves) or log or stump, in woods, 1.20 X 0.90, down to 1.10
X 0.80, nearly equal-ended, white or creamy-white, spotted with browns, lilac and neutral
tints. The young are helpless, shapeless, downy masses ; both eggs and young are often
removed in the parent's mouth if disturbed, as a cat carries off her kittens, — a practice,
however, habitual in this curious family of birds. Unlike the Night-hawk, the Whippuor-
will rarely flies by day, unless flushed from its shady retreats.
A. V. niacroinys'tax. (Gr. ^a/<pd?, ma^TOS, long ; fivara^, nmstax, a moustache.) Stephens'
Whippoorwill. Arizona Whippoorwill. Similar: larger: rictal bristles longer and
stouter. (J : Throat-bar and superciliary streak ochraceous ; lores and ear-coverts tawny ;
white spaces on tail short; under tail-coverts nearly unbarred. Length 10.20; extent 19.40;
wing 0.65; tail 5.45; longest rictal bristle 1.80; longest tail-spot 1.55. Arizona, New Mexico,
S. W. Texas, and S. on the table lands of Mexico to Guatemala. Discovered over our border
.May 22, 1880, in the Cliiricaliua Mts. of Arizona, by F. Stephens; an egg taken July 4 was
white, immaculate but for faint neutral tint sliell-spots, 1.17 X 0.87. A. v. arizonce Brewst.
Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, Apr. 1881, p. G9; CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 452; A. 0. U. List, 1st
ed. 1886, No. 417 a ; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 299.
Caprimulgus macromystax Wagl. Isis, 1831, p. \ i,f x' ^-^ V \\?
5;J3 ; C. rociferus macromysta.c Hartert, Ibis, O^au'** .,.,.^.ry^^?/^^====:^ y/j
1892, p. 286; A. v. macromi/stax A. 0. U. Auk, ^^^^^'^^^''- nv J/
Jan. 1894, p. 48 ; List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 417 «. ^^"^^//tIUXX ^==^^^^ /#
PHALiENO'PTILUS. (Gr. (^a\aiva, phula'ma, a '}■{
moth ; tvt'CKov, j^tilon, feather : alluding to the pow- — S^j^'''
dery plumage, like the furriness of a moth's wings.
P'ig. 384.) Poor-wills. Nostrils tul)ular, cylin-
dric, opening forward and outward. Rictal bristles
immense, but simple. Tarsus naked except just on
tlie joint above (as in Nyctidromus) , as long as mid-
dle toe without claw. Tail scjuare, much shorter Fig 3S4. — Head and foot of Nuttall's Poor-
tlian the rounded wings, which fold nearly to its "'"' "''*• ^'^''- (*^- «"**• *>«'• ^- Ri^gway.)
end. Plumage peculiarly soft and velvety, in hoar-frosted pattern of coloration. Markings
of crown transverse; primaries barred witli black and tawny. Size small. Sexes alike. Note
dissyllabic. Eggs white.
Analysis of Subspecies.
The normal stock form nuttalli
Bleached desert form "• nitidus
Dark coast form "• californtcus
v. iiiit'talli. (To Th..s. Nuttall.) XiTTALi-'s PooR-wiLL. Aihih ^ 9: Assuming the
nppiT parts of a beautiful linnizy-gray ground coli.r, tliis is elegantly frosted over with soft
silver-gray, and watered in wavy cross-pattern witli black, these black double crescents enlarg-
ing t<t herring-bone marks on scapulars and inner quills. Four middle tail-feathers patterned
after back; others with firmer black bars on motley brown ground, and short white tips.
Primaries and longer secondaries bright tawny, with pretty regular black bars, and marbled
tips (the half-opened wing viewed fr(Mn below is curiously like that of the Short-eared Owl).
X largo firm silky-wliite throat-bar. L^ider parts grounded in blackish-brown, giving way
behind through ochrey with dark bars to nearly uniform ochrey. It is impossible in wt>rds t«>
give an idea of the artistic blending of the colors in this elegant little Night-jar. The .sexes
scarcely difl'er ; specimens before me marked 9 I'ave as j)urely white throat as tlie ^, but tlie
568
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — PICA RLE — CORA CIjE.
tail-tips are shorter and tinged with tawny. Length 7.00-8.00; extent 15.00; wing about
5.50; tail 3.50 or less ; tarsus, or middle toe without claw, 0.65. Great Plains nearly to the
Pacific, U. S. and British border. W. to the Sierras Nevadas of California and Cascade ranges
of Oregon and Washington, E. casually to Iowa and Missouri, S. to Guatemala; abundant;
migratory, but breeds throughout its U. S. range, and winters sparingly on our southern bor-
der. Note of two syllables, the first of the " whippoorwill " omitted. Eggs 2, 1.05 X 0.80,
down to 0.90 X 0.75, averaging 1.00 X 0.75, elliptical, white, with a faint blush, occasionally
with a few fugacious shell-markings about the larger end. They are laid from May to August,
on the bare ground.
P. n. nit'idus. (Lat. nitidiis, shining.) Frosted Poor-will. Similar to the last, but
with dark markings of upper parts fewer and sharper on a much paler ground, and cross-bars
on under parts finer and paler. Described as a bleached desert race from Texas and Arizona,
N. to western Kansas. Brewst. Auk, April, 1887, p. 147 ; CouES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 902 ;
A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 418 a.
P. n. calif or'nieus, (Lat. Californian.) DuSKY Poor- will. Like the stock form, but
darker. Pacific coast region, Lower California and northward. Tva'o skins from Nicasio and
Calaveras, California, are said to be "altogether
darker than any from elsewhere." Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 588 ; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 902 ;
A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 418 b.
CHORDEl'LES. (Gr. xop^, chorde, a stringed
LsUjssJ'*^ " ^S^^I^^^W musical instrument ; SeiXij, evening : alluding to
the crepuscular habits. The malformed name
Chordeiles of Swainson, 1831, continues to be
so misspelled in the A. 0. U. Lists. Fig. 385.)
NiOHT-HAWKS. Glahrirostral : the rictus with-
out long stiff bristles. Horny part of beak ex-
tremely small. Nostrils cylindric and rimmed
about, hardly tubular, opening outward and up-
ward. Tarsus feathered part way down in front.
Fig. 385. —Night-hawk, Female, nat. size. (L. Tail lightly forked, much shorter than the ex-
A. Fuertes.) tremely long, pointed, stiff, and thin bladed wing,
with 1st primary as long as the next. Plumage more compact and smooth than in Night-jars ;
primaries mostly whole-colored (in texensis spotted), with large white (or tawny) spaces on
the outer 4-6 ; under parts barred across ; a large white (or tawny) V-shaped throat-bar.
Eggs 2, heavily colored. Not strictly nocturnal. Remarkably volitorial.
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Primaries dusky, with large white spot on 5 of them, in both sexes, about half way from bend to point of the wing.
Large ; wing over 7.00, usually near 8.00.
The ordinary form, dark. N. Am. Chiefly Eastern virginianus
The lighter tawny form. Western N. Am ''• "Snryt
The pale silvery-gray form. Great Plains *'■ senneth
Small ; wing about 7.00. Florida and Gulf coast ■"• chapmani
Primaries more or less spotted with tawny, with large white ( d" ) or tawny ( 9 ) spaces on 4 of them nearer point
than bend of the wing. Small : wing about 7.00. Southwestern texensis
C. vlrginia'nus. (Lat. Virginian. Figs. 379, 385, 386.) Night-hawk. Mosquito-hawk.
Bull-bat. Piramidig. Pisk. Above, mottled with black, brown, gray, and tawny, the
former in excess ; below from breast transversely barred with blackish and white or pale ful-
vous; throat with a large white (^) or tawny (9 ) cross-bar; tail blackish, with pale mar-
bled cross-bars and a large white spot (wanting in the 9 ) on one or both webs of nearly
all the feathers toward the end ; primaries dusky, unmarked except by one large white spot on
CAPRIMULGID.E—CAPRIMULGIN.E: TRUE GOA TSUCKERS.
569
outer ,^i'e, alxmt midway between their base and tip; seeoiidaries like jiriiiiaries, but with
whitish tips and imperfect cross-bars. Sexes nearly alike: o witli wliite spaces on the quills,
l)ut those on tail replaced by tawny or not evident. Young similar, with v\'ing-spots from the
nest, but the markings finer and more intricately blended, iu effect more like Antrostomus ; quills
edged and tipped with tawny. Lengtli 9.00 or more; extent about 2.3 00; wiug about 8.00;
tail 4.50; whole foot J. 25; culnien scarcely 0.25; gape about 1.25. Temperate N. Am.,
chiefly Eastern, abundant; migratory; l)ree(ls tliroughout its N. Am. range; winters beyond,
in the Bahamas, Central, and much of South America. The N. limit is reached in Labrador,
the region immediately S. of Hudson's Hay and N. of Lake Winnipeg, and farther N. W. to
lat. 65°; western limits uncertain, owing to blending with the two next varieties; but speci-
mens indistinguishable from the stock form occur iu British Columbia, Washington, Oregon,
and California. The extensive migrations occur in Ajtril and .May, and from late August
through October. This species dies abroad at all times, though perhaps most active toward
Flo. iiSG. — Night-hawk, or Bull-bat, ^ nat. size. (From Brehm. Bill too briotly. )
evening and iu dull weather; and is generally seen in companies, busily foraging for insects with
rapid, easy, and protracted Hight; in the breeding season it performs curious evolutions, falling
through the air with a loud booming sound. No nest; 2 eggs laid May-July, mostly in June,
on bare ground or rock in field or pasture (often burnt over) or <ni a flat city roof, l.'ii X
0.87 to 1.10 X 0.80, averaging 1.20 X 0.85, more or less elliptical, finely variegated with stone-
gray and other neutral tints, over which is scratched and fretted dark olive-iiray; but the pat-
tern and tints are too variable to be conci.sely described. The general effect is a dark marbling.
I'lie young hatch (•overe<l with Huffy down, whitish below, varied with blackish and brown
ai)ove, thus resembling tlieir native earth. It may be necessary in tliis family for the young
to be covered from the first, to protect them from the c(dd ground. On being disturbed while
brooding the female feigns lameness, dragging and fluttering about, moaning piteoiisly, and will
sometimes remove her young. The Night-hawk has been given in previous editions of the Key
as (J. jxjpetue, f(dlowing Baird's adoption iu 1858 of Vieillot's barbarous name, applied to the
9 in 1807. This was in consequence of .some uncertainty supposed to attach to the Ca]>ri-
iniilgus rirginianus of the older ornithologists, that of Vieillot being tlie Whippoorwill, and
that of Brisson, 1700, for example, applying to the Night-hawk in part only. But as there
seems to he no necessary doubt about C. riiffininnxs (Jm. S. N. I. 1788, p. 1028, I am ghnl to
lollow the A. O. n. Committee in drop])ing the objectionable ;>ri/j(7//r'.
<'. V. siMi'iK'tti. (To Geo. B. Sennett, the distinguished ornithologist.) Sf.NNKTT'.s Nkiiit-
II AWK. This is that pale subspecies of the Night-hawk which is characteristic of the un-
670 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARIJE — HALCYONES.
wooded country from Texas to Dakota : silvery grayish -white predominating above, the white
below greatly in excess of the narrow, irregular or broken, dark bars, and little or no rufous
anywhere — in the latter respect especially differing from C v. henryi. Chordiles popetiie
sennetti CouES, Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 37 ; Chordeiles virginianus sennetti Chamb. Syst. Tabl.
Canad. Birds, 1888, App. A, p. 14; Chordediles popetiie sennetti Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890,
p. 902; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, hypothetical No. 16. 1, p. 330, admitted to the regular
list at the Cambridge meeting of the Committee, Nov. 15, 1896: A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk,
Jan. 1897, p. 121, No. 420 c.
C. V. hen'ryi. (To Dr. T. C. Henry.) Western Night-hawk. The lighter-colored form
prevailing in the dryer or unwooded portions of western United States ; gray and fulvous in ex-
cess of darker hues; white patches on wing, tail, and throat usually larger; under tail-coverts
more nearly uniform ; but no specific character can be assigned.
C. V. chap'mani. (To Frank M. Chapman, the distinguished ornithologist.) Chapman's
Night-hawk. Florida Night-hawk. Similar to C virginianus in color, but rather more
tawny, and decidedly smaller; wing 7.00; tail 4.00. Florida to Texas, and southward.
C. popetue minor Coues, 2d and 3d eds. of the Key, p. 454, in which this form was referred
to the Cuban; C. virginianus minor Coues, Birds N. W. 1874, p. 264; Kidgw. Man. 1887,
p. 301 ; A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886, No. [420 ?>.J ; Chordiles popetue chapmani Cove^, ixoxn
Sennett's MS. Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 37 ; Chordeiles virginianus chapmani Scott, Auk, Apr.
1888, p. 186; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 420 6.
C. acutipen'nis texen'sis. (Lat. aeutus, acute ; penna, a feather : alluding to the sharp-
pointed wings. Of Texas: our bird a northern race of the S. Am. species.) Texas Night-
hawk. Smaller than the common Night-hawk, and otherwise very distinct. General tone
lighter, pattern more blended and diffuse, more as in Antrostomus. Adult ^: Assuming
upper parts gray, this color intimately punctate with lighter and darker shades, more boldly
marked with blackish, chiefly in streaks, and with tawny and white, largest on scapulars and
wing-coverts. Under parts barred, as in virginianus, with blackish, tawp.y, and whitisli, but
the two former prevailing. A large white V on throat. Four outer primaries with large white
spot on both webs, nearer tip than bend of wing ; inner primaries and all secondaries spotted
with tawny in broken bars. Tail blackish, with broken gray or tawny bars, and a complete
subterminal cross-bar of white on all the feathers but the central pair. 9 lacking this white,
all the tail-feathers being motley-barred with gray and tawny throughout ; primaries all
spotted with tawny, larger spots of this color replacing the white of the ^; throat- V tawny.
Young more suffused with tawny on a pearly-gray, black-speckled ground ; but young ^ with
wliite tail- and wing-spots from the first. Length 8.00-9.00; extent 20.00-22.00 ; wing about
7.00 ; tail 4.00 or more. Southwestern U. S., valleys of the Rio Grande and Colorado, Texas to
California, and southward in winter to Central America ; N. in summer over the borders of
Utah and Nevada, and in California to lat. 38° ; E. occasionally to the Mississippi valley in
Louisiana; common, in some places as abundant as C. virginianus, whose general habits and
traits it shares, though the diflFerence in appearance between the two is obvious when they are
flying. This species comes over our borders in April, breeds May, June, and July, and leaves
in October. Eggs 2, laid on the ground, subelliptical, averaging 1.05 X 0.75, but varying
over 0.20 in length, profusely and minutely marbled and veined with various dark tints, but
the general effect decidedly lighter in tone than that of the eggs of C. virginianus.
Suborder HALCYONES: Halcyoniform Birds.
See p. 540 for analytical characters of this suborder, as framed to include the five families
BucerotidcB, Alcedinidte, Momotida, Todidce, and MeropidcB. The first and last of these are
exclusively Old World ; the second is chiefly Old World, with one American genus ; the third
A L CEDINTD. E : KINGFISHER S.
571
is Neotropical, the fourth Antilloun. The suborder is less compact than most others oi Pica-
rice, and includes birds of such extremely dissimilar external appearance as the tiny Todies, no
larger than some Hummingbirds, of dainty aspect and brilliant plumage, and the great gaunt
ungainly Hornbills, witli their monstrous beaks and sombre or sordid hues. The feet are ani-
sodactylous, with three toes in front and one behind (anomalous exception in t\vo3-toed genera
of Kingfishers, lacking the 2d digit), and more or less perfectly syndactylous, having the anterior
toes united for some distance in a single
flat fleshy sole. They are also sympel-
mous by blending of the flexor tendons
of the toes, whereof the hallu.x is sup-
plied by a slip from the flexor digitorum
perforans, not from the flexor hallucis.
The spinal pteryla is well defined and
not branched over the slioulders, and
the ventral tract has an open space. The
palate is desmognathous in the five
families, and in none of them are there
basi})terygoids ; the sternum is usually
4-notched or 4-fenestrate except Buce-
rotidfe. The oil-gland aud c*ca are f.g. 3S7.- Head of bi,k -...:. ...-bin, nat. size.
variable in the several families. The myological formula is A X Y (except in Alcedinidcp,
where it is A X, as in Troyonidcc), the fenK>rocaudal, semitendinosus and its accessory present,
but accessory femorocaudal absent, like tlie ambiens. The plumage is aftershafted in Momo-
tidce and Meropidce. The rectrices are oftenest 12, often 10. The most peculiar family is the
Bucerotidce, which some authors set apart in a group by itself; its relationships appear to be
with the Uimpce.
[Family MOMOTID^: Sawbills.
Feet syndactylous by cohesion of third and fourth toes (p. I'-i'i); tomia serrate. Plumage
aftershafted. No ceeca. Two carotids. Sternum 4-fenestrate. Rectrices \'2 {\i) \\\ Baryph-
thenyus), as a rule the middh; pair elongated and more or less spatulate. A small family of
tropical American birds, comprising about Id species of 7 genera, none luiving riglitful place
here : Imt Momotus cceruleiceps (fig. 387) comes near our border, and is included to illustrate
the suborder Halcyones. In this species, the central tail-feathers are long-exserted, and spatu-
late by absence of webs along a part of the shaft — a mutilation which is naturally progressive
in this family, and may be facilitated or expedited by the birds tliemselves ; bill is about as long
as iiead, gently curved ; nostrils rounded, basal, exposed ; wings short and rounded; tarsi scu-
tellate anteriorly- Color greenisli, with top nf head blue, encircled with black ; long auriculars
black, and a bnuch of Idack, or l)iue aud black, feathers on breast; middle tail-featliers blue
toward ends, witli l)la(k tips. Length 14 00-15.00; wing 5.50; tail 8.00 or more; bill 1.50.
Mexico, N. to Nuevi> Leou.]
Family ALCEDINID^ : Kingfishers.
Feet syndactylous hy cohesion of third and fourth toes (p. 135, fig. 44); tomia simple (or
sliiihtly serrulate). Plumage not aftershafted. No cseca. Two carotids. Tufted oil-gland
(t'xcei)t some of Tanysiptera). Sternum 4-notch(tl. IVill long, large, straight, acute (rarely
hooked); somewhat " fissirostral," the gape being deep aud wide. Tongue rudimentary or
572 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARIjE — HALCYONES.
very small (lipoglossine). Nostrils basal, reached by frontal feathers. Feet very small and
weak, scarcely or not ambulatorial ; tibiae naked below; tarsi extremely short, reticulate in
front; hallux short, flattened underneath, its sole more or less continuous with sole of inner
toe; soles of outer and middle toe in common for at least half their length; inner toe always
short, rudimentary, or wanting (in two genera, Ceyx and Alcyone — -an abnormal modification).
Developed toes always with normal ratio of phalanges (2, 3, 4, 5; p. 133); middle claw not
serrate. Wings long, of 10 primaries. Tail of 12 rectrices (only 10 in the racket-tailed
Tanysijitera) variable in shape. Two subfamilies ; all Old World excepting one genus.
"The Kingfishers form a very natural family of the great Picarian order, and are alike
remarkable for their brilliant coloration and for the variety of curious and aberrant forms wliich
are included within their number. . . . ' Their characteristic habit is to sit motionless watching
for their prey, to dart after it and seize it on the wing, and to return to tlieir original position
to swallow it.' . . . The Alcedlnidce nest in holes and lay white eggs. It is, however, to be
remarked that, in accordance with a modification of the habits of the various genera, a corre-
sponding modification has taken place in the mode of nidification, the piscivorous section of
the family nesting for the most part in holes in tlie banks of streams, while the insectivorous
section of the family generally nest in the holes of trees, not necessarily in the vicinity of water."
(Sharpe.)
One would gain an imperfect or erroneous idea of the family to judge of it by the American
fragment, of one genus and 6 or 8 species. According to the author of the splendid monograph
above cited, there are in all 125 species, belonging to 19 genera. They are very unequally dis-
tributed. Ceryle alone is nearly cosmopolitan, absent only from the Australian region ; the
northern portion of the Old World has only 2 peculiar species ; 3 genera and 24 species are char-
acteristic of the Ethiopian region : one genus and 25 species are confined to the Indian ; while
no less than 10 genera and 59 species are peculiar to the Australian. The species are now
known to be over 150 in number, but this increase does not materially affect the items just
given regarding their distribution. In the subfamily DacelonincE, which contains a majority of
the genera and species, the bill is more or less depressed, with smooth, rounded, or sulcate cul-
men; and these birds are hardly " fishers,'' kingly or otherwise, for they live in the woods and
are mainly insectivorous. The largest genus is Halcyon, with over oO species. The next
largest is Tanysiptera, containing the 20 racket-tailed species ; Ceyx has nearly as many 3-toed
species ; one of the most notable birds of the subfamily is the Laugliing Jackass of Australia,
Dacelo gigas. In the
Subfamily ALCEDININ/E, Piscivorous Kingfishers,
the bill is compressed, with carinate culmen. Ceryle is the only American genus, with 3 North
American species, others in South America, and several more in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The
other Old World genera are Pelargopsis, Alcedo, CorytJiornis, and Ceyx, the latter 3-toed.
The Alcedinince are all thoroughly aquatic and piscivorous, seeking their prey by plunging into
the water from on wing ; and nest in holes in banks, laying numerous white eggs.
CE'KYLE. (Gr. KripvKos, keridos, a kingfisher.) Belted Kingfishers. Head with an
occipital crest. Bill longer than head, straight, stout, acute. Wings long and pointed. Tail
rather long and broad (in comparison with some genera), much shorter than wing. Tarsi
short; legs naked above tibio-tarsal joint. Plumage belted below.
Analysis of Subgenera a7id Species.
Streptocertlb. Large, with small feet ; upper parts dull bluish.
Wing over 7.00, bill over 3.00. Under parts mostly rufous. Texas .....,, ^ ., ... • torquata
Wing under 7.00, bill under 3 00. Under parts mostly white. N Am. alcyon
Chloroceryle. Small, with large feet. Upper parts glossy greenish.
Wing under 4.00, bill under 2.00. Under parts mostly white americana septenlrionahs
ALCEDINID^ — AL CEDINIJSlyE : KINGFISHER S.
573
(Subgenus Streptoceryle.)
C. (S.) torqua'ta. (hat. torqtmte, collared.) Collared Kingfisher. ''Ringed" King-
fisher. Great Kufous-bellied Kingfisher. Resembling the common species, but
much larger and utlierwise different. Adult ^ : Above, ashy-blue, streaked with black, espe-
cially on the head ; a white collar around the back of the neck. Tail-feathers with transverse
white spots, but none on outer webs of {)rimaries toward their bases. Below, mostly rich ru-
fous, the throat and vent only white (no dark pectoral band as in C alcyon). Adult 9:
Rufous of under parts e.xtendiug on the crissum, and a dark bluish breast-band. Very large:
Length about 16.00; wing 7.50; bill over 3.00. A well-known species of tropical America,
casually N. to the Rio Grande of Texas (Laredo, June 2, 1888, specimen in Mus. Acad.
I'liilada.). Stone, Auk, Apr. 1894, p. 177; A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [,'390. 1].
C. (S.) arcyon. (Lat. alcyon, a kingfislior. Fig. 388.) Belted Kingfisher. Upper
parts, broad pectoral bar, and sides under wings, dull blue with tine black shaft-lines. Lower
eyelid, spot before eye, a cervical collar and under parts except as said, pure white ; 9 "'it''
chestnut belly-band and sides of the same color. Quills and tail-feathers black, speckled,
!dotche<l or barred on inner
webs with wliite; outer webs
of secondaries and tail-feath-
ers like back ; wing-coverts
frequently sprinkled with
white. Bill black, pale at
base below. Feet dark ;
tibia} naked below. A long,
tliin, pointed occipital crest;
plumage comjiact and oily
to resist water, into which
the birds constantly plunge
after their finny prey.
Leiii^nh 12.00-1.3.00; extent
2l.()()-23.()0: wing 6.00-
6.50; tail 3.50--5.()(); whole
foot l..'^3; culmeu 1.75-2.25.
X. Am., common every-
where, resident or only
forced Sfuithward by freez-
ing of the waters. This fine
bird, whose loud rattling
notes are as familiar sounds
along our streams as tlie
noise of the mill-dam or the
machinery, burrows to tlie depth of 6 or 8 feet in the ground, and lays as many crystal white
subsplieroidal eggs, 1.35 X 1.05, at the enlarged extremity of the tunnel. Although tisli ftirms
tiie main fare, tliis bird shows its family traits by devouring many other animals, as small
snakes, lizanis, frogs, toads, crawfish, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, etc. I have often i*eoii
it away from water in the West, where no fish could be had. The situation of the burrow in
the face of cut-iianks of earth is more constant tlian its dimensions; sometimes the eggs can
almost be reached at arm's lengtli, and again they may be three to five yards under ground.
Tlie usual diameter of the hole will hardly admit the arm, but tlie farther end of the burrow
i.s pocketed to a diameter of 8 or 10 inchts. Tliirf is no true nest, but the eggs are usually
Fio. 388. — BeUe<l KiiiKfislier.
574
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —PICARLE— TROGONES.
found on a layer of fish-hones and scales. The eggs are oftenest 6 or 8 in numher, as said,
sometimes only 5, and again 12 or more may he found in a nest. Some large specimens are
nearly 1.50, and some runts only 1.20 in length; but the hreadth is more constant, and the
shape thus extremely variable. Cock-burrows are sometimes made by the $ , and the holes
of Swallows are sometimes enlarged to suit the Kingfisher.
(Subgenus Chloroceryle.)
C. amerioa'na septentriona'lis. (Lat. American.
Lat. Northern, with reference to the northerly subspe-
cies of the tropical American stock form.) Texan
Green Kingfisher. Adult 9 '■ Entire upper parts
dark glossy-green, with bronze lustre, the bases of
nearly all the feathers suovA-y-wliite, which appears
sometimes upon the surface ; crown, scapulars, and
wing-coverts superficially sprinkled with white. Wing-
quills dusky on inner webs, green on the outer, both
marked in regular double series with pairs of white
spots, scallops, or bars. Central tail-feathers dark
green, usually touched with white along the edges, the
others green with white bars becoming confluent at the
bases of the feathers, where forming white spaces more
extensive than the green portion. Cervical collar and
entire under parts white; breast with a dark green
band, the belly, sides, and crissum spotted with glossy-
green. Bill black, usually light at base below ; feet
dark. Adult ^ differs in having no green spots across
belly and rufous instead of green breast-band. Young ^
has rusty tinge ou breast. Length about 8.00; wing
3.2.5-3.50; tail 2.50; bill 1.67-1.87; whole foot 1.00,
with relatively longer tarsus than in either of the fore-
gcjing. Valleys of the Lower Rio Grande and Lower
Colorado, and southward to Panama ; common and resi-
dent in some parts of Texas, where it breeds. I saw it in
Arizona on the Colorado, in 1865. Nesting substantially
as in C. alcyon; eggs 4-6, very thin and smooth, like
porcelain, rounded oval, 0.90-1.00 X 0.70-0.75. This
is C. americana and C. cabanisi of writers referring to
the northern form, wliich seems to difi'er mainly in the
larger bill. C. americana cabanisi of former eds. of the
Key, 1872-90. C. cabanisi A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886,
]i. 209. C. americana septentrionalis Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xvii, 1892, p. 134; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, No. 391.
Suborder TROGONES : Trogons.
Or HETERODACTYLI: see p. 541, for princi-
Fig. 389. — r'ara.liN.. Tmi^on, or Quesal
(Phnromncrus mociniiu), (J, $. (From
Michelet.)
pal analytical characters in comparison with other sub-
orders of Picarics. These birds are unique, not only in tlieir suborder but in the class Aves, in
the disposition of the digits and their flexor tendons. They are yoke-toed, having the toes
TROGONID.E: TROGONS. bib
two before and two behind, and thus apparently zygodactylous, but in a peculiar way ; for the
1st and 2d digits point backward, the 3d and 4th forward. This arrangement is called hetero-
dacti/lons, and it is furilier pronounced in the disposition of the flexor hallucis, which supplies
both hind toes, the flexor digitorum supplying the front toes, by the arrangement known as
heteropehnous. The inyological formula is A X, as in the Kingfishers ; that is, the femoro-
caudal and semitendinosus are both present, but their respective accessories absent, as is also
the ambiens. The palate is schizognathous ; basipterygoids are present. The sternum is
4-notched ; oil-gland nude, but caeca present ; one carotid. General pterylosis passerine ;
spinal tract unbrauched ; aftershafts very long; rectrices 12. One family, of warm parts of
both hemispheres.
Family TROGONID^ : Trogons.
Heterodactyloiis and heteropehnous PicaricB (see above). Feet very small and weak, un-
fitted for progression ; the birds perch in wait and dart into the air for their prey, somewhat
like Flycatchers, whether their food be insects or fruits. Bill short and stout, with hooked
tip usually dentate or denticulate on the tomia, its base more or less hidden by appressed an-
trorse feathers, and further garnished with bristles. Wings short and rounded. Tail long,
of 12 broad feathers (in one genus with extraordinary development of the upper coverts in
the (^). General plumage soft and lax, of gorgeous coloration, well aftershafted ; skin tender;
eyelids lashed. No subfamilies need be recognized in this compact group of nearly or quite 50
species ; but the genera are several. The most splendid of these is Fharomacnis, with 4 spe-
cies of Central and South America, as P. mocinno, the famous Quesal or Paradise bird, as
large as a Magpie, with the glitter of a Hummingbird, and a long flowing traiu which a Pea-
cock might envy, if grace to be tasteful as well as showy were given that proud bird. A
Mexican Trogon is Buptiloti!^ neojcemts. The Cuban is Prionotclus temnurus ; the Haitian
is Tmetotrorfon (or Tenuiotrogon) rhodogaster. The African Trogons are three species of the
genus Hapaloderma, as H. narina. Those of the Orient are more numerous species of
the genera Harpactes aud HapKdarpactes. The remaining s{)ecies of the family belong to the
genus
TROtiON. (Gr. rpwycoi/, a gnawer : alluding to the dentate bill.) Toothed Trogox.s.
Tiie leading genus of the family in number of species, about 25, all American, one of them
reaching our borders. In all these the bill is dentate as well as hooked at the end, and the
sexes ditfer in tlie coloration of the middle tail-feathers.
T. ambi'guus. (Lat. ambiguous, equivocal, as doubtfully distinct from T. mexicanus ; but it
is a perfectly good species. Fig. 390.) Copper-tailed Trogon. Adult $ : Above, metal-
lic green, glancing g(dden, bronzy or coppery ; middle tail-feathers -,-»-■-.■
the latter, broadly black tipped; outer tail-feathers white for a long
space, but mostly vermiculated with narrow black zigzags; wing-
coverts and inner quills finely undulated with black and white : pri-
maries fuscous, with light edging. Front and sides of 1m ad blackish :
breast like back, with a pure white band; rest of under jtarts rich
red-carmine, scarlet, or vermilion. Length about 11.50; wing 5.25;
tail ().75. 9 : Urown where the $ is green, gray where he is black,
the middle tail-feathers quite rufous. Young birds vary interminably f,o 390. — Head of Cop-
in acquiring the coloration of the adults. Mexico to the U. S. bor- per-taiied Trogon, uat. size,
der, in the lower Rio Grande valley of Texas, in New Mexico, and in Arizona. It is a regular
summer visitant in the mountains of southern Arizona, and breeds there in June; it has been
ob.served from May to Aujjust, and young birds liave been taken, but the nest and eggs remain
to be discovered (IKMj).
576 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARI.E — PICI.
Suborder PICI : Piciform Birds.
See p. 541 for analytical characters of this group, as framed to include the six families :
Picidce, Indicator idee, Capitonidce (or Megalcemidie), Rhamphastidce, Galbulidce, and Bucconidce.
The name '^Pici'^ here adopted for the suborder is not a happy one, because it is so closely
identified with a particular one of the six families, and because it is not equivalent to the
Pidfonnes of former editit>ns of the Key, which included only the Picidcc (with Picumnidce
and lyngidie, now reduced to subfamilies). But I find no more eligible name ; for the same
objections apply to the Picoidecu of Dr. Stejneger. The Celeomorph(S of Huxley would
cover the case better, but by common consent the peculiar terminology of this great scientist
is rejected. The name Scansores in a new restricted sense is adopted for exactly this group
in the British Museum Catalogues; but only one of the families of the suborder as now
framed is strictly " scansorial," and the c(ninotations of the antique term Scansores are so
wild and vague that its imposition upon any modern scientific group seems to me highly
objectionable. With tliis explanation, I avail myself of the makeshift name Pici in the
present connection.
Pici are a less homogeneous group than most Picarian suborders, being in this respect
about as heterogeneous as Coracicc and Halci/ones. But these birds must go somewhere, and
may well be brought under one superfamily or subordinal group, as they agree in certain im-
portant structural characters, however diverse they are in external features and physiological
adaptations to difi'erent modes of life. Little given to climl)ing as are the birds of most of
these Piciform families, yet they agree to a dot in the actual structure of the feet, being all
antiopelmous as well as zygodactylous. The flexor digitorum profundus or perforans has but
a single tendon, which supplies the 3d digit (outer one of the two anterior ones), while the
proper flexor hallueis supplies the other digits by Tneans of three slips (two if the hallux
proper is missing, as it is in five genera of Picidte), besides sending a slip to the other flexor.
The myological formula always includes a semitendinosus and usually also its accessory (not
in PicidfE proper). The pahite is variable (with a special modification in the case of Picidte).
The sternum and tensor patagii brevis are characteristi(; ; the carotids are not, neither is the
oil-gland nor the caeca. ' Evidences of passerine affinity are found in the reducti(m or tendency
to reduction in extent of the wing-coverts (except in Bucconidce), reduction of the primaries to
10 with the first spurious {Picidce) or even to 9 (Indicaloridce) ; the rectrices are 12 or 10 indif-
ferently, even in the same family {Indicatorida;^"~Gra:lh->4Mdcc). The bill varies with the families
(peculiar in Picidce, enormous in Illuiniphastidcp, teuuirostral in Galbulidce, etc.). Referring
again to the tabular exhibit of the six families on pages 541, 542, I pass to the only one repre-
sented in North America.
Family PICID.^ : "Woodpeckers, Piculets, "Wrynecks.
Anomalogonatous antiopelmous zygodactylous Picarice, with saurognathous palate and of
scansorial habits. (Degradation of the families Pjcwmmfte and lyngidce, as given in former
editions of the Key, to rank as subfamilies Picumnince and Tyngince of one family Picidce makes
the latter equivalent to my former Piciformes, and my former Picidce to my present Picince.)
This is a large but well-defined and perfectly circumscribed family, found in most parts of the
world, and well represented in North America. In the antiopelmous structure of the flexor
tendons the Picidce agree perfectly with the other families of their suborder. Regarding their
zygodactylisin, it is perfect, with the anomalous and sporadic omission of a hind toe in five
genera otherwise intimately related in their respective subfamilies ; among the Picince the four
PICID.E - PICIN.E: WOODPECKERS. oil
genera Picoides. Gauropicoides, Gecinulus, and Tiga are ."{-toed by lack of hallux ; iu Picum-
nime, the .single genus Sasia is iu like case. In palatal characters the Picidce exhibit " a
simplification and degradation of the a'githognathous structure," as Huxley puts it, and this
condition is called by Parker " saurognathous." Saurognatiiisni consists essentially in lack of
fusion of parts along the midline ; the vomer is double, in permanently paired halves, i. e. there
are two vomers, attached on tiieir respective sides to the small palatines, and the maxillopala-
tiues are abortive. The sahvary glands are higiily dcvchnu'd, and the hyoidean apparatus is
j)eculiar (less so in one or two genera o{ Picina'). There is no urcjhyal bone, the ceratohyals
are small and fused or fusible together, the basihyal is slender, and as a rule the enormously
developed thyrohyals are jointed in two pieces which curl up over tlie skull; tliis is the mecha-
nism, by which as actuated by corresi)ondingly specialized hyoidean muscles, tlie long lumbrici-
form tongu(! can be tlirnst far out of the mouth. Only the left carotid is present ; the oil-gland
is tufted and there are no caica. The whole pterylosis exhibits passerine affinities uumis-
taUahly ; thus, the secondary coverts are short, as in Passeres ; the first priuiary is short or
s|)urious, leaving only 9 functionally well developed; and the rectrices are 12, though one pair
be spurious. The bill varies to a considerable extent iu the different subfamilies and genera,
without losing its (hstinctive ciiaracter as a hammer, cliisel, or gouge. The himily is well i
divided, according to the stnu-tinc of the tail and other characters, into three subfamilies, so ^
well marked that I reluctantly now relegate them to one family. The Old World lyngina; or
Wrynecks, of one genus and about G species, have the tail soft, and other ])eculiarities. The
J'iciimnitue or Piculets are also soft tailed, and in general superficialities resemble Nuthatches
(|uitc curiously. Most of these diminutive birds are Neotropical, there being about 20 species
in South America; a few are Oriental, among them the 3-toed species of Sasia ; one is Ethi-
opian ( Verreauxia africana) ; one Antilleau (Nesoctites micromegas) ; the total of the species
is about 40, mostly of the genus Picumnns. All the North American Picidce belong to the
Subfamily PICIN/E: Woodpeckers.
Tail-feathers rigid, acuviimite ; hill a chisel. This expression will serve for the recognition
of any Woodpecker. Wing of 10 primaries; 1st short or even spurious, the wing-formula
being (juite as in most passerine birds — a Crow or Thrush, for example. Greater row of
secondary coverts short, as in passerine birds at large. Tail of 12 rectrices, but outermost
pair rudimentary, lying concealed at base of tail betwem the penultimate (now exterior) and
next pair, so that there appear to be but 10, as usual iu picarian binls (a strong peculiarity).
'I'ail-teatliers very stiff and strong, with enlarged elastic shafts, and acuminate at end. Tarsi
scutellate in front, on sides and behind variously reticulate. Toes .strongly scutellate on top.
Tiu- usual ratio of toes is: 1st (inner posterior) shortest; 2d (inner anterior) next longer;
.'M (outer anterior) Ioniser: Ith (outer posterior) loiiirest of all (in most typical species; iu
some, however, scarcely or not e(|ualling .'M in length). The basal joints of the toes are
al)breviated.
These l)irds iuive been specially studied, with nuire or less gratifying success, by Malherbe,
Suudevall, Cal>anis, C'assin, and more recently E. Hargitt. The latter makes out 4r> genera
and .'iOH well-determined sjiecies, of all [)arts of the world except Madagascar, Australia,
and {'(dynesia, especially numerous iu the Neotropical and Oriental retjiinis, less so in Ethi-
opian, least .so in the I'ahearctic ami Nearctic. Their separation into minor groups has not
lieen agreed upcm ; our species have been thrown into three <livisions, which, however, I shall
not present, as considi'riition of exotic forms shows how the genera arc interr(dated, and how
nice is the i^radation in foiiii between the Ivorv-hill and the Flicker, which stand nearly at
678 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PICI.
extremes of the subfamily ; the little diversity of which is thereby evident. One of our genera,
without very obvious external peculiarities, stands apart from the rest in the character uf the
tongue. In ordinary Picince tlie " horns " of the tongue are extraordinarily produced backward,
as slender jointed bony rods curling up over the skull behind, between the skin and the bone,
to the eyes or even farther; these rods are enwrapped in highly developed, specialized muscles,
by means of which the birds thrust out the tongue sometimes several inches beyond the bill
(lies. 73, 74). This is not the case in Sphifropicus, where the hyoid cornua do not extend be-
yond the base of the skull, and the tongue, consequently, is but little more extensible than in
ordinary birds. The tongue of Sphyropicus is beset at the end by numerous brushy filaments,
instead of the few acute barbs commonly observed in the family. Tlie same or a similar con-
dition of the parts is observed in Xenopicus. In most of our species the bill is perfectly straight,
wide and stout at the base, tapering regularly to a comjiressed and vertically truncate tip, chisel-
like, and strengthened by sharp ridges on the side of the upper mandible — an admirable tool
for cutting into trees ; and in all such, the nostrils are hidden by dense tufts of antrorse feathers.
In others, like the Flicker, the bill is smooth and barely curved ; the tip is acute and the nostrils
are exposed. There is a regular gradation in form between those with the most and the least
chisel-like bills. The former are more stocky-bodied birds, with larger head in comparison
with the c(jnstricted neck, as any one may satisfy himself by skinning a Pileated or Hairy
Woodpecker, and trying to pull the skin over the head — an operation which may be performed
on a Flicker. The ridges of the bill, the bevelling uf the end, the nasal tufts, and usually the
length of the outer hind toe, are characters which diminish or are lost together as M-e pass from
the Ivory-bill extreme to the Flicker end of the series. The claws are always large, strong,
sharp, and much curved ; the feet do not present striking generic modifications, except in the
three-toed genus Picoides ; the length of the outer hind toe is the most variable factor. The
wings are specially noteworthy for the shortness of the coverts, in exception to the picarian
rule; and the shortness of the first primary, which may fairly he called spurious ; but these
points and the remarkable character of the tail have been already mentioned. This member
oflers indispensable assistance in climbing, when the stiff strong quills are pressed against the
tree, and form a secure sujiport. To this end, the muscles are highly devehtped, and the last
bone (vomer or pujgostyle) is large and peculiar in shape. Woodpeckers rarely if ever climb
head downward, like Nuthatches, nor are the tarsi applied to their support.
Species are abundant in all the wooded- portion of this country, and wherever found are
nearly resident. For, although insectivorous, they feed principally upon dormant or at least
stationary insects, and therefore need not migrate ; they are, moreover, hardy birds. They dig
insects and their larvfe out of trees, and are eminently beneficial to the agriculturist and fruit-
grower. Contrary to a prevalent impression, their boring does not seem to injure fruit-trees,
which may be riddled with holes without harmful result. The number of noxious insects these
birds destroy is simply incalculable; what little fruit some of them steal is not to be mentioned
in the same connection, and they deserve the good-will of all. The birds of the genus Spiliy-
ropicus are probably an exception to most of these statements. But Woodpeckers also feed
largely upon nuts, berries, and other fruits; and those which thus vary their fare to the greatest
extent are apt to be more or less migratory, like the common Red-head for example. Wood-
peckers nest in holes in trees, which they excavate for themselves, sometimes to a great depth,
and lay numerous rounded pure white eggs, of which the shell has a smooth crystalline texture
like porcelain, on the chips and dust at the bottom of the hole. The voice is loud and harsh,
susceptible of little modulation. The plumage as a rule presents bright colors in large areas
or in striking contrasts, and is sometimes highly lustrous. The sexes are ordinarily distin-
guishable by color-markings ; the young either show sexual characters from the nest, or have
special markings of their own.
PICID.E — PICIN.E: WOODPECKERS. 579
Artificial Analysis of X. A. Getifra of Picklw.
Toes 3 Picoides
Toes 4.
Tongue not decidedly extensible.
Body entirely black ; head white Xenopicus
Body variegated ; head not white Sp/iyropicus
Tongue very extensible.
Conspicuously crested ; much over a foot long.
I'.ill white ; outer hind toe longer than outer front toe Campfphilus
Bill dark ; outer hind toe not longer than outer front toe Ceophliius
Not crested ; a foot long or less
Sides of upper mandible distinctly ridged ; wings spotted Dryobales
Sides of upper mandible indistinctly or not ridged.
Back lustrous green ; belly carmine Asipidesmus
Back blue-black ; belly wliite Melanerpe.s
Back black-barred ; belly not spotted Centurus
Back black-barred ; belly black-spotted Colaptes
CAMPE'PHILIJS. (Gr. (ca^Trr;, liawpe, a caterpillar ; (^tXoj, j'hilos, loving.) Ivory-bills.
Of largest size, with very strict neck, conspicuously crested head, and white bill; color black,
Via. 3'.M. — Ivoiwi.iiiia UiMjdpecker, I iiat. size. (From Brehm.)
witii white on wini:s and neck, and .'^carlet crest. Hill longer than hea»l, perfectly straight,
witli trniicate tip, bevelled side.-, witii slnmi: ridges; broader than higli at base Goiiys very
580
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PI CI.
long; more than half the coininissure. Nostrils concealed by large nasal tufts; antrorse
feathers also at base of lower inundible. Outer hlud toe much the longest. Wings pointed ;
4th, 3d, and 5th quills longest; 2d much shorter; 1st very short and narrow. Tail very cune-
ate. Containing the largest and most magnificent known Woodpeckers, of several species,
peculiar to America. The Imperial Woodpecker, C- imperialis, comes in Chihuahua within
50 miles of our border, and will no doubt be found in the mountains of S. Arizona or New
Mexico. It is larger than the Ivory-bill, with no white stripe on the neck, and black nasal
tufts. It has been attributed to the U. S., but I have never felt at liberty to use the Key on
the lock of futurity.
C. principalis. (Lat. ^rindpafe, principal; ^rinceps, chief. Figs. 391, 392, 393.) Ivory-
billed Woodpecker. White-billed Logcock. $ 9 • Glossy blue-black ; a stripe down
„ _ - - side of neck, one at base
of bill, the scapulars,
under wing-coverts, ends
of secondaries and of in-
ner primaries, the bill,
and nasal feathers white ;
feet grayish-blue ; iris
yellow. A long pointed
crest, in $ scarlet faced
with black, in 9 black.
Length 19.00-21.00; ex-
tent 30.00-33.00; wing
9.75-10.75; tail 7.00-
8.00 ; bill 2.50-2.75 ;
tarsus 2.00. Varies much
in size ; 9 smaller than
^. A large powerful
bird of the S. Atlantic
and Gulf States, formerly
Fig. 39;^. - Ivory-bUled Woodpecker. N_ ty ]^^f,_ Carolina along
the coast, to the Ohio river in the interior ; range restricted of late years, almost coincident
with maritime regions, N. and W. only to portions of S. Car., Ga., Ala., Miss., Ark., and very
small part of Texas; still locally common in the dark heavily-wooded swamps, but very wild
and wary, difficult to secure. Nests high in the most
inaccessible trees; hole deep, with oval opening; eggs
3-5, 1.35 X 1.00, on an average, varying moderately,
somewhat pointed, highly porcellanous ; they are laid
early, sometimes even in February, oftenest in March,
April, and early in May.
CKOPHLCE'US. (Gr. /cfw or mo), keo or keio, I split,
cleave ; and (^\oi6s, phloios, bark of trees.) Pileated
Woodpeckers. General form as in Campephilus. Bill
as in that genus, but not white, with shorter gonys only
about half as long as commissure ; nasal plumes as be-
fore, but no antrorse feathers on sides of lower mandible.
Wings and tail substantially as in Campephilus. Feet
peculiar : outer posterior shorter than outer anterior toe, and tarsus shorter than inner anterior
toe and claw; inner posterior toe very short (fig. 395). Bill dark; general color black, re-
lieved by white ; ^ with a pointed scarlet crest ; 9 crested, but with black only. Our single
Fig. 393 — Ivory-billed Woodpecker,
Left foot. (L. A. Fuertes.)
PICIDjE — PICIX.E : WOODPECKERS.
681
b'la. 'Mi. — Florida Pileated Woodpecker.
si)ccies is the representative of the famous Black Woodpecker of Europe, Picus martius — a
chissic bird, by some considered type of the Liuntean genus Picus. There are several typical
American species. (Hijlafomus Baikd, 1858, emended Hylntomus by Cabanis, 1862, and so
ill all former eds. of the Key, preoccupied by
Hylotoma Latreille, 1804, a genus of hy-
menoptcrous insects; Ceophlosus Cab. J. f. ().
1862, p. 176, type Picus lineatus, str\ctly con-
generic with our species ; and Phlosotonuis
Cab. MurTTeTn. IV, 1863, p. 102, type Picio
pileatits : see Auk, Jan. 1885, p. 52.) (t: ^^iBH^^fc.. ^^^fcHt-^a*^ . /
C. pilea'tus. (Lat. jyileatus, ca})])ed, i. e.
crested; pileiim, a cap. Fig. 394.) Pilk-
ATKD WOODPECKKR. P.LACK-IilLLED LoG-
COCK. General color dull black; throat,
jKist ocular line, a long stripe from nostrils
along side of head and neck, spreading on side
of breast, lining of wing, and a great white
space at bases of wing-quills, white, more or
less tinged with sulphury-yellow. Feathers
of Hanks and lielly often skirted, and some of the quills often tipped with the same. ^: Top
of head, including whole crest, and a cheek-patch, scarlet. 9- Posterior part of crest only
scarlet, and no cheek-jiatch. $9'- J>'11 <''"'k horn-color, paler below; feet blackish-plum-
beous; iris yellow. Quite cuiistaut in coloration; very variable in size. Length 15.00-19.00
inches, usually 17.00-1«.00 ; extent 25.00-
30.00, usually 26.00-28.00; winir 8.00-
lO.OO, usually 8.50-9.00; tail 6.00-7.00;
bill 1.50-2.00! 9 averaging about 2
inches less in length than ^, and other
ilimensions proportionally smaller. Xorth-
I in individuals averaging much larger
tiian southern ones. N. Am. at large,
common, resident anywhere iu heavy tim-
ber; but this is a very wild, wary, and soli-
tary bird — one which grows scarce^ or
di.sa|)pears among the first with the clearing away of forests in advance of civilization. It
extends nearly or quite to the limit of large trees iu the intcrinr, Imt ap^iarently not so far
coastwi.se in Canada, or in Alaska; and is practically absent from the 8. Rocky Mt. region of
the U. S. Nests iu remote and secluded woods and swamps, usually at a great height J the
taking of eggs is something of an rxplnit. The eggs are laid from April to June in dilTereut
parts of the cnuntry; they are 3 to 5 or niuic, and measure alxmt 1.25 X 0.95 on an average,
but range fmm 1.20 to 1.40 in h-iigth by 0.90 to 1.00 in breadth. Egijs <tf Woodpeckers are
piiiportioned rather to tlie bird's bulk of body than its linear dimensions ; those of Cawpr-
jihilus and Ceopldceus are relatively smaller than a Flicker's, fur instance. Among the curious
names one hears for this bird are Woodchiiek, WiMidcock, Cock of tjie Wnods, Johnny Cock,
and (jood God !
C. p. al>ietic'ola. (Lat. ahies, gen. nbieti.s, the fir-tree; colore, to inhabit, cultivate; incola,
an inlialiitant.) NoRriiERN PlLEATED WOODPECKER. This name designates northerly speci-
mens. ;(t or ne.ir the maximum <limensions above given. Range said to include heavily wooded
regions of N. Am. from the .southern Allei:hanies iiortliwaid. Bancs, Auk. Ajir. I8!t8, p. 176;
A. O. U. Suppl. List, Jan. J 899, p. 110, No. 405 «.
Fio. 39.5. — Ri(»ht foot of Pileated Woodpeoker, nat. size
(Ad. nat. del. E. C;
682
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PICL
DRYOBA'TES. (Gr. bpvs, dnis, a tree, especially an oak, gen. 8pv6s, druos, in combining
form dryo-, and ^drrji, bates, one that treads, a goer; Qalvco, baino, I go, walk.) Black-
AND-WHITE-SPOTTEU WOODPECKERS. Bill more or less nearly equal to head in length, stout,
straight, truncate at tip, bevelled toward end, with sharp culnien and distinct lateral ridges on
upper mandible; at base rather broader than liigh, with large nasal tufts hiding nostrils; cnl-
men, commissure, and gouys straight or nearly so (fig. 399). Feet with outer posterior longer
than outer anterior toe ; inner anterior intermediate between these. Wing long, pointed by 4th,
3d, and .5th quills; 2d decidedly shorter (shorter than 7th, except in borealis) ; 1st fairly s])u-
rious. Species of medium and small size, all black-and-white (one brown-backed), the back
striped or barred, the wings with numerous small round white spots on the quills; ^ with red
on head. (Genus Picus of all previous eds. of the Key, as of most writers; but as the old
Linnsean Picus is now restricted to an entirely different European genus of Woodpeckers, we
select for the American genus, of which our familiar Downy Woodpecker is the type, the name
Dnjobates of Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 977.)
Analysis of Species and Varieties.
Back dark brown, neither striped nor fully barred with white arizonce
Back black, not striped lengthwise, but barred crosswise with white : " ladder-backs " (as in fig. 407).
One Large white space on side of head Crown black borealis
Two white stripes on sides of head
Nasal feathers white ; <f crown black, nape red, both white-spotted nuttalli
Nasal feathers brown ; (f crown and nape red, both white-spotted.
Outer web of outer tail-feather entirely black-barred scalaris bairdi
Outer web of outer tail-feather partly black-barred scalaris lucasanus
Back black, not barred crosswise, but striped lengthwise with white : " pole-backs."
Outer tail-feathers wholly white. Length usually 9-10 inches.
Greater coverts and inner secondaries profusely white-spotted. Eastern.
Of major size : length lO.OO-ll. 00 villoius leucomelas
Of medium size : length il.OO-lO.OO villosus proper
Of minor size : length 8.00-0.00 villosus auduboni
Greater coverts and inner secondaries sparsely or not white-spotted. Western.
White-bellied. Rocky mountain region villosus hyloscopus
Smoky-bellied. Pacific coast region villosus harrisi
Outer tail-feathers barred with black. Length usually 0-7 inches.
Greater coverts and inner secondaries profusely white-spotted. Eastern puhescens
Greater coverts and inner secondaries sparingly or not white-spotted.
White-bellied. Rocky mountain region pubescens homorus
Smoky-bellied. Pacific coast region pubescens gairdneri
D. borea'lis. (Lat. borealis. northern; inappro])riate for a IT. S. species. Fig. 390.) Eed-
cockaded Woodpecker. Body spotted and
crosswise banded, but not streaked. Head black
on top, with a large silky white auricular patch
embracing eye and extending on side of neck, bor-
dered above in ^ by a scarlet stripe not meeting
its fellow on nape ; nasal feathers and those on
side of under jaw white; black of crown connected
across lores with a black stripe running from cor-
ner of bill down side of throat and neck to be dis-
sipated on side of breast in black spots continued
less thickly along whole side and on crissum ;
under parts otherwise soiled white. Central tail-
feathers black ; others white, black-barred. Back
and wings barred with black and white ; larger
([uills and many coverts with the white bars resolved into paired spots. 9 lacking red cockade.
A peculiar isolated species; wings longer and more pointed than usual in this genus; 2d quill
Fig. 39G. — Red-cockaded Woodpecker, nat. size.
(Ad. nat. del. E. 0.)
PICID.E — PICIX.E . WOODPECKERS.
583
longer than 7th; spurious primary very short; bill smaller thau usual, decidedly shorter than
head. Length 8.00-8.50 ; extent 14.00-15.00 ; wing 4.50-4.90 ; tail 3.25-3.75. Pine swamps
and barrens of the S. Atlantic and Gulf States; N. to Pennsylvania and New Jersey occa-
sionally; W. to Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Indian Territory, and a small p»art of Texas.
Eggs 3-G, 0.95 X 0.70 on an average, ranging in length from 0.90 to 1 .0.5.
D. scala'ris baird'i. (Lat. scalaris, ladder-like; scala, a scale, flight of stairs, etc.; alhidiug
to the black and white cross-bars on the back. To S. F. Baird.) Texan Woodpecker.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker. Entire back, from nape to upper tail-coverts, barred across
in bhick and white stripes of equal width ; a narrow space on back of neck, upper tail-coverts,
and 4 middle tail-feathers, entirely black ; wing-coverts with a round white spot at end of each
feather, and a hidden spot or jiair <>f spots farther along the feather. Primaries regularly
marked with white sp<its in pairs on edges of webs, those on outer wel>s small and angular, ou
inner webs larger and more rounded; on secondaries these S[)ots changing to broken bars; so
tliat the primaries and coverts are s]iotted alike, the secondaries and back barred alike. Crown
black, speckled with white, in ^ extensively crimson; the feathers being black, specked with
white, finally tipped with red, which becomes continuous on hind head, where the white specks
cease. Side of head white, with a loug black stripe from bill under eye, widening behind,
there joining a black jiostocular stripe and spreading over side of neck. Nasal feathers smoky-
brown. Under parts ranging from soiled white to smoky-gray, with numerous black spots on
sides. Hanks, an<l crissum ; lateral tail-feathers perfectly barred with black and white in equal
amounts. 9 lacking red on crown. Small: length 7.00-7.50; extent 13.00 ; wing 3..50-4.00;
tail 2.7.5-3.00; bill 0.6G-0.87. Southwestern U. S., Texas to California, N. to Utah, Nevada,
and S. Colorado, and southward to the table lands of Mexico. Eggs 0.80 X 0.65. It is obvi-
ously impossible, iu the cases of these profusely spotted Woodpeckers, to frame a description
which will meet every case, without being too vague, or going into tedious particulars. The
foregoing, taken from Rio Grande specimens, covers the usual style of the species as found
along our southern border; but the student must not be surprised if I fail to account for every
spot of the particular specimen he has in hand. P. scalarii'i of former eds. of the Key, now
subspecifically distinguished from typical Mexican scalarix, which is smaller. P. bairdt ScL.
in Malherbe's Monog. Pic. i, 1801, p. I 18, pi. 27, figs. 7, 8; D. scalaris hairdi Kidgw. Man.
1887, p. 285; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 396. The
difference is so slight that the two are united by
the latest monographer of the family (HARdiTT,
Cat. Pic. Brit. Mus. 1890, p. 246) under the name
of Dcndrocopus scalaris.
D. s. luoasa'iius. (Of Cape St. Lucas.) St.
Lucas Woodpecker. A local race of scalaris.
Smoky-brown nasal tufts and style of head and
back as in that species. Lateral tail-feathers im-
perfectly barred and only toward end, as iu nuttalli.
Red of crown of ^ broken up anteriorly. Peculiar
in disproportionate size of bill and feet: bill 1. 10;
tarsus 0.75. Lower California. Picas liicasanas
Xantus, 18.59; P. scalaris liicasa)nis CoVKH, of
all previous eds. of the Key; iJri/obates scalaris
hicasaints Kiixiw. 1885; A. O. U. Lists, 1886-95,
No. '.VM\(i.
I>. uut'talli. (To Thos. Niittall. Fii:. .•{!»7.)
NrTT.\Li.'.s Wdohpecker. Similar, but niorr white, this jirevailing on back over the black
l)ars; nape chiefly white; nasal tufts bullish or white; lateral tail-feathers, especially, s|iaisc]y
Fio. 307
(From Elliot.)
NuttiiU's Wooilpccker, nat. size.
584
SYSTEM A TIC S YNOPSIS. — PICARI.E - PICI.
Fig. 398. — Hairy Woodpecker. (From The Osprey.)
PICIDyE — PICIN.E : WOODPECKERS.
585
or imperfectly barred. The Californian coast form, N. to Oregon, differing decidedly in some
respects, and constantly. Barring restricted to back proper; iiind neck black, succeeded ante-
riorly by a white space adjoining the red, wanting in scalaris, where red joins black. Red
chiefly confined to occiput ; rest of crown black, sprinkled with white. Lateral tail-feathers
white, not barred thn>ug]i()Ut, having but 1-.3 black bars, all beyond their middles, all but the
terminal one of these broken. White postocular stripe running into white nuchal area, but
cut off from white of shoulders. White maxillary stripe enclosed in black as in scalaris, but
tliis black continuous with the cervical black j)atch, which is not tlie case in scalaris. No
smoky-brown state of under parts observed. Picus scalaris nuttalli of all previous eds. of
Key, now raised to specific rank ; Driiohates nuttallii Ridgw. Proc. U. S. Xat. Mus. viii 1885
p. hiiH] A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. .397.
D. arizo'nae. (Lat. oi' Arizona.) ARIZONA Woodpeckkk. Entirely different from any of
the foregoing or following species. Adult ^: Upper parts dark brown, immaculate; toj) of
head, rump, and 4 middle tail-feathers darker; occiput with scarlet band. Sides of head with
white postocular and maxillary bands, expanded and more or less confluent on sides of neck.
Wiug-(piills like back, their outer webs with a few small white spots, inner webs with more
numerous larger white spots or broken bars. Outermost tail-feathers evenly barred through-
out with blackish-brown and white; intermediate feathers jtartly so banded, but mostly black-
ish. Entire under parts sordid whitish, thickly spotted with dusky; the markings few and
somewhat linear on throat, crowded and cordate on breast, wideuing and tending to become
bars (m lower belly, flanks, and crissum. Bill and feet blackish-plumbeous. Size of a small
rillostis; wing 4.50; tail 3.00; bill 1.12; tarsus 0.75; middle toe and claw 0.90. 9 similar:
no red on nape ; color of upper parts duller, and some feathers of middle of back barred with
white. Young: Like adults of the respective sexes; but top of head brown like back, and
spotted with red. A Mexican species, occurring in the mountains of S. W. New Mexico and
S. Arizona. Eggs 3 or more, indistinguishable from those of related species ; size about
0.84 X 0.02. P. stricMandi of the Key, 2d and 3d eds. 1884, 1887, p. 482, and Dnjohates
stricklundi of the A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 188G, No. 398, but not the true P. stricklumli of
Malhf.rbe, Rev. Zool. 1845, p. 373, with which erroneously identified by Ridgw. Proc. U. S.
Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, p. 355; P. amo«« Hargitt, Ibis, Apr. 1880, .p. 115; Dnjohates ari-
some Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 286; Coue.s, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, No. 398; Dendrocopus arizonce IIargitt, Cat. Pic. Brit. Mus. 18!)0, p. 228, where
Malherbe's plate (pi. 28,
hi,'- 4. of l:is Monog. Pic.)
and dcscr. of the ad. ^ of
]'. stricklandi is said to
have l)een taken from a
specimen of D. arizotuc in
the British Museum ; so
that our malidentification
was (piitc an easy mistake.
D. villo'siis. (Lat. vil-
lusKs, hairy, shaggy, vil-
lous. Figs. 398, 399.)
IIaikv Wgodi'Kckek.
(4ki;at (iriNEA Wood-
I'KCKKR. Spotted and
Irngthwisc streaked, but
not banded. Usually 9-10 long; outer tail-feathers wholly white. Back black, with a long
white stripe down the middle. Quills and tviug-corerts with a. pn>fusiou of white spots; usu-
Fio. 309. — Hiury WiM).l|)cc-ki>r, iiat. Hize. (Aii. nut. drl. E. C.)
586 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PICI.
ally 6-7 pairs on primaries, several on all secondaries, and one or more on each covert. Four
middle tail-feathers black ; next pair black and white ; next two pairs white, as stated. Under
parts white. Crown and sides of head black, with a white stripe over and behind eye ; an-
other from nasal feathers running below eye to spread on side of neck ; a scarlet nuchal band
in ^ , sometimes broken in two, wanting in 9 • Young with crown mostly red or bronzy, or
even yellowish. Eastern N. Am., common; accidental in England. Length usually 9.00-
10.00; extent 15.50-17.50; wing 4.50-5.00; tail 3.50; bill 1.12; whole foot 1.06. Varies
greatly in size, mainly according to latitude; birds of the dimensions just given constitute
typical rillosus of most parts of the U. S., directly connected on the one hand with the larger
northern D. v. leucomelas, on the other witli tiie smaller D. r. auduhoni. These facts have
long been known, and have been recognized in former editions of the Key by presenting the
species under the three phases called a. major, h. medius, and c. minor — terms now replaced by
more formal nomenclature of the two extremes, leaving the mean to stand as D. rillosus proper.
This species in the West shades directly into D. v. hyloscopns and D. v. harrisi, by disappear-
ance of the spots from the coverts and inner secondaries ; the change occurs on the eastern
slopes of the Rocky Mts. One of the common eastern U. S. Woodpeckers, but not so often
noticed as the little pubescens, as it is less familiar, and keeps more in the woods. Eesident
wherever occurring. Eggs 3-6, or 7, 1.00 X 0.75 to 0.85 X 0.65, Apr.-June.
D V. leucom'elas. (Gr. XevKos, leitkos, white, and /x«\af, melas, black.) Northern Hairy
WooDX'ECKER. Boddaert's WOODPECKER. Very large and hoary. Length up to 11.00 ;
wing over 5.00; tail nearly 4.00; whole foot 1.90; bill 1.50! Northern N. Am., from the
northern tier of the U. S. through British America to the Pacific in Alaska.
D. V. aud'uboni. (To J. J. Audubon.) SOUTHERN Hairy Woodpecker. Audubon's
Woodpecker. Very small and dark. Grading down to 8.00, thus within an inch of the
maximum of D. pubescens. South Atlantic and Gulf States, from N. Carolina and Tennes-
see to Louisiana and S. E. Texas.
D. V. hylos'copus. (Gr. vXoa-Konos, hidoscopos, watching over woodland, as the god Pan was
said to do, or as any forester does ; vXrj, hide, woods, and o-kottos, a watchman.) Rocky Moun-
tain Hairy Woodpecker. Cabanis' Woodpecker. Exactly like ctZZosws, excepting fewer
wing-spots and white lores ; generally none on coverts and inner quills ; with specimens enough
we can see the spots disappear one by one. Generally white below, but in some regions less
pure and immaculate, thus grading into D. v. harrisi, from which it was not separated in the
lst-3d editions of the Key. Size of average villosus. Western U. S. from the Rocky Mts. to
the Pacific, excepting the special range of 2). r. harrisi, and southward into Mexico. This is the
ordinary white-bellied " hairy " Woodpecker of wooded regions in most parts of the Western
U. S., as distinguished from the smoky-bellied harrisi of the N. W. coast region. Dryobates
hyloscopus, Cab. and Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, Pt. ii, 1863, p. 69 ; D. r. hyloscopns Brewst.
Auk, July, 1888, p. 252; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 393 d. P. v. hyloscopns CouES,
Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903.
D. V. montic'ola. (Lat. monticola, inhabitant of a mountain ; mons, gen. montis, a moun-
tain; colere, to cultivate, inhabit; incola, an inhabitant.) Rocky Mountain Hairy Wood-
pecker. Said to differ from D. r. hyloscopus in larger size, whiter under parts, and chiefly or
entirely black lores as in rillosus. Wing 5.20 ; tail 4.20. Alleged range in the Rocky Mts.
from New Mexico to Montana, and Uintah Mts. of Utah. D. r. montanus Anthony, Auk,
Jan. 1896, p. 32, changed to D. v. monticola Anthony, Auk, Jan. 1898, p. 54 ; A. 0. U. Suppl.
List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 1]0, No. 393 e.
D. V. har'risi. (To Edward Harris, friend of Audubon, and his companion on the memorable
Missouri River voyage of 1843.) CoLUiMBiAN Hairy Woodpecker. Harris' Wood-
pecker. Exactly like hyloscopus, in fewness or entire lack of white spots on the wing-coverts
and inner quills, but smoky-gray instead of white below, and sometimes acquiring a few thin
PICID.E — PICIN.E : WOODPECKERS.
b%l
black streaks on the sides Size of hijloscopus or average cillosiis. Pacific coast region, N.
Califoniia to S- Alaska, especially well marked in the Columbia River region and in British
Columbia. Picks harrisii Aud. 1839; P. o. harnsii Coves, Key, orig. ed. 1872, )>. ]!»4
(including hyloscopas), and of most later writers ;
Dryohates v. harrisii Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 28.'?
(including hyloscopus ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, No. 393 c (excluding hijloscopus).
D. pubes'ceus. (Lat. pubescens, coming to pu-
berty; i. e. hairy. Figs. 400, 401.) Uowny
Woodpecker. Little Guinea Woodpecker.
"Checkerboard." Usually 6-7 long; outer
tail-feathers barred with black and white. Ex-
actly like D. rillosus, except in these respects.
Length 6.00-7.00; extent 11.00-12.00; wing
3.50-4.00; tail under 3.00; bill about O.G(i;
whole foot 1.25. Eastern N. Am., common in
orchards, and all wooded places ; accidental in
England. Range substantially the same as that
of the Hairy Woodpecker, but in most U. S.
localities the more abundant of the two ; on the
whole rather more southerly; the most typical
form from the 8. Atlantic and Gulf states, at or
near minimum dimensions here given. To the
average bird of the eastern United States the
A. 0. U. now gives the name D. p. meclianus,
restricting pubescens proper to the small southern
form (see S\v. F. B. A. ii, 1831, p. 308; Brewst.
Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 82; A. 0. U. List, ibid., p. 120,
No. 394 c). This is the little spotted bird that bores the ajiple-trees so persistently; but it does
not ap|)ear to hurt them. There is no such difference in the character of the plumage as the
terms "downy" and "hairy" imply. Both these species are commonly called Sapsuckers, a
name that siiouKl be restricted to the species of Sphyropicus, and also Guinea Woodpeckers,
from the profusion of white spots as on the Guinea-hen
(Xumidd ntelenyris). The nest of the little Checker-
board may be found in a dead limb or trunk of any tree.
Eggs 3-6, 0.85 X 0.65 to 0.70 X 0,55, April-June.
D. p. nel'soiii. (To E. W. Nelson.) Northern
DdwxY Woodpecker. Nelson's Woodpecker.
Bearing same relation to D. pubescens medidnus that
h-ucomclits does to rillosus, being large ami hoary.
Alaska and northern British America. Orkimiolsek,
I'l. r. S. Nat. .Mus. xviii, 1895, p. 549; A. ( ». U.
."^uppl. List, Auk, Jan. I8!t7. ]>. 120, No. 394 d. (lu-
cluded under pubescens iu all fininer eds. of tlic Ki'V.)
I>. p. huiiiu'riis. (Gr. o/nopor, homoros, neighboring, bordering on ; ofios. homos, same, com-
riKin. joint, and opos, horos, boundary, limit.) RocKY Moi'NTAiN Downy Woodpeckkk.
Batchelder's Woodpecker. Bearing same relation to D. pubescens that hyloscopus does
to rillosus, having few or no sp<jts on coverts and inner quills; belly white, as in ])ubcsccns.
Rixky Mt. region of U. 8. and British Columbia and westward, but rarer than pubescens in
tile East and not found in some places where hyloscopus abounds ; types of the subspecies from
Fio. 400. — Downy Woodpecker.
Fio. 401. — Downy Woodpcikfr, nat size
(A.l. iiiit. del, E. C.)
688
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICA RLE — PIC I.
southern California; others from New Mexico and Colorado. This form has until lately l)een
included in the Key and otlier works uudevgairdneri; but it ofiers a case precisely parallel witli
that of hyloscopus as compared with harrisi. Pieiis gairdneri Auct. in part, of former eds. of
the Key. P. meridionaUs Heerm. nee Sw. D. homorus Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, pt. 2,
1863, p. 65. D. p. homorus Ridgw. Man. 2d ed. 1896, p. 597; A. O. U. Suppl. List, Auk,
Jan. 1897, p. 126; Dryobates p. oreoeeus Batch. Auk, July, 1889, p. 253; A. 0. U. List,
2d ed. 189.5, No. 394 b. Pieus p. oreoeeus Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903.
D. p. gaird'neri. (To Dr. Meredith Gairdner, a Scotch naturalist.) Columbian Downy
Woodpecker. Gairdner's Woodpecker. Bearing the same relation to D.pubescens that
harrisi does to villosus ; wing-spots few or wanting on inner quills and coverts ; belly smoky-
gray. Pacific Coast region of the United States and British Columbia. Picus gairdnerii And.
1839; P. pubescens gairdnerii Coues, Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 194 (including homorus), and
of most later writers ; Dryobates 2)- gairdnerii Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 283 (including homorus);
A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 394 « (excluding homorus) ; also, B. p.fumidus Maynard,
Orn. and Ool. Apr. 1889, p. 58.
XENOPI'CUS. (Gr. |eVos, xenos, rare, foreign.) Masked Woodpeckers. Form as in
Dryobates. Body uniformly black. Head white. Tongue but little more extensible than in
Sphyropicus ; its tip can be protruded less than an inch.
X. albolarva'tus. (Lat. alho, with white ; larratus, masked.) White-headed Wood-
pecker. Body not banded, streaked, nor spotted. Uniform black ; whole head white, in ^
with a scarlet nuchal band ; a large
patch of white on wing, formed by white
spaces on both webs of primaries, divided
only by their black shafts; on seconda-
ries connnonly resolved into a number
of blotches. Bill and feet plumbeous-
blackish. Iris red. 9 without red on
nape. Length 8.75-9.50; extent 15.75-
16.25 ; wing 5.00-5.25 ; tail 3.50. Moun-
tains of California, Oregon, Washington,
and southern British Columbia ; E. to
some portit)ns of Idaho and Utah, com-
mon in pine woods, ranging up to 9,000
feet or more, resident or imperfectly mi-
gratory. A remarkable species, unique
in coloration, and still more peculiar in
the little extensibility of the tongue,
which can be pulled out scarcely an
inch ; that of D. villosus, on the con-
trary, extending 2 inches or more beyond
end of bill. This species nests chiefly in
June, but from May to July, seldom at
any considerable height, often quite near
the ground; eggs 3-7, oftenest4, averag-
ing 0.95 X 0.70; with a variation of
0.15 in length.
PICOl'DES. (Lat. 2ncits, a wood-
pecker; Gr. fidos, eidos, resemblance.
Fig. 402.) Three-toed Woodpeckers. Three-toed: hallux (1st toe) absent, 4th toe re-
versed as usual in the family. Bill about as long as head, stout, straight, with bevelled end
Fig 402. — European Three-toed Woodpecker ( Picoides tri-
dactylus), J iiat. size ; }iardly distiuguishable in the cut from P.
americanus. (From Brehm. )
PICID.E—PICIN.E: WOODPECKERS.
589
and lateral ridges, aud nasal tufts hiding nostrils ; very broad and mucli depressed at base, with
lateral ridges very low d(nvn, in most of their length close to and parallel with commissure;
nostrils very near commissure ; gonys about as long as from nostrils to end of bill. Wings
very long and pointed; 1st quill spurious; 2d between 6th and 7tii in length. Crown with a
square yellow patch in $ ; sides of head striped, of body barred, with black and white ; under
parts otherwise wliite; quills but not coverts with white spots; tail-feathers unbarred, outer
white, central black. All the species of this genus are unfjuestionably modified derivatives of
one circumpolar stock; the American seem to have become completely differentiated from the
Asiatic and European, and furtiier divergence has perfectly separated arctieus from americanus ;
but dorsalis, alascensis, and americanus are still linked together.
Analysis oj Species anil Subspecies.
Back uniform black arctieus
Back with entirely interrupted lengthwise white stripe innericanus
Back with nearly or (juite uninterrupted lengthwise white stripe. Rocky Mts , U. S a. dorsalis
Back intermediate between the two foregoing. Alaska a. alascensis
P. arc'tieus. (Lat. arctieus, arctic. Fig. 403.) Black-backed Tiiimi - ioed Wodd-
I'ECKEK. Entire upper parts glossy
blue-black, with only a few white spots
])aired on wing-fiuills. Below, white
from hill to tail; side.-;. Hanks, and
lining of wings barred with black. A i
slight or concealed white postocular
strii)e (often wanting) and a side-stripe
on head from across forehead to neck, 1
cut off by black from white of under
parts. Four nii(l<Uo tail-feathers black,
rest white, but the intermediate one ^^^ ^^ '
usually touched with black. $ with a
square yellow patch on crown, wanting " '' ■*'>-
in 9- I>'11 i'lid feet blackish-plumbe- j .
ous; iris brown. Length 9.00-10.00; "-^ '.
extent 15.00-17.00; wing 5.00-5.r)0; ' M
tail 4.00; bill 1.25 or more. Xorthera > j
N. Am., S. in winter through most of «' '^•
New England and generally along the |
northern tier of U. S., casually to Con-
necticut, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, in
the mountains of the West to about 39°
in Nevada and California. Breeds all
through its regular range, which in- ' ^V**?/
chides the Ailirondacks of New York. ; /it
and is not S[)ecially marked in habits, ' ^'~' "
I'ut mainly affects coniferous forests. '
I'.ggs oftcne.st 4, in May and June, aver- \
auiiii: (».!».■> X 0.72.
I>. iiiiiei-iea'iius. (Of America.) L.\i)- ''^^
l>l".Ii-BACKEI> TllRKE-THEl) W(l()I>- Fio 403 — Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. (From The Osprey.)
I'ECKKU. Fpiier parts black, middle line white, more or less completely barred across with
black; general effect thus of a " ladder- back." All primaries and secondaries with paired
590 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PlCARl.E — PICl.
white spots or bars. Four middle tail-leathers black, others white, the intermediate one usu-
ally touched with black. Below, white from bill to tail ; sides. Hanks, and lining of wings
black-barred. A white postocular stripe to nape, and a larger white stripe from lore to side
of neck. ^ with a yellow square on crown, wanting in 9 > i" both, crown seldom uniform
black. J3ill and feet blackish-plumbeous; iris bro\A-n. Smaller than the last; length 8.00-
9.00; extent 14.00-16.00; wing 4.50-5.00; tail under 4.00; bill 1.25 or less; whole foot 1.50.
Northern N. Am. to the limit of large conifers, S. to Massachusetts and along northern tier
of states, less frequently than the foregoing, but breeds with it in the Adirondacks ; general
liabits the same ; eggs indistinguishable, averaging a trifle smaller, 0.92 X 0.70.
P. a. alascen'sis. (Lat. of Alaska.) Alaskan Three-toed Woodpecker. Resem-
bling the last; back more broadly barred with white, the bars more or less confluent; white
postocular stripe more distinct; dark bars of the sides narrower. Alaska, British Columbia,
and Washington. P. tridactijlus alascensis Nelsox, Auk, Apr. 1884, p. 165; P. americamts
alascensis Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, p. 355; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 880;
A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 162, No. 401 a.
P. a. dorsa'lis. (Lat. dorsalis, relating to dorsum, the back.) Pole-backed Three-toed
Woodpecker. In extreme case, back with an uninterrupted white lengthwise stripe, pro-
ducing the effect of a "pole-back," as in D. villosus for instance; this is produced by such
increase of white on ends of individual feathers that their black bases do not show, the subter-
minal black bars of P. americanus disappearing. Usually partly banded black and white, and
grading bar by bar into americanus. The amount of spotting on wings is about as in D. har-
risi — on primaries and secondaries, not on coverts. Size of americanus. Rocky Mt. region,
S. to New Mexico and Arizona, where it breeds, N. and N. W. indefinitely, inosculating with
other forms. Eggs 5 or fewer, indistinguishable, April-June.
SPHYROPI'CUS. (Gr. o-(/)Opa, sp/mra, a hammer; and Lat. jj?c?(s.) Sap-sucking Wood-
peckers. Bill about as long as head, not so stout and chisel-like as in the foregoing genera;
pointed, with little bevelling at extreme end only, and lateral ridges running obliquely into the
commissure at about its middle ; culmen and gonys both a little curved ; nasal tufts moderate.
Wing pointed by 4th primary ; 3d and 5th nearly as long; 2d between 6th and 7th ; spurious
1st very short. Tail-feathers long-acurninate. Outer hind toe little longer than outer front
one; inner hind toe extremely short. Plumage highly variegated with yellow and red. Sexes
unlike in S. vurius, extremely so in S. thyroideus, alike in S. ruber; such variation in this
respect among congeneric species being highly exceptional in the ftimily. Tongue scarcely
extensile; tip obtuse, brushy ; hyoid bones short. Birds of this remarkable genus feed much
upon fruits, as well as insects, and also upon sap and soft inner bark (cambium); they injure
fruit-trees by stripping off the bark, sometimes in large areas, instead of simply boring holes.
Of the several small species commonly called " sapsuckers," they alone deserve the name.
In declaring war against Woodpeckers, the agriculturist will do well to discriminate between
these somewhat injurious and the highly beneficial species.
Analysis 0/ Species and Subspecies (adnlls).
Sexes sub-similar. Belly yellowish oi' whitish. Rump black and white. Oblique white wing-bar.
Head fully striped. Breast witli black patch. Crown crimson ; cf throat crimson, $ wliite.
Crimson of (f throat strict ; no red band on nape. Belly yellowish. Eastern varius
Crimson of (J throat spreading ; additional red on nape. Belly whitish. Western v. nitchalis
Sexes similar. Whole head, neck, and breast, crimson or carmine. Pacific Coast ruber
Sexes very dissimilar. Belly clear yellow. Rump immaculate white.
Oblique white wing-bar. Head glossy black, striped with white. Throat crimson. No circumscribed black
breast-plate thi/rinilens (f
No wliite wing-bar. Head brown, without definite white or red. An Isolated black breast-plate. Most of the
body barred thyroideus 9
PICID.E — PICIX.E : WOODPECKERS.
591
Fig. 404. — Tellow-belUed Woodpecker, nat. size. (Ad. nat.
del. E. C.)
S. va'rius. (Lat. varius, variegated. Fig. 404.) Yellow-bellied AVoodpecker. Red-
THKOATED Sapsucker. Squealer. Crowu crimsdu, bordered all arouud witli black ; chin,
throat, and breast black, enclosing a large crimi^ou patch on the former (in (J; in 9 this patch
white) ; sides of head with a white line
starting from nasal feathers and dividing
black of throat fnjm a transocular black
stripe, this separated from black of crown
by a white postocular stripe; all tliese
stripes frequently yellowish. Under parts
dingy yellow, brownish and with sagittate
dusky marks on sides. Back variegated
with black and yellowish. Wings black
with a large oblique white bar on coverts ;
quills with numerous paired white spots
on edges of both webs. Tail black, most
of the feathers white-edged ; inner webs
of the middle pair, and upper coverts,
mostly white. Bill brownish ; feet green-
ish-plumbeous ; iris brown. Young birds
lack definite black areas of head and
breast, and crimson throat-patch, these parts being mottled gray ; but in any plumage the bird
is recognized by its yellotcness, diflercnt from what is seeu iu any other eastern species, and
broad white wing-bar, to say nothing of generic characters. Length 8.25-8.75; extent 15.00-
IG.OO; wing 4.80-5.20; tail 3.25. Eastern X. Am., common in most U. S. localities, as either
summer resident or migratory; in the interior X. to Gl^ or farther, X. W. to the borders of British
Columbia; in the U. S. west to the Dakotas, Xebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, and Texas;
S. in winter from Virginia to Central Am. and the West Indies : accidental in Greenland. The
Sapsucker breeds throughout the greater part of its X. Am. range, S. in the mountains of Xortii
Carolina and Tennessee; eggs 5-7, about 0.87 X 0.07, varying at least 0.10 in length; they
are mostly laid late in May and early in June. The hyoid bones are the sliortest of those
of any X. Am. species; the tongue is protrusible only about ^ inch beyond bill. This is the
true Sajisucker, which injures the orchardist, and brings the beneficial species of Dri/ohates
into disrepute.
S. V. nueha'lis. (Lat. »»c/io/i'.s, pertaining to «»c7io, the nape ; not classic.) XucHAL Wdod-
PECKEK. Ked-naped Sap.sicker. Like the last ; with an additional band of scarlet on
nape (where the white is seldom even tinged with red in <S'. varii(s) ; red throat-patch invading
the surrounding black, and 9 "'itli this patch at least iu part red ; all the yellowish variega-
tion very pale, almost white on belly (where varius is yellowest) : bill slaty-black (not brown-
ish). Rocky Mt. region, U. S., and British Provinces, W. to Sierras and Cascades; S. into
Mi'xico and Lower California; casually to Kansas and southern California. In S. rarius red
rarely spreads on uajje, and 9 seldom has any on throat. In S. r. nuchalis this extension ot
red is a stej) which culminates in S. ruber. The general habits, nest, and eggs are the same as
those of <S'. varius.
S. ruber. (Lat. r?<&er, red.) Red-brea.stei) Woodpecker. Adult ^9= Lik«^ tl •' ''^^t.
but whole head, neck, and breast carmine or crimson, in which the markings of rnrtus are
more or less completely dissolved, though usually traceable; iu the young, gray with a dull
reddish suffusion, as if the head had been dipped in claret wine. Size of the hist. Pacific Cojist
region, from S. Alaska to X. Lower California, and E. of the Ca.«cade range iu Oregon, W;uih-
iuL'ton. and British Columbia, resident southcriy, mi^'ratory northerly, altundant, especially iu
coniferous woods- A remarkable extreme, long supposed to be pt-rfectly distinct; the ^ now
692
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PICI.
knovvu to iiitergrade iu every degree with that of S. v. nuchalis. On the strength of this fact
the bird was rated as a subspecies, ^S*. v. ruber, in the 2d-4th eds. of the Key. But the sexes
are alike ; consequently there is no intergradation iu the 9 i and specific distinctness may be
formally declared on this score. The red of the head is only less complete than in Melanerpes
erythrocephalus, in full-feathered adults ; its tint, and extent on the breast, vary much. Nests
in deciduous trees, as well as conifers, and preferably live ones, excavating a hole 6 to 12
inches deep, with a small round opening, usually at considerable height ; eggs 5 or 6, averag-
ing 0.92 X 0.69, laid from the latter half of April to the middle of June in different latitudes or
at different altitudes.
S. thyroi'deus. (Gr. dvpeoetbr]s, thureoeides, Lat. thyroideus, shield-like; dvpeos, thureos, a
shield ; elBos, resemblance ; alluding to black plastron of 9- Figs. 405, 406.) Brown-headed
Woodpecker ( 9 ). Black-breasted Woodpecker ( 9 )• Red-throated Woodpecker
((?)• Williamson's Woodpecker ((J). Adult ^: Glossy black, including all the tail-
feathers. Belly gamboge yellow. A nar-
row scarlet patch on throat. Upper tail-
coverts, broad oblique bar on wing-coverts,
postocular stripe, stripe from nostrils below
eye and ear, and small, iu part paired,
spots on quills, white. Lining of wings,
sides of body, Hanks, and crissum varied
with white, leaving the black in bars and
cordate spots. Bill slate-color ; mouth
pinkish, feet greenish-gray, claws black,
iris dark reddish-brown. Length 9.00-
9.50; extent 16.00-17.00; wing 5.00-
5..50; tail 3.75; bill 0.90; whole foot
1.67. Adult 9: Altogether different ; only
upper tail-coverts white and belly yellow
as in ^ ; only continuously black in a
shield-shaped area of varying extent on breast. Otherwise, entire body, including wing-
coverts, inner secondaries and most tail-feathers, closely and regularly barred crosswise with
black and white, or brownish-wliite (most
brownish on body, quite white on wings and
tail). Whole head uniform hair-brown, in-
vaded more or less with the variegation of the
body, sometimes with traces of the postocu-
lar stripe of ^, and sometimes touched with
red on throat. Quills more heavily white-
spotted than in ^, the spots paired on all
the feathers, changing to bars on the inner
ones. Two or three intermediate tail-feath-
ers black, but middle and one or two outer
pairs barred. Size of the ^. The extraor-
dinary sexual differences long kept thyroi-
deus and '■'■ williamsoni^^ apart in the books
as perfectly distinct species ; especially as
they begin with the first featherings, fledg-
lings in the nest showing the opposite patterns perfectly. Young (J: Like adult ; no red in
white throat-patch; belly merely yellowish; tail varied with white. Young 9- Like adult,
but whole head, neck, and breast banded with dusky and gray, conformable with the general
Fig. 405. — Browu-headed Woodpecker ( $), nat. size.
nat. del. E. C.)
(Ad.
Fig. 400. — Red-throated Woodpecker ( (f ), nat. size
(Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
PICID.E- PICIX.E: WOODPECKERS. 593
variegation of body. The best ? ? are those with cleanest brown head and -most black breast.
Though the general eflPect of this beautiful Woodpecker is so peculiar, in each sex, the colora-
tion is referable to tlie pattern of *S'. varius. In both, yellow belly, red throat ($), white
upper tail-coverts, spotted (juills, varied Hanks and crissum, stripes on head, black breast (only
circuiMscribcd in 9), white oblique wing-bar (only developed in ^), variegation of inner web
of middle tail-feather ( 9 and young ^) ; general variegation of back of varius repeated in 9 ,
while gray head of young varius is met by brown head of 9 thyroukus. The identity of the
sexes was not established till 1873; the 9 was first discovered, and named thyroideus in 18.")l ;
the $ was described as wiUiamsoni in 18.57, as rubrigularis in 1858. Rocky Mts. to the Pa-
cific, U. S. and British Columbia, S. into Mexico, migratory northerly, resident southerly,
chiefiy in the pine-belt, of winch it is one of tlie characteristic s|)ecies, like Lewis' Wood-
])ecker, ("lark's Crow, Stellcr's Jay, and other birds; al)un(lant in favorable localities up to
1(),()()() feet. Nest in dead wood, usually coniferous, at little or great height indifferently;
eggs 3-7, oftenest 5 or 6, averaging 0.97 X 0.07, with a range of 0.12 difference in length.
This extremely interesting bird has been referred to no fewer than 6 genera — Ptcus, Piluumus,
Centurus, Colnptes, Melanerpes, and Cladoscopus — besides its own. It is strictly a Sphyro-
picus, witii little extensible, brushy, and obtuse tongue, and feeds on juices of trees, as well as
insects and berries.
CENTU'RUS. (Gr. Kevrpov, kentron, a priclde; ovpd, onrn, tail ; l)ut the species not sharper-
tailed than other Woodpeckers.) Zebka WoodI'KCKEI^s. Bill about as long as head, ccjin-
pressed, little bevelled or truncate at end, with decidedly curved culnien ; lateral ridges near
culmen, subsiding before reaching end of bill; nasal tufts moderate, partly concealing nostrils.
Outer hind toe shorter than outer anterior one. Wings and tail ordinary. Sexes alike, except
less or no red on head of 9 • " Ladder-backed ; " back and wings, except larger quills, closely
banded with black and white; primaries with large white blotches near base, and usually a
few smaller spots; Ixdow, immaculate, except sagittate black marks on flanks and crissum;
i>elly tinged with red or yellow; 9-10 long; wing about 500; tail about- 3.50. In these
characters, exhibited i)y our species, the genus only differs from Melanerpes in pattern of color-
ation, and is reduced to a subgenus thereof by the A. 0. U. This is technically defensible ;
but for my purposes the two genera are most conveniently kept apart. (For A. 0. U. nomen-
clature substitute Melanerpes for Centurus for three following species.)
Analysis oj Species.
Belly reddening ; no yellow about head , (f whole crown red ; 9 nape red. Eastern US carnlinus
Belly yellowing; (f crownepot red ; $ no red on head.
Front and nape yellow ; rump entirely white ; tail almost entirely black. Texas aiirijinns
No yellow on head ; rump and tail much barred with black and white . ttropi/ijialis
C. earoli'iiiis. (Of Carolina. Fig. 407.) Hkd-hkllikd Woodpixkkr. Zfhk.\-hii:i).
Whole crown, nasal plumules, and nape scarlet in ^J; nape scarlet in 9> the crown b«'ing
ashy-gray- Sides of head, ami under parts, grayish-white, usually with a yellow shade, red-
denuKj I iw the belly; tail black, one or two outer feathers white-barred; mner web uf central
feathers whiter with i)lack spots, outer web of the same black with a white space next the shaft
for most of its length ; white predominating on rump. Bill and feet dusUy |)ltiinbeous. Iris
red. Larue; l.iiirth nearer 10.00 than 9.00; extent 1«?. 50-17. .")(); wing .5.00-5.50; tail .3..5()-
4.(K); bdl over 1.00; 9 smaller. Varies much in size; southi-rn specimens smaller than
iiortliern. Youn>; of each sex reseml)le the ailnlts suffieiently to be unmistakable, though the
markings are not well defined; red of head indistinct; belly rather biiffy than reddish. East-
ern IT. S., somewhat southerly, rarely N. to Massachusetts and Ontario, but reijularly reachint;
some portions of New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and S. Dakota: W. to Iowa.
Kansas, Nebraska, Indian Territory, some parts of Texas, and ba.se of Hocky Mts.; southerly
3»
594
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PICI.
resident, less so northerly, where migratory for the most part, though occasionally seen in
winter throughout its regular range; breeds throughout, from late April to early June ; nest
high or low, in dead wood, preferably of deciduous trees, sometimes conifers; eggs 3-6, usu-
ally 4 or 5, 1.00 X 0.72, ranging in length from 0.90 to 1.05, and in breadth from O.Gfi
to 0.70.
C. au'rifrons. (Lat. aurum, gold ; frons, forehead.) Yellow-fronted Woodpecker.
Somewhat similar to the last: heWy yelloicish, not reddish; rod of head in ^ confined to a
crown-patch, in 9 wanting. Forehead
and nasal plumes golden-yellow ; nape
with a golden, orange, or reddish band
(in both sexes, besides the scarlet crown-
patch of J). Ladder-rungs of back nar-
row, numerous, and distinct. Head and
under parts clear ashy-gray, very different
from the smoky-gray of uropygiaUs ; belly
yellowish ; flanks and crissum whitish,
varied with black. Upper tail-coverts
white, not barred. Middle tail-feathers
entirely black ; outermost not entirely
barred ; next black or only touched with
white. Bill and feet bluish-black. Iris
red. Length 9..50-10.50 ; extent 16.50-
17.50; wing 5.00-5.50 ; tail 3.25-3.75;
bill 1.30. 9 differs as said. Young $ :
Distinctively like adult; nearly all the
crown bronzy-red; nasal plumes not yel-
low, nape dull yellowish; a few thin
streaks of dusky on breast. Texas and
southward ; resident and very abundant
in suitable localities on the Lower Rio
Grande. Habits not peculiar. Nest often
in telegraph-poles. Eggs 4-7. usually 5 or 6, 1.00 X 0.75, laid in April and May.
C. uropygia'lis. (Gr. ovpoTrvyiov, ovropugion, Lat. xiropygium, the rump ; banded in this
species, not white as in aurifrons.) Gila Woodpecker. Saguaro Woodpecker. Head
all around and entire under parts fulvous-gray ; front and nape not notably different ; middle
of belly yellowish ; flanks and crissum whitish with black bars and cordate spots ; middle of
crown crimson m ^. Back, rump, up})er tail-coverts, wing-coverts, and inner quills closely
and regularly banded with black and white, latter not pure on dorsal region. Primaries black-
ish, not regularly barred or spotted like inner quills, but slightly white-tipped and edged, and
with large white blotches at base, of irregular shapes and tending to resolve into sets of
smaller spots. Middle pair of tail-feathers black, with long white shaft-space on outei web,
on inner web white with black bars and spots ; intermediate tail-feathers black ; outermost
regularly barred with black and white; next to outermost thus barred at end only. Bill
blackish ; feet plumbeous. Size of the others, or rather less. 9 without red on head. A
peculiar species, abounding in tlie valley of the Gila and Lower Colorado, and southward,
where it nests usually in the giant cactuses or saguaros (Cereiis giganteus). The range of
these strange arborescent plants, so singularly suggestive of colossal candelabras, seems
closely coincident with that of the bird which makes its home in them. It extends up the
Colorado to Fort Mojave at least, doubtless reaching S. Nevada, and probably touching
the S. W. corner of Utah ; up the Gila to S. W. New Mexico ; is common also in some parts
Fig. 407. — Red-bellied Woodpecker, reduced
del. Nichols sc. )
(Sheppard
PICID.E—PICIN.E : WOODPECKERS.
595
of Lowor California, and extends in W. Mexico to Aguas Calieutes and Jalisco. Eggs 3-5,
0.97 X 0.70 on an average, Mith the usual range of variation, thus indistinguishable from
those of several other species ; laid April and May-
3IELANEK'PES. (Gr. /x«'Xay, melas, black ; (pnrjs, herpes, a creeper.) Tricolor Wood-
peckers. Bill about as long as head, depressed at base, coni|)ressed beyond, cuhncn and
gonys ridged but curved throughout, sides of upper mandible distinctly ridged but a little way,
end of bill pointed with little bevelling; nasal tufts small, not concealing nostrils. Outer
posterior and anterior toes of equal lengths. Wings pointed by 3d, 4th, and 5th quills; 2d
shorter than (ith; 1st spurious. Plumage lustrous and "broad" in coloration, with bhick,
white, and red in masses, little or not spotty or streaky. Sexes alike and young different, or
sexes unlike and young similar. Our two species are very different, requiring no analysis of
their characters.
31. erythroce'phalus. (Gr. ipvOpos, cruthros, red ; KecfyaXrj, kephale, head. Fig. 408.) Red-
iiE.\i>i:i) Woodpecker. Tricolor. Adult ^ 9 : Beautifully tricolor with " the red, white,
and blue.'' Back, wings, and tail glossy blue-black ; seconda-
ries, upper tail-coverts, under wing-coverts, under parts from
breast, and ends of some outer tail-feathers, white. Whole
head, neck, and fore breast crimson, usually black-bordered
where adjoining the white. The white of wings and rump is
pure; that of belly usually tinged with ochraceous or reddish;
the white quills have black shafts. The red feathers are stiff'-
ish and simiewhat bristly in their colored portions. The gloss
is sometimes green instead of blue. Bill and feet dusky horn-
color. Iris brown. Length 8..)0-9..50; extent 16.00-18.00;
wing 5.00-5.50; tail 3.50; bill 1.00-1.12; wh(de foot l.()7.
Young J 9 '■ Ked {)arts of adult, gray, streaked with dusky ;
the red appears m irregular patches. Feathers of back and
wing-coverts skirted with light gray, and mixed with concealed
whitish, in bars. Primaries and tail-feathers tipped and edged
with white. White of secondaries broken with black bars or
spots. At a very early age, wh<de under parts streaked with
dusky much like the head, but these parts whiten before the
head reddens. Eastern U. S. and British Provinces, irregularly
rare or common northerly, abounding in most U. S. k)calities pio. 408. — Red-headed Wood-
except New England ; common N. to 49° along Red River of the pecker, reduced. (Si.eppard del.
,.,,,,'.,,., . TT 1 . ■ , Nichols sc. )
iSorth; W. to Kocky Mts., sometimes to Utali, Arizona, and
California; migratory in most sections, yet also resident to some extent throughout its range,
being seen in the dejtth of winter even along our northern border — it is a bundle ot contradic-
tions 111 this and most other respects. A very familiar bird, in orchards and gardens as well as lu
woods, conspicuous as a gay tricolor banner, and a great genius, no less brilliant and versatile
III character than in plumage — very accomplished, of endless resources, with tricks and man-
ners enough to liil tlie rest of this volume with good reading matter! Feeds much ou acorus,
nuts, iierries, an<l various fruits as well as upon insects ; sometimes lays up a store, like tlio
Caiifornian Woodpecker, and to some extent is cannilialistic. Nest anywhere in wood, pref-
erably th(; blasted toj) of a tree, tiug to a depth of a few inches or two feet, with a round hole
too small to admit the hand Fggs 4-8, usually 5 or <!. averaging 1.00 X 0.75, Itut vt-ry
variaide, glossy and roundish as usual in the family, in most of its range laid late in May and
< arly in June. Twtj luoods southerly.
M. fonnlci'vorus. (Lat. /o/»/((vf, an ant; roro, I devour. Fii;. 409.) Ant-k.vtino Wood-
I'l.iKKR. Arizona Acor.n Woodpecker. Adult ^ 9 • Glossy blue-black ; rumj), bases
696
S YSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — PICI.
of all qnills, edge of wing, and under parts from breast, white ; sides M'ith sparse black
streaks; forehead squarely white, continuous with a stripe down in front of eyes and thence
broadly encircling throat, there becoming yellowish ; this cuts off completely the black around
base of bill and on chin; crown in $ crimson from the white front, in 9 separated from
the white by a black interval ; frequently a few red leathers in the black breast-patch, which
is not sharply defined behind, but changes by streaks into the white of belly (in this respect
approaching the S. Mexican form called striaUpectus, in which the black area is entirely
broken up into streaks). Bill black ; eyes white, often rosy, creamy, yellowish, milky, bluish,
or brown. Young not particularly different, but have the head-markings less defined, the red
bronzy, and at an early age over the whole crown of both sexes ; black parts less pure; black
streaks of sides blurred. In 9 , the succession of white, black, and red on crown is very sharp
and square ; the white frontlet and black coronal areas, taken together, are broader lengthwise
than the red occipital bar. In some
specimens of either sex, the secondaries
are edged and tipped with white. The
gloss is sometimes rather green than
blue. Length (average of J" 9 ) 9.50;
extent 18.00 ; wing about 5.50 ; tail
3.75. My measurements of many Ari-
zona specimens in the flesh show no
adult under 8.80 long X 17. 00 in ex-
tent, ranging thence up to ^ 9.90 X
18.70, with no ccmstant difference be-
tween the sexes; the bill ranges from
0.87 to 1.12, averaging 1.00 for both
sexes and all ages. Southwestern U. S.,
from W. Texas through New Mexico
and Arizona, to contiguous parts of California E. of the Sierras Nevadas, and S. into Mexico,
common resident. This is not particularly a bird of oak woods ; I found it abundant in the
pineries about Fort Whipple, where it breeds. Eggs about 1.00 X 0.75. M. formicivorus of
the Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 197, reverted to by the A. 0. U. in Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 120, No.
407. M. formicivorus bairdt of the Key, 2d-4th eds., 1884-90, p. 489, and of A. 0. U. Lists,
1886-95, No. 407, in part (includes this form and the next). 31. f. nculeatus Mearns, Auk,
July, 1890, p. 249 ; see Auk, Jan. 1891, p. 88, and Ridgw. Man. 2d ed. 1896, p. 597. This
means that all the U. S. birds combined were wrongly separated from the typical Mexican
bird; whereas the distinction is to be made between the latter and the California Coast bird, as
follows :
M. f. bairdi. (To S. F. Baird.) Baird's Woodpecker. Californian Acorn Wood-
pecker. Like the last, throat more decidedly yellowish ; black breastplate more solid for a
considerable area; averaging slightly larger, the bill especially longer and stouter. Length av-
eraging over 9.50 and extent over 18.00; wing nearly 6.00; tail 4.00; bill 1.12-1.40. Pacific
Coast region, abundant in California and N. to 44° in Oregon, mostly confined to areas W. of
Sierras Nevadas and Cascade Range, but occasionally E. of latter in Oregon ; N. Lower Cal.
Particularly a bird of the oak belt ; acorns are its principal food, and it is noted for the habit of
sticking them in little holes that it digs for the purpose, till whole branches are often studded
m this curious manner. It nests preferably in oaks but also in other trees ; eggs 4, 5 or more,
April-June, averaging L 10 X 0.90, and thus rather larger than those oi formicivorus proper, but
indistinguishable. The general manners and bearing of all the forms of this species are most
like those of our common Red-headed Woodpecker. (Synonymy as above indicated ; also M.
f. melanopogon Temm., of Hargitt.)
Fig. 409. — Californian Woodpecker, nat. size.
E. C. (Bill at a minimum.)
(Ad. nat. del.
PICIDJE. — PICINJE : WOODPECKERS.
597
M. f. angus'tifrons. (Lat. angustus, unvrow, straitened ; frons, forehead.) Narrow-
FKONTED Woodpecker. The white t'nmlal har narrower; bill somewhat diflVreutly shaped.
In the 9 the white froutal bar is narrower than the succeeding black coronal bar, and b(.th
together are narrower tlian the red occipital bar; iu botli sexes the frontal bar is hardly over
0.:25 in length. Tiiroat decidedly yellowish, and this color also tingeing the forehead iu some
cases; pectoral black plate more broken up in streaks than in bairdi, abont as m formicivorus
proper. Rather small, Wke formicivorus ; wing averaging under 5.50, but bill relatively large,
about 1.20. Cai)e region of Lower California.
ASYNDESMUS. (Gr. a privative, avv, sun, together; dtafnk, 'A.sv»o.s-, a bond; alluding to
loosened texture of feathers of certain parts.) Hulstlk-hklliku Woodpeckek.s. liill
almost colaptine in general aspect,
but with short distinct lateral ridges
as in Melanerpes ; as long as head,
rather longer tlian tarsus, not
Ijj'oader tlian high at base, com-
pressed and somewhat (!urved toward
end; pointed with scarcely any lat-
eral bevelling, culmen curv(;d and
scarcely ridged ; gonys straight.
Wings of excessive length, folding
nearly to end of tail, and peculiar in
proportion of primaries: 4th quill
longest, .'id and 5th al)out equal and
shorter than 2d. Inner anterinr
claw reaciiing little beyond base of
outer anterior. Feathers of under
parts and of a nuchal collar with the fibrillie of their colored portions enlarged in calibre,
bristly, of silicious hardness, loosened and disconnected, being devoid of barbicels and hook-
lets. Dorsal plumage compact, of intense
metallic lustre. Feathers of face soft and
velvety. Sexes alike, young different. I
named this genus in 1866; it is a good
one, as genera go now ; I coiitinue to
uphold it, as in former eds. of tiie Key,
1872-90; so does the latest monographer
of the Picidce (Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xviii, 1890, p. 187), who disallows
even subgeneric difference of Cc)tti(n(s
from Melunerpes. (Subgenus of Mela-
)H'rj)es, A. O. V. Lists.)
A. torqiia'tiis. (Lat. torquatits, collared.
I'igs. 410, 411.) Lkwis' Wdodpkckf.r.
COLLARICI) WiKil«PI.( Kf.i;. .Vdult (^ 9 '•
l'pi>er parts, including wings and tail,
Hanks and cri.ssum, green-black with in-
ii'iise bronzy lustre, especially on back —
tliis iridescence almost like tiiat of Qiiisca-
liis leueus. Face dark criinstm, in u patch
of velvety feathers around bill and eyes.
A narrow distinct collar around back of neck, and breast, hoary bluish-gray, gradually briglit-
FiG. 410. — Lewis' Woodpecker, nat. .size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
Lewis' Wooilpecker, reduced. (Slicppard del.
598
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PI CARLE — PICI.
ening behind ou imder parts to iutense rose-red or lake, delicately pencilled in hair lines with
hoary-gray. No white on wings or tail, their under surfaces simply black. Bill blackish ; feet
greenish-plumbeous. Iris brown. Length J U.OO- 11.00 ; extent 20.00-22.00 ; wing 6.50-7.00 ;
tail 4.50; bill 1.20. Young: Little lustre at first, but this soon appears, before any red. Little
or no trace of hoary collar or crimson mask ; face sooty-black ; throat and breast mixed fuscous
and gray, changing ou belly to sooty-black, tinged or slashed here and there with red. The
hoary and lake-red are established with the feathers that are of the bristly character above de-
scribed. A remarkable bird, inhabiting wooded mountainous parts of the West, especially the
pine- belt. Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, U. S. and adjoining British Provinces of Alberta and
British Columbia ; E. regularly to the Black Hills of S. Dakota, casually to Kansas ; it was
discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition near Helena, Mont., Sat., July 20, 1805. It is
found with Clark's Crow and Steller's Jay ; is wild and wary like the Pileated Woodpecker,
but a much less noisy and more sedate bird than most of the tribe ; keeps high up in trees,
and in fiying looks more like a Crow than a Woodpecker. Its aerial excursions are very
conspicuous, especially when it is foraging for insects like a Flycatcher ; in ordinary flight it
winnows the air steadily, in direct courses, unlike the cycloidal curves made by most W(Kjd-
peckers, which almost close the wings as they loop along. It is resident, or only migratory from
extremes of its range in latitude or altitude ; I have observed it in summer from Montana to
Arizona. Nidification is not peculiar; coniferous trees are commonly selected for excavation,
which may be made to a depth of two feet or more, with a hole that hardly admits the hand.
The eggs are laid in May and June, 5-9 in number, usually 6-8, averaging about 1.05 X 0.80,
but ranging iu length from 0.95 to 1.15, and in breadth from 0.65 to 0.85. M. torquatiis,
A. 0. U. Lists.
COLAP'TES. (Gr. KoXanTT^s, kokipfes, a chisel, hammer.) Gilded Woodpeckers. Flick-
ers. Bill about as long as head, slender and weak for this family, without any lateral ridges
or bevelling, pointed with-
out truncation ; culinen and
commissure curved, gonys
nearly straight, only about
half as long as culmen ;
nostrils not concealed by
the slight nasal tufts ; cul-
men and gonys, hctwever,
both ridged. Outer poste-
rior toe shorter than outer
anterior ; inner posterior toe
very short. Wings long,
pointed by 3d to 6th quills ;
2d shorter than 7tli ; 1st
about I the 2d. Tail length-
ened. Sexesgenerally alike,
but distinguishable by posi-
(Ad. nat. del. EC) .. , i . , ,
tive marks about head.
Plumage highly variegated and very showy. Under parts with numerous circular black spots
on a pale ground. A large black pectoral crescent. Rump snowy-white. Back, wing-coverts,
and innermost quills brown with an olive or lilac shade, and thickly barred with black ; quills
and tail black, excepting as l)elow stated; red or black cheek patches in ^, wanting in ?.
About 12.00 long; wing about G.OO; tail 4.50. A beautiful genus, of several American spe-
cies, besides those of North America.
Fig 412.
Flicker, nat size.
PICID.E — PICIN.E : WOODPECKERS.
599
Analysis of Species and Subspecies or Variations.
tj Black moustaches and red nape. Rump snowy-white.
Wings and tail golden- yellow underneath ; belly yellowish ; back olivaceous-brown ; throat lilac-brown ; cap ashy.
Eastern N A auratus and luleiis
[Characters mixed in every degree between the foregoing and next following. Upper Missouri and Rocky Mt.
regions ayresi]
(f Red moustaches and no red on nape. Rump snowy or slightly pinkish white
Wings and tail orange-red underneath ; belly not yellowish ; back brownish ; throat ashy ; cap lilac-brown. Wing
6.50; bill 1.50.
Back lighter brown. The stock form of Western N. A mezicanus
Back darker brown. The dark form of the N. W. coast region m. saturatior
Wings and tail bricky-red underneath ; rump soiled whitish ; belly not yellowi.sh ; back brownish ; throat ashy ; cap
cinnamon-brown. Wing G.OO ; bill l.(K). Guadalupe Island riifipileits
Wings and tail golden-yellow ; belly hardly yellowish ; back umber-brown ; throat ashy , cap cinnamon-brown. Wing
hardly GOO ; bill \M).
Back ligliter bro^v^l. The stock form of Southwestern N. A chrysoiiles
Back darker brown. The dark form of some parts of Lower California c. bruniiescens
Obs. It will be noted how curiously these species are distinguished mainly by different combinations of common
characters.
C. aura'tus. (L;it. auratus, gulden, gildccl. Figs. 412. 41:}.) Goldex-wixgei) Wood-
pecker. Yellow-shafted Woodpecker. Pigeon Woodpecker. Flicker. Yucker.
Yarup. Wake-up. Clape. High-hole. High-holder. Yellow-hammer. Back
and exposed surfaces of wing-coverts and secondaries olive-
brown witli numerous black bars. Kunip snowy-white;
upper tail-coverts white, mixed with black. Primaries
blackish, with golden shafts, and glossed with golden un-
derneath, at their bases paler and more tawny yellow.
Tail-feathers above black, their shafts and under surfaces S- " ■>,
golden, blackened at ends, the outermost with a few touches
of yellow or white. Top nf liead, with back and sides of ^^•^
neck, ash, with a scarlet nuchal band (in both sexes).
Sides of head, whole chin, throat, and fore-breast lilac- «P^w*'f *- *
brown, with broad black cheek-patches, these " mous- mm^k^'^'k^.
taches wanting usually in the 9 » exceptionally showing M|^&rfVM -v '.^ U.
red touches in the $. A broad black pectoral semilune. ^HB^Br-LV irfSf^'i'^
r)ther under parts shading fnun a lighter shade of color of ^^^^^|F^ Uj-' ^4iwC^' "" > \\
breast into creamy- yellow, nuirked with numerous circular l^^BlElfi '^ ridtmM ' ■■ ■^•^ ^^ .',
black spots. Hill and feet dark plumbeous. Iris brown.
Length 12.00-13.00; extent 1800-21.00, usually about ^Pnir^JPHPfS^": ' ' /
20.00; wiuii 5.75-6.2.5; tail 4. .50; bill 1.25-1.50; whole BiH/f.*!*'
fiot 2. .■{:{. Young similar: more red on head. Eastern l^Bw/ ^i* v, . i
X. .\m.; \. to Labrador, Hudson's Bay, etc., and farther ^^HmP^ I'V^ .' V/
X. \V. to the Arctic circle; casual in California; a(^ci- ^Btj^ ■^''\' (
dental in Greenland and Europe; in the West regularly to
the Great Plains. l)Ut in the easternmost foothills of the
Rocky Mts. meeting and mixing with C. mc.ricanus (see
ni-xt article). The species keeps pretty pure to the Upper
.Missouri, wiiere adulterated with mexicanns ; pure to the
Pacific in Alaska. The first deviation is appearance of red ——■»
feathers in black maxillary patches ; these increase till they wBRtf; aJ(Mk
prevail, finally to exclusion of black, resulting in the wholly fio. 413. — Golden- wing««d Woodpecker,
re.l patch of meximnus. With this change occurs diminu'- » ""'• """• <'''°'" """'""■'
tion ami final extinction of tlic scarlet nuchal crescent ; when, coincidently, wp find the cliar-
acteri.stic golden-yellow on wings and tail passing through an intermeiliule tiraugo into the red
600 S YS TEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARIAi — PI CI.
of C- mexicanics, a change accompanied with another affecting the peculiar lilac-hrown of
throat and olive-brown of back, which become respectively ashen and purplish-gray. One
of the most abundant and best-known species of the family, in any woodland, sometimes for-
aging for food in open country far from trees : a great ant-eater and berry-|)icker. A lively
bird, of sunny temperament, like its feathers, faithful and devoted, assiduous and successful in
domestic affairs, and a good housekeeper. The bill of the Flicker is not so strong a "hammer
and tongs " as that of most Woodpeckers, and the bird excavates sound wood for a nest less
extensively than those of other genera ; it generally takes advantage of natural holes in de-
cayed trees, stumps, posts, etc., and sometimes selects very odd nooks — it is known to have
burrowed even a haystack, and has nested within buildings. Eggs 5-9, usually 6 or 7 ; under
exceptional circumstances 18 to 23 have been taken from one hole; a case is recorded of 19
young birds in good order in one nest; and another in which systematic robbery induced one
bird to lay 71 eggs in 73 days! The eggs average 1.10 X 0.85, with extremes of 1.20 X
0.90 and 0.97 X 0.82 in a series of 196 measurements (Bendire).
C. a. lu'teus. (Lat. lutetis, yelhtwish, luteous.) Northern Flicker. This name desig-
nates northerly specimens of the common Flicker, with those who wish to restrict the name
auratus to S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast specimens. Eange given as from N. Carolina north-
ward, west to the Rocky Mts., and occasional on the Pacific slope from California northward.
Bangs, Auk, Apr. 1898, p. 177: A 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. HI, No. 412a.
[C. ayresi (AUD.). C. hybridus (Bd.). C. aurato-inexicaiius (Sund.). Ayres' Wood-
pecker. Hybrid Flicker. Yellow-and-red-shaftkd Flicker. A species, subspe-
cies, varietv, race, strain, hybrid, or transitional form, in wliich the respective characters of
C. auratus and C mexicanus are blended in every conceivable degree in different specimens.
Moustaches red or black, or partly both, on one or both sides of the body, and present or ab-
sent in the 9 ; red moustaches present with yellow wings and tail, or black ones with red
wings and tail. Red nuchal crescent present or absent ; present in connection with red wings
and tail. Either of the foregoing features concurrent with ashy or with lilac brown throat;
either color of throat coincident with yellow or with red wings and tail. Wings and tail gilded
on some of the feathers, rubricated (m others on one or both sides. Such Flickers prevail
widely in the Rocky Mountain region, in some parts to the exclusion of birds showing the
proper characters of either species. The case is unique in ornithology, and has proved refrac-
tory to the machinery of zoological classification — tot homines, tot sententice. It was first
brought to light in 1843, when Audubon found tlie birds he subsequently named C ayresii at
old Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellowstone river, on l\\e Miss(juri, at the present border
between North Dakota and ]Montana; I liave read in liis manuscript, penned on the spot, his
naive expressions of amazement at a phenomenon which has served to pique curiosity and
complete perplexity from that day to tliis. But to me it seems a simple case of hybridization
on a grand scale, with reproduction of fertile offspring sharing the characters of both parents,
and perpetuating their mixed kind, no doubt with repeated or continuous infusion of pure blood
from each side of the house. But so remarkable a result of interbreeding or intergradation should
not be ignored, as it is in the A. 0. U. List ; and I see no objection to giving it a name. No
one objects to the term Canis familiaris for the domestic dog, which is certainly a composite
product of various canine ancestry.]
C. mexica'nus. (Of Mexico.) Red-shafted Woodpecker. Mexican Flicker. Back,
rump, and upper surfaces of wings and tail as in C auratus, but a different shade of color, a
faintly reddish replacing the olivaceous tinge of the common brownish ground-color. Wings
and tail of the same pattern, but the auration replaced by rubefaction, the under surfaces being
thus orange-red or even vermilion, instead of golden-yellow. Top of head like the throat of
C. auratus, but more cinnamon than lilac-brown, especially on the forehead ; no occipital red
crescent in either sex. Throat and sides of head and neck clear ash, with scarlet maxillary
PICW.E — PIClXyE: WOODPECKERS. 601
patches in ^, the position of wliich may he indicated in the 9 by brown patches. A black
pectoral seniilune, as in others of this genus. Under parts very pale lilac- brown, fading to
whitish on tlie belly, marked with numerous round black spots. Bill blackish- slate ; feet dark
]ihimbeous. Iris brown. Size oi aitnttits, or ratlier larger; length sometimes up to 14.00 ;
wing up to 7.00; tail to 5.00; bill about 1..30. Western X. Am., mostly replacing C. auratus
from the Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, but mixed therewith over the extensive region in wliich
C. aijresi prevails; replaced by C. satiiratior on the N. W. coast; S. in Lower California to the
San Pedro Mts., whence yielding to C. chrysoides ; S. in Mexico to Tehuautepec lu habits
a perfect counterpart of the common Flicker, with all of its vagaries, and even more irregular
in residence or migration, as the character of the country inhabited is much more diverse.
Ranges in mountains up to 10,000 feet, and thence down to sea level, in all kinds of woods,
also sometimes far from any trees. It nests not only in holes in trees, as usual, but also in
odd nooks about buildings, and has been known to burrow under ground. Eggs April-June,
'i-H) or more, usually 6 or 8, indistinguishable from those of C. auratus, averaging a trifle
larger, about 1.12 X 0.85, running up to 1.25 and down to 1.00 in length. C mexicanus
Key, 1884-90; C. cafer A. 0. U. Lists. With every disposition to follow the dogma and ritual
of the A. 0. U., I cannot bring myself to call this bird C. cafer, for no better reason than be-
cause Picits cafer Gm. 1788 was mistaken for a bird of the Cape of Good Hope ! Say what
we please in our canons, there is something in a name after all, and "the letter of the law
killeth" when wrenched from its spirit, in defiance of science and common sense. Individually
I cannot incur the penalty of deliberately using for a North American bird a name only appli-
cable to one from South Africa. The fact that " Cafer" is a sort of Latin for Caffraria or Caf-
frariau makes its use in this connection as bad as "Hottentot Woodpecker" or " Zulu Flicker"
would bo; and how would such a combination sound in plain English?
C. 111. satura'tior. (Lat. comparative degree of satiiratus, saturated, sc. witli ccjlor; dark in
color.) Northwestern Red-siiafted Woodpecker. Northwestern Flicker. The
dark \)ha.sc of mexicanus. Back deeper brown, approaching burnt umber; belly of a deeper
color; throat dark ashy or plumbeous; cap dark. No difference in size as a whole, or in any
]iart. I'acific coast region from N. California to Sitka, Alaska. C. m. saturatwr Ridgw. Pr.
Jiiol. Soc. Washu. Apr. 1884, p. 90; C. cafer saturatior, A. 0. U. Lists, 1st ed. 188G, 2d ed.
1895, No. 413 rt,- RiuGW. Man. 1887, p. 2!)G. Not admitted in previous eds. of the Key, nt>t
recognized in Brit. Mus. Cat. 1890.
C. rufipil'eus. (Lat. rufus, rufous; pileum ox pileus, top of the head, crown, ca]).) Insilar
Reo-shaited Woodpecker. Guadalupe Flicker. Resembling C. mexicanus; smaller,
wings and tail shorter, bill longer. Terminal black of the tail longer, occujjying 2.50 instead
of about 2 inches. Red parts of a dull bricky tone, like red-lead. Rump of a pale pinkish, or
.^liglitly soiled tint instead of pure white ; crown cinnamon-brown, becoming deeper rufous ante-
riorly. Wing 5.90-G.25; tail 4.75-5.25; bill 1.(50-1.85, slender, with decided curvature. An
insular form, approaching C chrysoides m some respects, especially the color of tlie crown, but
distinctively red-shafted, not yellow-shafted. Guadalupe Island, Lower California, resident:
ni'st in March and April; eggs about G, 1.14 X 0.87, indistinguishable from those of otlier
species. C. mexicanus rufipileus Ridgw. Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr. ii. No. 2, 187G, p. 191 ;
('dues. Key, .'id and 4th eds. 1887-90, p. 881 ; C. rufipileus Ridgw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, July,
1887, p. GO; A. 0. U. Lists, 1st ed. 188G, 2d ed. 1895, No. 415; Ridgw. Man. 1887. p. 2!H5.
C. chrysoi'des. (Gr. ;^puo-dr, chrusos, gold; fi8o{, eidos, like.) Gilded Woodi'Eikku.
Gila Flickkr. Body, wings, and tail substantially ;is m C. auratus ; head as in C- mexi-
canus : (J with .scarlet moustaches; no red mi nape m either sex; crown cinnamon-brown;
chin, throat, and fore-breast ash ; sides tinged with creamy-brown, belly with yellowisli.
There an", however, some specialties. Golden of wings and tail less vivid than in C. auratus,
that on the tail incliniiii,' to wa\y-yellow ; tail-feathers black for about half tlicir length, their
602 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARI.E — COCCYGES.
shafts entirely black on top, though yellow in part underneath. General tone of under parts
pale grayish-white, without the decided tints of either of the other species, the round black
spots large and crowded. Top of head purer and more cinnamon-brown than in C. rnexicanus;
more nearly as in C. rufipileus. Small; length ll. 00-12. 00; vA'ing 5.50-6.00; tail about 4.00;
bill 1.50 or less. Gradation between this form and C. rnexicanus has not yet been observed,
but very likely does occur. Valley of the Gila and Lower Colorado rivers, Arizona, and con-
tiguous portions of California, probably also reaching southern Nevada and the S. W. corner
of Utah ; Sonora ; Lower California S. of Lat. 30°. Like the Gila species of Centurus, the
Gila Flicker ranges in the region of the giant cactus, in which it nests in April, May, and June,
laying 5 or fewer eggs, indistinguishable from those of other Flickers.
C. c. brunnes'cens. (Lat. brownish, growing brown.) Veneered Woodpecker. Quite
like C. chrysoides ; upper parts darker ; size slightly smaller. Terminal black of tail one-third
its length, its yellow dull waxy contrasting with chrome yellow of the wings underneath ; back
bister-brown ; throat dark ash ; cap cintiamon-brown ; ground of lower parts grayish-white,
with numerous round and cordate black spots; upper tail-coverts white, with large round black
spots. San Fernando, Lower California. Anthony, Auk, Oct. 1895, p. 347; A. 0. U. Suppl.
List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 120, No. 414 a.
Suborder COCCYGES : Cuculiform Birds.
See p. 542 for analytical characters of the suborder, as now restricted to the two families
Cuculidce and Miisophagidce. Thus purged of its non-conformable elements, the group may
be defined with precision, and must not be mistaken for the heterogeneous Coccygomorphce or
Cuculiformes of various writers, and of former editions of the Key. The Coccyges in the strict
sense have lately been called Zygodactyli, a term expressive of a principal external character-
istic, as the Coccyges are yoke-toed by permanent reversion or versatility of the 4th toe, but
one which is not distinctive and therefore ineligible ; for the Woodpeckers and several other
families ot Piciform birds share this character. The fundamental feature of Coccyges is the
presence of the ambiens muscle, here only among Picarice ; the true Cuculiform birds are
therefore homalogonatous, all other Picarians being anomalogonatous. They are furthermore
the only ones with an accessory femorocaudal, as throughout the Miisopliagidee and in several
l)ut not all the subfamilies of CuculidcB. The flexor longus hallucis supplies the hallux; the
flexor digitorum perforans has three tendons for the other three digits. The palate is desmog-
nathous, without basipterygoids. The spinal pteryla forks in the scapular region. The two
families are readily distinguished by the combination, in MiisophagidcB, of the constant formula
AB X Y, tufted oil-gland, no cfeca, aftershafted plumage, versatile 4th digit, and 10 rectrices,
as contrasted with the inconstant formula A B X Y or A X Y, nude oil-gland, two caeca, no
aftershafts, permanently reversed 4th digit, and 10 or 8 rectrices, in CucuUdce. The former
family is exclusively Ethiopian ; the latter is cosmopolitan.
Family CUCULID^ : Cuckoos.
Homalogonatous Picarice zygodactylous hy reversion of the fourth toe. The only other
North American birds with toes yoked in the same combination are Picidte and Psittaci, whose
numerous specialties will prevent any misconception regarding CuculidcB. The latter are
desmognathous in palatal structure, and homalogonatous, having the ambiens and three or all
four of the other leg-muscles used for classificatory purposes ; in these important respects dif-
fering from all birds previously treated in this work. There are two carotids. The syringes
vary from tracheobronchial through pseudobronchial to bronchial, paired. The oil-gland is
nude, but cjeca are present, and the plumage is not aftershafted. The family is a large and
CUCULID.E: CUCKOOS.
603
important one. It comprehends quite a number of leading forms showing certain modifications
of the syrinx or syringes, of the pterylosis, of the hind claw, and even of the myological for-
mula. These correspond in
great measure with certain 'g^^^^s^- ^a^!*^ ^^^=7- ^. ^^ir-^
geographical areas of faunal
distribution, and are generally r~Tf^ ^^^^^ - ■*,/!?*..
held to constitute subfamilies.
But the subdivision of the
family is still in such an un-
satisfactory state, that I am
furtunate in being required to
treat critically of only the
North American forms, which
include representatives of
three indisputably distinct
subfamilies ; among them are
Cnculince, or typical Cuckoos _ -s J ,
allied to the European G. ^ - , ''^;^ ^ ^,
canorus (fig. 414), famous, -; **- ' ■^^^^^^^ jL
like our Cowbird, for their ^ ---^^P^^'-it/' ^^Sfc" -4-
parasitism. None of the (7(«- - ^__ ' il^^^k // .yi '-{"f-ir
culinre proper have an acces-
sory femorocaudal, their syrinx
is tracheobronchial, and the Fm. 4U.- European Cuckoo, C«^«/«.. c««.nu. (From Dixon.)
ventral pteryla gives off no lateral branches, though it is more or less split in two lateral halves
by a median space. The Oltl World genera Eudynamis and Phccnicophaes rej)resent a group
in which tlie muscle just named is present, the syrinx tracheobronchial, and the ventral pteryhi
branched on each side. The very large Old World genus Centropus represents yet another
group, whose characters are much the same as the last said, but they are terrestrial, with long
straight hind claws, being the so-called " Lark-heeled " or Spurred Cuckoos, or Coucals. In these
the syringes are pseudo-bronchial. The Neotropical genera Diplopterus and Dromococcyx have
peculiarly elongated upper tail-coverts; the Couince &rG a peculiar Madagascan type. Each one
of the groups thus indicated may possibly be regarded as a subfamily, as is certainly the case
with the groups represented by Geococcyx and Crotophaga respectively (see below). There
are altogether over 40 genera and some 150 good species of the family. Many of them, be-
sides the one instanced, lay eggs in other birds' nests. The American Cuckoos have been
declared free of suspicion of such domestic irregularities ; but, though i)retty well behaved,
their record is not quite clean : they do sometimes slip into the wrong nest. The curious infe-
licity seems to be connected in some way with the inability of the 9 to complete her clutch
of eggs with the rapidity and regularity usual among birds, and so incubate them iu one batch.
The nests of our species of Coccyzus commonly contain young by the time the last egg of the
lot is laid.
We have four very distinct genera, representing three subfamilies.
Analysis of Siib/nmilies and Genera.
Crotophaoin*;. Terrestrial. Tail of eight feathers.
Bill compressed, crested. PlumaRe lustrous black Crotophaga
NEO.MouPHiNiK. Terrestrial. Tail of 10 feathers. Feet ambulatorial, with long tarsi. Wings short, concavo-convex.
1-lill long, slender. Plumage highly variegated Geococn/x
Cuci'LiN*. Arl)i>reiil. Tail of 10 feathers. Feet insessorial, with short tarsi. Wings long, flat.
Cluiuagf plain. I'ropcrly Anicricaii (forcyzinw) I'i>rry:us
Plumage variegated. Properly Old World ('k<-m/u4
604
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARIjE — COCCYGES.
Subfamily CROTOPHACIN/E : Anis; Cuiras.
Syringes bronchial. Myological formula including an accessory fenioroeaudal. Ventral
pteryla forked on each side. Tail of eiriht ftiathers, graduated, longer than rounded wings.
Bill and externals of plumage differing in the two genera, Crotophaga and Guira, of which this
small American subfamily is composed.
CKOTO'PHAGA. (Gr. Kporwv, kroton, a bug; (pdyos, phagos, eating.) Anis. Bill about
as long as head, extremely compressed, cultrate with regularly convex or angulated culmen
rising into a thin vertical crest, its sides smooth, wrinkled, or sulcate; tip of upper mandible
decurved over end of lower; gonys straight. Wings rounded; 4th or .5th primary longest, 1st
quite short. Tail-feathers broad, widening to very obtuse ends. Tarsus longer than middle
toe, anteriorly broadly scutellate, the sides with large plates meeting in a ridge behind. Plu-
mage uniform (black), lustrous; feathers of head and neck length-
ened, lanceolate, distinct, with scale-like margins ; face naked.
Terrestrial. Nest in trees and buslies. According to the concur-
rent testimony of various independent observers, the cuculine irreg-
ularity of nesting is expressed
in a very curious manner, in
the case of C. ani at least ; sev-
eral birds forming a sort of
colony of Communists uniting
to build a large nest to be
used in common. The indefi-
nitely numerous eggs are greenish-blue, overlaid with a white
chalky substance, easily rubbed off when fresh.
C. a'ni. (The Brazilian name. Fig. 415.) Ani. Black
Witch. Tick-bird. Savanna Blackbikd. Bill smooth or
with a few transverse wrinkles ; culmen regularly curved. Adult
$ 9 '■ Black, with violet and steel-blue reflections, duller below ;
lanceolate feathers of head and neck with bronze borders. Iris
brown. Length 13.00-15.00 ; wing 6.00 ; tail 8.00 ; tarsus 1.50.
Young simply dull blackish. Eggs very variable in size and shape, about 1.35 X 1-00.
Tropical America ; West Indies ; Florida and Louisiana ; accidental near Philadelphia.
C. sulciros'tris. (Lat. sulcus, a groove ; rostris, pertaining to the beak.) Groove-billed
Ani. Jew-bird. Bill with 3 distinct grooves on upper mandible, parallel with the regularly
curved culmen. Adult ^ 9 '■ Black, with steel-blue and violet reflections, more olive-brown
on belly; scaly feathers of head and neck bronzy, of breast, back, and wings metallic-greenish.
Wings with 4th and 5th quills longest, 3d little shorter, 2d nearly an inch, 1st nearly 2 inches
from point of wing. Bill more than twice as high as broad at the base; 0.85 high, 0.37 broad,
1.20 long. Bill and feet black, scaling grayish in some places. Iris brown. Length 14.50 ;
Fig. 415. —Ani,
(From Brehm.)
CUCULID.E — NEOMORPHIN.E : GROUND CUCKOOS. 605
extent 17.00; wing 5.50-6.00 ; tail 7.50-8.00, graduated 2 inches; tarsus, or middle toe and
claw, 1.50. Young dull sooty blackish. Tropical America; N. along the U. S. border,
locally or irregularly ; common in Texas in the lower Rio Grande valley, where it breeds.
Eggs said to be usually five, but indefinitely numerous and no peculiarity of nesting noted
in comparison with C. ani, both species being irregular ; nest of twigs, lined with fibrous
roots, leaves, etc., in a tree or bush; eggs averaging 1.25 X 0.95.
Subfamily NEOMORPHiN/E : Ground Cuckoos.
Syringes pseudobronchial ; myological formula and pterylosis as in Crotophagince. Tail
of ten feathers, graduated, longer than the short, rounded, concavo-convex wings, which hug
the body snugly when folded, and whose long inner secondaries reach nearly or quite to the
ends of the primaries ; upper tail-coverts also lengthened. Bill
not peculiar. Feet large and strong, in adaptation to terrestrial
habits, but hind claw not peculiar (as it is in Centropodince) .
This subfamily has a certain gallinaceous suggestiveness, the
birds being more or less pheasant-like in external appearance.
With the possible or probable exception of the genus Carpo-
coccyx of Borneo and Sumatra, brought to this connection by
some writers, the Neomorpliina: are exclusively American, and
especially Neotropical. Three genera belonging to this group
are Neomorphus, Geococajx, and Morococojx ; from these the
genera Diplopterus and Dromococcyx appear to difi"er little, in
externals at any rate ; though they have been put in a separate Fio. 4ir,. — Head of Geococcyx.
subfiimily DiplopterintB, characterized by the greater elongation ^ ^^^ assm.)
of the ui)per tail-coverts, which reach to the end of the tail in Dromococcyx. Should the two
last- named genera prove to agree with the NeomorphincB proper in structural characters, and
should Carpococcyx be referable elsewhere, the present would become a compact and well-
characterized subfamily of American Ground Cuckoos. (Subfamily Saurotherince of former
editions of the Key ; but the uncertainty regarding the systematic position of the West Indian
Saurothera makes it ineligible as the name-giving genus. In the most important respects
Saurothera is said by Beddard to agree with Piaya, Coccyziis, etc., and tlius to belong to the
CuculincB. On external indications alone it is arranged by Shelley with Piaya, Hyetornis,
etc., under a subfamily Pha^nicophaince. As the name-giving genus of the present sul)family
Neomorphus Gloger, 1827, antedates Geococcyx Wagler, 1831. See Coues, Auk, Jan.
1897, p. 90; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 110.)
GEOCOCCYX. (Gr. yrj, gc, the ground; kokkv^, kokkux, a cuckoo. Ground Cuckoos.
Head crested; most feathers of head and neck bristle-tipped; eyelids lashed; whole plumage
coarse. A bare colored space around eye. Bill about as long as head, nearly straiglit, but
witli culuicn and cdimnissiire mucli decurved toward end, gonys if anything a little concave,
and rictus ample. Wings very slu>rt and concavo-convex, with long inner secondaries folding
entirely over jirimaries; 4th, 5th, and succeeding primaries longer than 8d, 2d, and 1st, which
rapidly shorten. Tail of 10 long tapering feathers, mucli graduated, making more than J total
length of the bird. Feet large and strong, in adaptation to terrestrial life; tarsus longer th.an
toes, scutellate before and behind. Plumage lustrous and variegated above. Sexes substan-
tially alike. Eminently terrestrial ; nest in bushes ; eggs numerous. Two specie's : G. ajjinis
of Mexico, and the following.
G. califuriiia'iius. (r)f California. Figs. 4 HI, 417.) Ground Cuckoo. Chaparral
Cock. Ivoad Kinnkr. Snake Killer. Lizard 1*.ii;d. Churca. Palsano. Cokre-
CAMiNn. Most feathers of head and necl< Itristle-tipiied ; a nalci'd area around- eye; crown
606
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARI^ — COCCYGES.
crested; plumage coarse. Adult $ 9: Above, lustrous bronzy or coppery-greeu, cbanging to
dark steel-blue on head and neck, to purplish-violet on middle tail-feathers; everywhere except
on rump conspicuously streaked with white, mixed with tawny on head, neck, and wings —
this white and buflf streaking consisting of edges of the feathers, which are frayed out, fringe-
like, producing a peculiar effect. Breast, throat, and sides of neck mixed tawny-white and
black; other under parts dull soiled whitish. Primaries white-tipped and with oblique white
space on outer webs. Lateral tail-feathers steel-blue with green and violet reflections, their
outer webs fringed part way with white, their tips broadly white. Lower back and rump,
where covered by the folded wings, dark-colored and unmarked ; under surface of wings sooty-
brown. Bare space around eye blue, bluish-white, and orange: iris red. Bill dark horn-
color ; feet the same, the larger scales yellowish. Young birds are very similar, the iridescence
developing with the first growth of the feathers, as in a Magpie; more white and less tawny
Fig. 417. — Ground Cuckoo, J nat. size.
(From Brehm.)
in the streaking. Nearly two feet long ; tail a foot or less ; wing Q-7 inches ; tarsus 2.00 ; bill
1.66-2.00. Western U. S., southerly ; N. in the Pacific coast region through California to Ore-
gon, and in the interior to Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and southwestern Kansas; E. to portions
of Oklahoma and western and southeastern Texas ; S. through much of Mexico, including
Lower California ; a common resident in most of its U. S. range. A bird of remarkable aspect,
noted for its swiftness of foot ; aided by its wings held as outriggers, it taxes the horse in a race ;
feeds on fruits, reptiles, insects, land mollusks, sometimes small mammals and birds. Nest in
bushes or low trees ; a rather slight structure of twigs, with or without lining of various finer
materials, as if the birds were just learning how to build, with a diameter of about a foot, and
a depth of half as much ; occasionally, an old nest of some other bird is appropriated. Eggs
indefinitely few or many, 2 to 12 in a nest, perhaps not all laid by the same 9 > ordinarily 4 to
6, 7, 8, or 9, ovate or elliptical, white in ground color with an overlying chalky film whicli
may take a slight yellowish tint, ranging in length from 1.45 to 1.75, averaging L55 X 1-20.
They are laid at considerable intervals : incubation begins as soon as a few are deposited, and
cue ULID.^ — C UC ULIN/E : TREE C UCKOOS.
607
is believed to last 18 days for each egg. The development of the chicks is rapid; perfectly
fresh eggs and newly-hatched young may be found together; and by the time the last young
are breaking the shell the others may be graded up to half the size of the adult. The birds
are sometimes domesticated, making amusing pets. They are singular birds — cuckoos com-
pounded of a chicken and a Magpie !
Subfamily CUCULIN>C: Tree Cuckoos.
Fig. 418. — American TreeCuckoo (Coccysuiam^r/Vu/iuii
reduced. (From Teuney, after Wilson.)
Syrinx tracheobronchial. Myological formula A X Y (no accessory femorocaudal). Ven-
tral pteryla unbranclied on either side, but more or less extensively divided by a median space
into right and left halves, this division ex-
tending throughout in sundry American
genera, but not on the neck in Old World
genera like CiicuIhs. Tail invariably of 10
soft feathers, usually rounded or graduated,
rarely square or forked, and more or less
nearly equalling the wings in length. Wings
long and flat, not hugging the body closely
when fohled, and the point of the primaries
extending decidedly beyond the end of the
longest secondaries in the folded wing. Feet
moderate, in adaptation to arboreal life ; no
peculiarity of the hind claws. These char-
acters easily serve to distinguish the present
subfamily from the two foregoing; but the
full extent of their applicability, and therefore the content of the subfamily Citcxlimc, remains
uncertain for lack of evidence in the cases of several genera. Regarding external characters
alone, there are 17 genera which have the long flat wing, all but two of them exclusively Old
World, and one of these two (Cuculiis itself) only a straggler in America. It is probable that
a subfamily Coccyzince can be maintained for the American Tree Cuckoos, as distinguished
from those of the Old World, as given in former editions of the Key and in the A. 0. U. Supjtl.
List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 110.
COC'CYZUS. (Gr. kokkvC<o, kokkuzo, to cry "cuckoo!" k6kkv$, kokkux, a cuckoo.) Amer-
ican Tree Cuckoos. Rain-crows. Head not crested ; all the feathers soft. Bill about
equalling or rather shorter than head, stout at base, then much compressed, curved throughout,
tapering to a rather acute tip; nostrils basal, inferior, exposed, elliptical. Wings jiointed, but
not longer than tail; inner quills not folding over much of tlie primaries; 3d and 4th primaries
longest, 2d and 5th shorter, 1st much shorter still. Tail of soft rather tapering featliers, with
very obtuse ends; much graduated. Tibial feathers flowing; tarsi naked, shorter than middle
toe. Our species are strictly arboricolc l)ir(ls of lithe form, blended plumage and subdued colors ;
the head is not crested ; the tibial feathers are full, as in a hawk ; the sexes are alike, and the
young scarcely difl"erent; the ujiper parts are uniform satiny olive-gray, or '' quaker-color,"
with bronzy reflections. Lay numerous plain greenish elliptical eggs, in a rude nest of twigs
saddled on a branch or in a fork. Though not habitually parasitic, they may slip an egg in
other birds' nests, or in each other's, but they are rarely guilty of ogg-sucking. Oviposition
is tardy or irregular; the nests usually contain eggs in diff"erent stages of development, or eggs
anil young together. They are well-known inhabitants of our streets ami ])arks as well as of
woodland, noted for their loud, jerUy cries, which they are supposed to utter most frequently
in falling weather, whence their popular name, '' Rain-crow." Miirratory, insectivorous, and
608
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PIC ARIAi— COCCYGES.
frugivorous. They include in their insect fare enormous numbers of canlier-worms and other
caterpillars of the most noxious kinds, and are thus highly beneficial birds to man.
Analysis oj Species and Subspecies.
Bill black and bluish.
White below. Wings with little or no cinnamon. Tail-feathers not broadly white-ended . erythrophthalmus
Bill black and yellow. Tail-feathers broadly white-ended.
White below. Ears not dusky. Wings extensively cinnamon.
Eastern form americanus
Western form occidenlalis
Tawny below. Ears dusky.
Tawny tint uniform minor
Tawny tint bleaching anteriorly maynardi
C. erythrophthal'mus. (Gr. tpvdpos, eruthros, reddish ; dfjiOaXfios, ophthalmos, eye. Fig.
420.) Black-billed Cuckoo. Rain-crow. Adult <J 9 ^ Bill blackish except occasionally
Fig. 41'J. — YellDu-l.ilU'.l Cuckoo, }, nat. size. {From Brehm.)
a trace of yellowish, usually bluish at base below. Above, satiny olive-gray. Below, pure
white, sometimes with a faint tawny tinge on the fore-parts. Wings with little or no rufous.
Lateral tail-feathers not contrasting with the central, their tips for a short distance blackish,
then obscurely white ; no bold contrast of black with large white spaces. Bare circumocular
space livid ; edges of eyelids red. Length 11.00-12.00 ; extent about 15.50; wing 5.00-5.50;
tail 6.00-6.50; bill under an inch. Very young birds have the feathers of upper parts skirted
with whitish ; bill and feet pale bluish. Eastern U. S. and Canada, west to the Rocky Mts.,
N. to Labrador, common ; rather more northerly than americanus, being the commoner spe-
cies in New England; winters sparingly in Florida and on the Gulf Coast, but known to reach
South America ; accidental in Europe ; migrates in the U. S. mainly in Apr., May, Sept., Oct.,
CUCULID.E—CUCULIN.E: TREE CUCKOOS.
609
and breeds throughout about half of its N. Am. range in June and July, sometimes in May and
August. I have found it nesting in Assiniboia near the Dakotan border. Nest preferably in
bushes and small trees, often quite near the ground, rarely on it, a frail flat structure of twigs
with miscellaneous softer materials for lining ; eggs I.IO X 0.80, pale bluish or greenish, usually
Via. 420. — Black-billo<l Cuckoo.
deeper-colored, less elliptical and averaging smaller than those of the Yello\v-l)illed Cuckoo,
though probably not to be distinguished with certainty. They vary in lengtli from O.f't' to
1.18, and in breadtli from 0.75 to 0.90; tlie number found in nest is usually 3, 4, or 5, but e.v-
coptionally 2 to 7, almost invariably in difl'crent stages of incubation; they are occasionally
dropped in the nest of the yellow-billed species, but only e.vceptionally slipped in nests of other
birds, as a Dove's, Robin's, Catbird's, Flycatcher's, Warbler's, or Sparmw's. Kircs variously
atlvanced in iiicubatiou are ordinarily found in the saiiic ii<>t witli tli'duliiiL'-^ of difTiTcnt aires.
39
610
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARLE — COCCYGES.
C america'nus. (Lat. American. Figs. 418, 419, 421.) Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Rain-
crow. Rain-dove. Storm-crow. Chow-chow. Adult (J?: Bill black, extensively yellow
below and on sides of upper mandible. Feet dark plumbeous. Above, satiny olive-gray. Be-
low, pure white. Wings extensively cinna-
mon-rufous on inner webs of the quills. Cen-
tral tail-feathers like back ; rest black with
large white tips, outermost usually also
edged with white. Very constant in color,
the chief variation being in extent and inten-
sity of cinnamon on wings, which sometimes
shows through when the wings are closed,
and even tinges the coverts. Young differ
chiefly in having the white ends of the tail-
feathers less trenchant and extensive, the
black not so pure ; this state approaches the
condition of erythrojjhthahnus, but does not
match it. Length 1 1.00-12.00 ; extent 15.50-
16.50; wing about 5.50; tail about 6.00;
bill a short inch; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and
claw rather more. Eastern U. S., rather
more southerly than the last species, but N.
to Canada; W. to the limit of trees on the
Plains, S. in winter to Costa Rica and the
West Indies ; accidental in Greenland, Eu-
rope; breeds throughout its N- A. range.
Nest a slight structure of twigs, leaves, and
catkins, on a bough or in fork of a tree rather
than in a bush, seldom so low as that of the
Black -billed usually is, and up to 25 feet or
more ; it is flat, about 5 inches in diameter by 2 or less deep ; eggs 2 to 8, oftcnest 3, 4, or 5,
averaging 1.20 X 0.90, ranging in length from 1.10 to 1.30, quite elliptical, pale fugacious
bluish-green, fading paler still. In the South they may be taken in May, but in most parts in
June, July, August. This species is a later spring migrant than the other, on the whole a later
breeder, and rather earlier to leave in the fall ; a few linger in winter on our Gulf border, but
most pass on. Its eggs are not seldom dropped in nests of the other species, but rarely in those
of other birds.
C. a. occidenta'lis. (Lat. pertaining to the setting sun, i- e. western.) Western Yellow-
billed Cuckoo. Rather larger than the last, with stouter bill ; length about 12.50; wing
averaging nearly 6.00 ; tail over 6.00; bill a long inch, and 0.35 deep at base. Western U. S.,
Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, N. to British Columbia, S. through much of Mexico. Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 273; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 903; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 387 «.
(Included under the foregoing in 2d and 3d eds. of the Key.)
C mi'nor. (Lat. of less size, smaller: used to express the comparative degree of the difi'ereut
word parvus, small.) Mangrove Cuckoo. Black-eared Cuckoo. Bill much as in amer-
icanus. Above, the same quaker-color, but more decidedly ashy-gray toward and on head.
Below, pale orange-brown. Wings suffused with color of belly. Auriculars dark, in contrast.
Tail as in aniericanus, but outer feather not white-edged. Size of the others, or rather less,
but tail relatively longer, nearly 7.00. West Indies; Florida, Louisiana, and S. to Central
and South America. Eggs as in aniericanus. (C. seniculus of all former eds. of the Key.)
C m. may'nardi. (To C. J. Maynard, author of a valuable work on the Birds of Florida.)
Fig. 421. —Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
PSITTACI: PARROTS.
611
Maynard's Mangrove Cuckoo. Rather smaller than the last ; wiug 5.25 ; tail 6.50. Below
pale buff, bleaching anteriorly. The Bahaman form, which has also occurred on the Florida
Keys. Coccyzus mmjnardi Kidgw. Man. 1887, p. 274; C minor maynardi A. 0. U. Suppl.
List, 1889, p. 10; List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [38(3 a.]. Coccygus seniculus maynardi Coues, Key,
4th ed. 1890, p. 903; included under seniculus proper in earlier eds.
•CU'CULUS. (Lat. cucidus, tlie European Cuckoo, C. canorns.) Old World Tree
Cuckoos. Head not crested. Bill uiixlerate, not longer than head or tarsus. Nostrils
rounded, pierced in a swollen membrane. Wings well pointed, longer than tail, reaching wlien
folded beyond tiie upper coverts; the primaries barred crosswise. Tail graduated. Contains
numerous species of nearly all jjarts of the Old Wtirld, one of them accidentally occurring
vvitliin our limits.
C. cano'rus telepho'nus. (Lai. canorus, tuneful; canor, song, melody; cano, I sing: not
well applied to a songless Picariau bird with non-oscine syrinx ! Gr. TrjXf, tele, afar, far off,
(f)d)Vf, 2)hone, voice, sound.) Kamschatkan or Siberian Cuckoo. Telephone Cuckoo.
General color above gray, below white, the wings and tail much barred, notclied, or spotted
with white, the under parts barred with black. Length about 14.00; wing 9.00 or more; tail
7.00 or more. A subspecies of the common Cuckoo, inhabiting Siberia, of accidental occur-
rence on the Pribiloff Islands (St. Paul, July 4, 1890 : W. Palmer, Auk, Oct. 1894, p. 325).
Cucidus telephonus Heine, J. f. 0. 1863, p. 352. C canorus teleiihonus Stej. Bull. U. S.
Nat. Mus. No. 29, 1885, p. 224; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [388. 1.].
Order PSITTACI: Parrots.
Feet zygodactylous by reversion of 4th toe, covered with rugose granular scales or plates;
hill strongly epignathous, furnished with a (frequently feathered) cere, as iu Birds of Prey,
short and extremely stout (ex-
cept in Nestor) ; wings and tail
variable in form ; developed pri-
maries 10; secondaries aquin-
tocubital ; rectrices 12 (14 only
in Oreopsittacus). Parrots, in-
cluding Macaws, Cockatoos,
Lories, Paroquets, etc., form one
of the most strongly marked
groups of birds, as easily recog-
nized by their peculiar external
aspect as defined by anatomical
structure. They were formerly
included in an "order" Scan-
sores, on account of the paired
toes, but this is a comparatively
trivial character, indicating no
special affinity with other yoke-
toed l)irds (see under Picari(c).
It is ao'reed bv com'llon consent ^'"^ ■*--• — Carolina Parro(|uet, reJuced. (From Teiiiicy, afti'r Wilson. \
tfiat their peculiarities entitle them to rank with groups called orders in the present volume.
They might not ina])tly be styled Frugirorus Raptores : and in some respects exhibit a vague
analogy to Quadritmana (monkeys) among mammals.
The tongue is tliick and Hesiiy, in some genera ])eculiarly brusliy ; it has a horny nail on
the under side at the end, like a human finger, and witli tliis and its papilla* or fringe on liio
612 S YS TEMA TI C S YNOPSIS. — PSI TTA CI.
other side forms a delicate tactile organ. It is used to some extent in prehension, objects being
handled between itself and the upper mandible, and the palatal surface of the hook of the bill
is furnished in most genera with a set of parallel ridges forming a sort of file or rasp. The
tongue is borne upon a well-developed hyoidean skeleton, among the parts of which the large
entoglossal or glossohyal is highly characteristic, being foraminiferous, or consisting of paired
halves connected at the end by cartilage ; the basihyal develops a pair of parahyal processes
besides the usual urohyal, and the cornua are composed of long hypobranchials bearing j(jinted
ceratobranchials. Ability to articulate human speech is one of the most notorious faculties of
certain Parrots. This seems to be due to the lingual peculiarities just noticed, in connection with
certain syringeal formations, for the syrinx is peculiarly constructed, in several different ways.
The bronchial half rings may be weak and separate cartilages, or several of them consolidated
into a bony box ; there are three pairs of intrinsic muscles, and the extrinsic are inserted some-
times into the pleural membrane, instead of the sternum. Finally it may be noted in this
connection that the bill is used in climbing, like a hand ; the upper mandible being much more
freely movable upon the skull than is usual among birds. This mobility is secured by the
articulation instead of suture of the maxillae, premaxillae, and nasals with the frontal, palatals,
and jugals. The mandibular symphysis is strong, short, and obtuse; the lower jaw is like a
thumb as opposed to the finger-like upper jaw, and the jaws as a prehensible organ may be
likened to the claw of a lobster.
Other osteological characters are : Palate desmognathous ; nasals holorhinal ; nasal sep-
tum much ossified ; bony orbits of eyes frequently completed ring-like by union of lacrymals
with postorbital processes of the squamosal ; no basipterygoids. Cervical vertebrae as a
rule 14, rarely 13 or 15; atlas either notched or completely perforated by odontoid process of
axis. Sternal ribs 5 or 6 ; sternum entire behind, or there fenestrate, more rarely with one
pair of notches. Furculum variable; weak, or without symphysis, or so defective as to be re-
duced to its coracoid end, or wanting entirely. Tarsometatarsus short and thick, its lower end
modified to suit the position of 4th toe. There are 3 decided modifications of the carotids —
right and left present, both running deep in the vertebrarterial canal ; or both present and the
left superficial ; or only the left developed. In the digestive system: a well -developed oeso-
phageal crop and zonary proventriculus ; gall bladder usually wanting (present in Cncatua) ;
intestines extremely variable in length in different genera (at a maximum in Edectus). Oil-
gland absent from certain genera, present and tufted in others. Plumage aftershafted, in many
cases including powder-down feathers, either aggregated in a pair of lumbar patches, or scat-
tered indefinitely ; spinal pteryla forked. Leg-muscles singularly variable : ambiens present
and normal, present and incomplete, or absent, hence the order is indifferently homalogonatous
or anomalogonatous ; femorocaudal, semitendiuosus and its accessory, present; accessory
femorocaudal absent, hence the normal formula A X Y, as usual in Picarian birds. Plantar
tendons desmopelmous in an ordinary way, in spite of the zygodactylism.
Thus, though the order is so definitely circumscribed that no one doubts of any bird
whether it be psittacine or not. Parrots differ remarkably among themselves in certaiu struc-
tural characters which in most birds have a high classificatory value. The systematic position
of Psittaci between Picarice and Accipitres is probably the best that can be assigned in any
linear arrangement.
The eggs of Parrots are plural, white, and almost invariably laid in holes with little or no
nidification ; the young hatch naked and helpless, but acquire down before fledging. The
order is mainly developed in tropical regions of both hemispheres, but has some representa-
tives in both temperate zones, extending from lat. 42° N. to lat. 55° S. " Parrots abound in
all tropical countries, but, except in Australia and New Zealand, rarely extend into the tem-
perate zone. The Indian and Ethiopian regions are poor in parrots, while the Australian is
the richest, containing many genera and even whole families peculiar to it " (Newton). A
PSITTACI: PARROTS.
613
recent monographer, Finsch, recognised only 854 species as well determined, distributing them
in 20 genera; 142 species are American, 28 African, and 18 Asiatic; the Moluccas and New
Guinea have 83, Australia 59, and Polynesia 29. A later systematist, Reichexow, admits
430 species, assigned to 45 genera ; but the latest, Salvadori, finds 499 species of 80 genera,
besides about 50 more described species he has not succeeded in identifying.
Division of Psittaci into families has taxed the ingenuity of ornithologists; for, so vari-
ously interrelated are the numerous genera, that their grouping fluctuates with almost every
character or set of characters selected for use in classification. Grarrod's curious anatomical
Fia. 423. — Carolina Parroquel, \ luit, siz
From Brelim, after Audubon.)
investigations, amplified and endorsed ])y Beddard, show that Psittaci may be arranged in two
series, according to cluiractcrs afforded by the carotids and ambiens: I. Pal.-kounitiiid.i^ :
Carotids 2 (except in Cacatua), left normal, no ambiens. II. Psittacid.ic : Carotids 2.
left superficial, ambiens present in one series of genera, absent in others. In the subfamily
(1) Paleeornithinee, there is no further deviation; in (2) Cacatiiinfe, hes\i\vs lack of right
carotid in Cacatua itself, the orbital ring is completely ossified, and develops a bony process
bridging the temporal fossa ; in (3) Stringnphup, wbicli includes the curious Higbtlcss Ground
Parrot or Owl Parrot of New Zealand (Stringnps hubwptiliot), tlie furculum and sternal keel
are deficient or defective. Psitlaridrr include (4) Atiurr, in wbicli tbe ambiens is j)resent ;
(5) I'l/nhuriiur, iu wliicli it is absent, without ftirtlier modification; (0) PlaOjcercina:, wo
614 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PSITTACL
ambiens, no furculum ; (7) Chrysotinrc, no ainbiens, a furculum, no oil-gland. There are thus
7 subfamilies of 2 families of Psittaci, as based solely upon the particular set of anatomical
characters utilized by Garrod for his purposes. But this surprising result is " far from being
satisfactory ; " it violates some obvious evidences of affinity in other respects, and in particular
makes the geographical distribution of the order unintelligible ; it has therefore been rejected
by common consent of the later monographers, as Finsch, Reichenow^, and Salvadori.
Reichenow's arrangement (1881) presents 9 families, as follows : (1) Pioxid.e, American (ex-
cept the African genus Paeocephalus) , short-tailed ; (2) Conurid^, all American, long-tailed ;
(3) PsiTTACiD.E, restricted to the African genera Psittacus and Coracopsis, or the Jak()S and
Vasas ; (4) Pal^ornithid.e, Old World ; (5) Trichoglossio.e (or LoriidcB), the Lories and
Brush-tongued Paroquets, of Australia, Polynesia,- etc. ; (6) Micropsittid^, a small family
of diminutive Paroquets of the 3 genera Psittacella, Cydojisittacus, and Nasiterna, Austro-
Malayan and Papuan ; (7) Platycercid^, Old World ; (8) Plictolophid^ (or Cacatuidce),.
Austro-Malayan and Papuan, with the New Zealand genus Nestor forced into this connection ;
(9) Stringopid.e, with the New Zealand genus Strwgops and the Australian Geopsittacus and.
Pezoporiis. In the British Museum Catalogue of 1891, Salvadori arranges the Psittaci as fol-
lows : (1) Nestorid^e, one genus. New Zealand; (2) Loriid^, 14 genera, Austro-Malayan
and Polynesian ; (3) Cyclopsittacid^, 2 genera, Cyclopsittacus and Neopsittacus, both
Papuan ; the group thus not coincident with Micropsittid(B as just given ; (4) Cacatuidce :
(a) Cacatuince, 5 genera, Austro-Malayan and Papuan, and {h) Calopsittacince , one Australian
genus; (5) Psittacid^e, with 6 subfamilies: (a) Nasiterninae, one genus, Papuan; {b) Co-
nurince, 15 genera, all American; (c) Pionince, 10 genera, all American except the African
Poeocephalus ; (d) PsittacincB, 2 African genera, Psittacus and Coracojisis, with the Papuan
genus Dasyptilus ; (e) PalccornithincB, 15 genera, widely distributed in the Old World;
(f) Platycercina, 11 genera, Australian and Polynesian; and (6) Stringopid^j, one New
Zealand genus. This arrangement is an improvement upon all earlier ones, although my dis-
tinguished friend confesses that it " does not bring us nearer to an understanding of the mutual
or phylogenetic relations of the f;unilies.''
It seems to me probable that certain genera of Psittaci will prove refractory to any scheme
which may be devised. Thus, the African Poeocephalus and the Papuan Dasyptilus are inex-
plicable in geographical distribution, if they be really members of the respective subfamilies to
which they are assigned by Professor Salvadori. A number of genera of chietly pygmy Paroquets
are particularly troublesome ; such are Psittacella, Psittinus, Psittacula, Agapornis, Cyclo-
psittacus, Bolbopsittacus, Nasiterna, Nymphieus, and Nanodes. Nevertheless, if we duly cor-
relate anatomical with external characters, and both of these with certain faunal considerations,
we may arrive at a classification of the Parrots which probably requires a minimum of excep-
tions to be taken or anomalies to be further provided for. Without prejudice to a few questions
of fact which remain open, from lack of information on some structural points as correlated with
geographical distribution, one way out of our present difficulties may be found by recognizing a
greater number of families and subfamilies, primarily divided into two subordinal or superfamily
series. Thus, if we make the genus Stringops a family Stringopid^ of a suborder Strin-
gopes, characterized as ecarinate and efurculate, with an ambiens, complete bony orbits, two
f'arotids, tufted oil-gland, soft plumage with a facial disc as in Owls, wings unfit for flight, etc.,
the remaining Parrots may form the
Suborder EUPSITTACI, Carinate Parrots,
with the furculum normally complete, exceptionally defective. With a single possible excep-
tion, that of the genus Poeocephalus, the Eupsittaci may conveniently and not unnaturally be
considered in two series, Pal^eogtean and Neogaean. 1. Pal^og^i. 1. The Platycer-
EUPSITTACI: CARINATE PARROTS. 615
CID^ are a large family, of wide distribution in the Old World, without complete furculum,
and in some other respects related to the Stringopes, especially through such genera as Pezo-
porus, Geopsittacus, and Melopsittacus. The family includes terrestrial genera, as does no other
of this suborder; the orbits are incomplete, the tongue is ordinary, and the bill has the usual
rasp-like palatal surface ; the tail is long, as a rule. Other genera than the three named are
Neophetna, Cyanorliamphus, Psej^hotus, Barnardius, Porphyrocephalus, and Platycercus (for
Nymphicus and Nanodes see below). 2. The Pal^eornithid.e are likewise a large, widely-dis-
tributed family, sharing the incomplete; orbits of the preceding family, but having the furculum
complete ; bill with the rasp and tongue simple ; two carotids ; an oil-gland ; no ambiens.
Unquestionable genera of this family, besides Palceornis, are Eclectiis, Geoffroyus, Tanygna-
thus, Prioniturus, Polytelis, Ptistes, Pyrrhulopsis, Aprosmictus, and Loriculus. 'S. Agapor-
NiTHiDiE? The Ethiopian genus Agapornis lacks a completed furculum (in this respect
agreeing with the genus Psittacula, of the Neogtean series), and appears to represent a tenable
family type. With this genus appear to be related a number of Palseogasan pygmy Parrots,
such as Psitfinus, PsittnceUa, Cyclopsittacus, Bolhopsittacus, whicli have a fnrculum, and even
JMicropsitta (or Nasitoiui). But at present neither the families Micropsittidtc nor Cyclopsit-
tucidce can be satisfactorily diagnosticated. Among these equivocal genera it seems possible
that three families may be implicated. Bolbopsittacus approaches the next family in the longi-
tudinal instead of transverse striation of the palatal surface of the hook of the bill ; the bill is
unnotched ; in Cyclopsittacus and Psittinus the hook is notched ; in Micropsitta the tail is
mucronate. 4. Nestorid^e. The isolated New Zealand genus Nestor is the only living rep-
resentative of this family, in which there are an ambiens, an oil-gland, two carotids witli the
left superficial, a furculum, and incomplete orbital ring. The bill is notably elongate, without
transverse strife under the hook ; in which latter respect, as well as in the fringed tongue, this
family apjiroaches the next. 5. Lorud.e or Trichoglossid^e. In the Lories or Brush-
tongued Parrots, highly characteristic of Australia, Papua, and Polynesia, but absent from
New Zealand, the tongue has the peculiarity indicated by the name, the papillae being highly
developed and reversible when the tongue is protruded ; the bill has tio transverse rugie, and
is short and stout, with simple culmen; the ambiens is lost (always?); the furculum is com-
plete ; there are two carotids, and a tufted oil-gland. Among the undoubted genera of this
family (which does not include the genus Loricidus, however), there is much variation in ex-
ternal form, and probably several subfamilies are implicated ; I only name the OreopsittacincE,
with one Papuan genus and species, unique in the whole order in having 14 rectrices. Tlie
equivocal Australian genus Nanodes (or Lathamus) may belong here, ratlier than in Platy-
cercidce, as it is brush-tongued, with a furculum, orbital ring, no ambiens, etc. 6. Caca-
TUID.^;. This Austro-Malayan and Papuan family is well-marked by the bony temporal bar,
in addition to the completed bony orbits; there is no ambiens, and great variability in the
carotids and oil-gland; carotid single and sinistral as a rule. The bill is transv<'rsely rugose
under the hook, and the tongue is simple; the head is conspicuously crested. There are sev-
eral subfamilies. The Cacatuincc have feathered cheeks and short tails ; in M icroglossince the
clicelis are naked and the tail is short; in CalopsittacincE the tail is pointed with narrow feath-
ers. The curious genus Nymjjhiciis seems to be more nearly related to the Cockatoos than to
any others, and may represent a fourtli subfamily, NymphicincE. 7. PsiTTACin.*:, in a re-
stricted sense, are definable by exclusion of the particular combinations of characters of other
Palteog.'ean families. There are two carotids, tlie left superficial ; a complete furculum ; incom-
plete orbits; the ambiens equivocal. The tail is short; the cheeks are more or less denudeii,
as a rule ; there is no crest, and tlie sexes are alike. The bill has the usual rasp, as in all
groups except the Lories, Nestors, and allies. This family is diaracteristically Ethiopian, with
ail outlying PapHan representative, and may include tliree subfamilies: I'sitidcitKr, type J'sil-
lacHS eritliacns, the common gray red-tailed Jako of Africa, and subtype Coraco2)sis, the black
616 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PS ITT A CI — ARID^.
Madagascan Vasas ; Poeocephalince, the ordinary green or brown African Parrots, so similar to
the American Amazons ; and the Papuan black Parrot, Dasyptilince, of one genus and species.
II. Neog^i. 8. PiONiD^ are the short-tailed green Amazons and some other Parrots of
tropical America, agreeing in a complete furculum, two carotids, no ambiens (except Caica) ;
the cere always naked. Leading genera of this family are Chrysotis, Pionus, Pachynus, and
Brotogerys, without oil-gland, and forming the true Pionincej more special types are Deroptyus,
Pionopsittacus, Triclaria, Urochroma, Caica (?) and Gypopsittacus, with an oil-gland, probably
representing another subfamily, Pionopsittacince. 9. Psittaculid^. Certain short-tailed
pygmy American Parrots differ notably from the other Neogfean forms in the absence of a com-
plete furculum, as well as of an ambiens, in which respects they agree with the Palseogeean
genus Agapornis; and if the distinction of New World from Old World forms does not break
down in this case, they must be regarded as a different family. They differ from the Pionidce
in possessing an oil-gland. The orbital ring is incomplete. There are numerous species of
the single genus Psittacula, in which the sexes differ in color. All remaining American Par-
rots constitute the
Family ARID-<E : Macaws, etc.,
being the long-tailed Neogfean forms commonly rated as a subfamily Arince or Conurince of
Psittacidce. It is characteristic of these birds to possess a complete furculum, an ambiens (want-
ing in Pyrrhura), an oil-gland, and two carotids, the left superficial ; in which respects they
represent an ancestral type. In one subfamily, the Arince proper or Macaws, the orbital ring
varies in completeness ; the face is more or less denuded ; the size is great, with long gradu-
ated tail, and the colors are very showy, as red, blue, yellow, green. The genera are Ara,
Anodorhynchtis, and Cyayiopsittaciis. The other genera of AridcB form the
Subfamily CONURIN/E: Wedge-tailed American Parrots,
of medium and small size and mostly green color, witli or withf)Ut red or yellow ; the cheeks
and usually also the cere feathered; the tail wedged. The orbital ring is generally complete
(incomplete in Myopsittacus and Bolborhynchus) . The chief exception to the compactness of
this group is afforded by the genus Pyrrhura, which lacks an ambiens and has the cere naked.
Several genera, the largest of which is the following :
CONU'RUS. (Gr. (cwi/oy. ^'onos, a cone ; ovpd, oura, ia.i\; cuneate-tail.) Conures. Par-
ROQUETS. Tail lengthened, nearly equalling wings, cuneate, with tapering feathers, graduated
nearly half its length. Face entirely feathered excepting a slight space about eye. Nostrils
in feathered cere (in our species). Bill very stout, with bulging lateral outline, broadly rounded
culmen and gonys, and toothed or lobed commissure. Tarsi very short, much less than inner
anterior toe; outer anterior longer than outer posterior toe. Feet granular-reticulate, becoming
scutellate on toes. Wings pointed ; in our species 2d and .3d primaries longest, 1st and 4th
subequal and shorter. A large genus of tropical America, of about 30 species, with one U. S.
species, which differs from the rest in having the nostrils hidden in feathers and 4th primary
not attenuated; it is type of Cow?«rojJS'is Salv AD. 1891.
C. carolinen'sis. (Lat. Carolinian. Figs. 422, 423.) Carolina Conure. Parroquet
or Parrakeet. Kelinky. Green; head yellow; face red; bill white; feet flesh-color;
wings more or less variegated with blue and yellow. Sexes alike. Young simply green.
Length 12.50-13 50; extent 21.00-22.50; wing 7.00-8.00 ; tail 6.00-7.00. Southern States;
up the Mississippi Valley to the Missouri region ; W. to Arkansas and the Indian Territory ;
in 1806 found in midwinter in tiie mountains of Colorado by Pike's Expedition ; recently Kan-
sas, Nebraska, Iowa; formerly strayed to Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan, but of late
has receded even from the Carolinas ; still locally abundant only in Florida, less so in Arkansas
RAPTORES: BIRDS OF PREY.
617
and the Indian Territory. But it would seem that if the cruel and wanton slaughter to which
tlie gentle creatures are subjected by idlers goes on, iliey must before long be exterminated.
Gregarious, frugivorous, and granivorous ;. not regularly migratory, but roving and sporadic.
Said to breed in companies in hollow trees ; also to build open nests on horizontal boughs of cy-
press ; eggs white, 1.40 X 1-0.5, variable in shape, rough in texture; normal number and time
of laying unknown ; in captivity '3-.T, June-September.
RHYNCHOPSIT'TA. (Gr. pvy^os, hrugchos, beak, and y^iTra, piiitta, for ■^irraKr), yj/irraKos,
or (TiTTaKTj, psittace, psittakos, or sittace, a parrot.) Beakeu Parrots. Bill very larije,
compressed, with flat gonys and long hook of upper mandible. Cere densely feathered, as in
the foregoing, the nostrils in the feathers. Tail cuueate, graduated on(^-third its length. Size
large. One Mexican species.
R. pachyrhyn'cha. (Gr. naxvs, paclius, thick; and piy-j^os-) Thick-billed Parrot.
Green, brightest on cheeks and ears ; spot before eye and under surface of quills and tail-
feathers blackish; primary under coverts yellow; forehead, lores, line over eye, edge and bend
of wings, and thighs, dark red ; bill black ; feet dark. Young simply green, with little if any
red or yellow, and the bill whitish for the most part. Length lG.00-17.00; wing about 10.00;
tail about 7.00, graduated 2.50; bill 1.50 along chord of culmen, rather more in depth. High-
lands of Mexico, north casually to the Chiricahua mountains, Arizona; specimen in Miis.
Acad. Phila. labelled Rio Grande, J. W. Audubon, Baird, B. N. A. 18.58, p. 66; sup-
posed to jiave occurred in S. W. Texas and S. New Mexico, Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 269;
not previously admitted in the Key ; A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, 1886, p. .'^54 ; 1895,
p. 330, No. 16.
Order RAPTORES: Birds of Prey.
Bill epignathous, cered; feet not zggodacti/lous. Rapacious birds (Ropfores, Raptatores or
Acdpitres of authors, Aetomorphcc of Huxley) form a fairly natural assemblage, to which this
expression furnishes a clew.
(Parrots, probably the only other
birds with strongly hooked and ^-2
truly cered bill, are yoke-toed.) ^ 1
Raptores present several osteo- -^^^g^ .J
logical and other anatomical ^^^t ^
characters. Sternum ample and *^^=^ -^^^"
deep keeled, its posterior margin
doubly or singly notched or fe-
nestrate on each side, or entire
with central emargination ; fur-
culum anchylosed or not. Angle
of mandible not recurved ; max-
illo-palatines united to an ossified
septum ; rostrum arched and
hooked ; basipterygoids present
or absent; skull desmognathous
(after a fashion) and holorliinal.
Hallux always present, usually
valid and insistent; outei* toe re-
versible in some cases, never per- ''"■ '-' ~ "•"" '^ ^ ""■' " i""'>- '"'■'"" Mi. n.. i
manently reversed. Ambiens present (except in Strigen); biceps s[i|) absent; nil excepting
Gijpogeranidca and some CathdilitU's possess the fcinorocaudal. but not its accessory, nor tin-
618 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES.
seinitendinosus nor its accessory (excepting Cathartides, which have the two last named, and
Gyi^ogeranides, which have these and the accessory femorocaudal). Coeca present (except in
Cathartides) . Oil-gland present in all, nude in Cathartides and as a rule in Striges. After-
shafts present (usually), lacking in Pandion and nearly all Striges, and all Cathartides ; wing
aquintocubital. Powder down patches sometimes occur; there are two carotids ; the syrinx,
when developed, is of ordinary broncho-tracheal character, or bronchial (Striges). The nature
is altricial, yet ptiloptedic, the young being downy when hatched, and long fed by the parents in
the nest. The alimentary canal varies with the families, but differs from that of vegetarian birds,
in adaptation to exclusively animal diet. In the higher types, the whole structure betokens
strength, activity, and ferocity, carnivorous propensities and predaceous nature. Most of the
smaller, or weaker, species feed much upon insects ; others more particularly upon reptiles,
and lish ; others upon carrion ; but the majority prey upon other birds, and small mammals,
captured in open warfare. To this end, the claws no less than the beak are specially adapted,
by their development in the "talons" which we constantly associate with our ideas of Birds
of Prey. These weapons of offence and defence are as a rule of great size, strength, crook-
edness, and acuteness ; also peculiar in being convex on the sides, gradually narrowed to the
point, and little or not excavated underneath. Inner claw larger than outer ; hinder smaller
than middle ; all very flexibly jointed, so that they may be strongly bent underneath the toes,
carrying to the extreme the grasping power of the feet. Legs muscular and largely free from
the body, feathered to the suffrago or beyond ; when unfeathered, the tarsal envelop varies in
character. Wings ample, and, as usual in birds below Passeres, the coverts long and numerous,
covering three-fourths or more of the folded wing. The tail, very variable in shape, has 12
rectrices (with rare exceptions as 14 in Thalassoaetus, Neophron, etc).
Representatives of this order are found in every part of the world. They are divisible into
four primary groups, of more classificatory value than that attaching to average families in
ornithology, and therefore to be held as supcrfamilies or suborders. One of these, Gypogeran-
ides, consists of the single remarkable Serpentarius serpentarius, the Secretary-bird or Serpent-
eater of Africa ; this shows a curious grallatorial analogy, being mounted on long legs like a
Crane, and has several important structural modifications. The other three are Striges or
Owls; Accipitres or Hawks, Eagles, etc., including Old World Vultures; and Cathartides or
American Vultures — these last more different from the others collectively than the rest are
from one another. All are well represented in this country. They are recognizable at a
glance, but the following analysis will serve to place the characters of the suborders and their
respective families in strong relief.
Analysis oj Suborders and Families.
Feet scarcely raptorial, with weak, blunt, lengthened, little curved or contractile claws. Hind toe elevated, not
more than half as long as outer toe, with small claw ; middle toe lengthened ; outer toe not versatile ; front toes
all webbed at base ; basal joint of middle toe longer than either of the succeeding ones. Nostrils large, perfo-
rate. Bill little raptorial, lengthened and somewhat contracted in continuity, tomia never lobed or toothed, tip
blunt, little hooked. Head largely naked. Index digit with a large claw. No lower larynx, coeca, aftershafts,
or tuft of oil-gland. Ambiens present; femorocaudal present or absent : semitendinosus and its accessory pres-
ent plantar tendons sympelmous, but flexors after fusion split into tendons for 2d-4th toes, and others for 1st-
3d toes CATHARTIDES
Diurnal ; gressorial ; feed exclusively on carrion Cathartid.e
Feet highly raptorial, with large, strong, sharp, curved, contractile claws. Hind toe not elevated, lengthened, more
than half as long as outer toe, with large claw ; outer toe often versatile ; front toes with slight basal webbing
between outer and middle, or none. Nostrils small, imperforate. Bill short, stout, very seldom contracted in
its continuity, tomia often once or twice lobed or toothed, tip sharp, much hooked. Head feathered completely
or in greatest part. Coeca present, long or very small. Plumage with or without aftershafts. Ambiens present
or absent. Femorocaudal present. Semitendinosus and its accessory absent. As a rule, saltatorial, and kill
their prey.
Physiognomy not peculiar ; no great lateral expansion of the cranium or thickening of its walls with diploe ;
eyes looking sideways ; no facial disc or only an imperfect one ; base of bill not hidden by appressed
feathers. Nostrils wholly in the cere. Tomia usually toothed or lobed. No external ear-conch. Outer
STRIGES: NOCTTJRNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 619
toe not shorter than inner, and rarely versatile. Basal joint of middle toe longer than the next. Feet
with rare exceptions mostly or entirely naked of feathers, scutellate or reticulate, or both ; toes always
bare and scaly. Sternum commonly single-notched or -fenestrate on each side, sometimes entire. Oil-
gland tufted. Plumage compact, usually aftershafted ; flight audible. Ambiens present. Diurnal
ACCIPITRES
Outer toe not reversible, and plumage usually aftershafted. Feet sympelmous or desmopelmous :
tendon of flexor perforans supplying 2d-lth toes, that of flexor hallucis going to 1st toe and by
vinculum to 2d toe Fai,coxid.s;
Outer toe reversible, and plumage without aftershafts. Feet sympelmous, but tendon of flexor per-
forans going to 2d-4th toes, that of flexor hallucis to all the toes PASDIONID.E
Physiognomy peculiar by reason of great lateral expansion, lengthwise contraction and diploic thickening of
the often unsymmetrical cranium ; eyes looking forward, surrounded with a radiated disc of modified
feathers, in front appressed, autrorse, hiding base of bill. Nostrils usually at edge of the cere. Tomia
never lobed or toothed. A large external ear-conch often developed. Outer toe completely versatile,
shorter than iimer toe. Basal joint of middle toe not longer than second, much shorter than the penul-
timate one. Feet usua'ly feathery or bristly to or on the toes. Oil-gland nude. Plumage usually with-
out aftershafts, soft and lax ; flight noiseless. Ambiens absent. Feet desmopelmous, tendon of flexor
perforans to 2d^th toes, that of flexor hallucis to hind tee, only by vinculum acting also on 2d-4th toes.
Nocturnal STRIGES
Sternum entire behind, with central emargiuation : furculum anchylosed. Middle claw pectinate.
Facial disc complete, triangul:ir ALCC0NiD.a;
Sternum notched or fenestrate ; furculum free. Middle claw not pectinate. Facial disc circular
when complete Strioid.s;
Suborder STRIGES : Nocturnal Birds of Prey ; Owls.
(Accipitres Nocturnes, or Nyctharpages.)
Head very large, and especially bri)ad from side to side, but sliorteued lengthwise, the
"face" thus formed further defined by a more or le.^s complete "ruff," or circlet of radiating
feathers of peculiar texture, on each side. Eyes very large, looking more or less directly for-
ward, set in a circlet of radiating bristly feathers, and overarched by a superciliary shield.
External ears extremely large, often provided with an operculum or movable flap, presenting
tlie nearest approach, among birds, to the ear-conch of mammals. Bill shaped much as in or-
dinary Accipjitres, but thickly beset at base with close-pressed antrorse bristly feathers, and
never toothed. Nostrils large, commonly opening at edge of cere rather than entirely in its
substance. Hallux of average length, never obviously elevated ; outer toe more or less perfectly
versatile (never permanently reversed), shorter than inner toe ; its first tliree joints very short,
altogether not as long as the succeeding one ; basal joint of middle toe not longer than the next.
Claws all very long, much curved, and extremely sharp, that of middle toe pectinate in some
species. As a rule, tarsi more or less completely feathered, and whole foot often thus covered.
Among numerous osteological characters may be mentioned frequent asymmetry of skull; wide
separation of inner and outer tablets of brain-case by intervention of spongy diploe ; spongy
maxillo-palatines an<l lacrymals, which latter long persist distinct ; desmognathous palate ;
holorhinal nostrils ; ba.'^i[)terygoid processes ; commonly mjinubriated and 4-notched (if not
entire) sternum ; a peculiar structure of tarso-metatarsus ; a particular arrangement of bones
about the shoulder-joint, and weakness of furculum when not anchylosed with sternum. The
cervical vertebrfe appear to be constantly 14. Five pairs of ribs reacli the sternum. Gullet
capacious, but not dilated into a special crop; gizzard only moderately muscular; intestines
short and wide; coeca extremely long, club-shaped, sometimes largely dilated at the ends.
Syrinx wholly bronchial, with one pair of intrinsic and one of extrinsic muscles. Oil-gland
nude or barely tufted. Ambiens absent, as also semitendinosus and accessory, accessory femo-
rocaudal, biccj)S slip, and expansor of secondaries ; feniorocaudal present. Feet desmopelmous,
in the peculiar way abovesaid. Wings aquintocubital. The featliers liave no aftcrsliaft, or
exceptionally a very small one, and the general plumage is very soft and lilended.
The Nocturnal Birds of Prey will lie immediately recognized by tlnir peculiar pliysi<ig-
ni.iiiy, in.lepciKlcntly of tlie technical characters that mark tlu-m as a natural, sharply-defined
620
5 YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — RA P TOR ES — S TRIGES.
group. They are highly monomorphic, without extremes of aberrant form ; Lut the ease with
which they are collectively defined is a measure of the difficulty of their rigid subdivision, which
is not yet satisfactorily determined. Too much stress has been laid upon the trivial, although
evident, circumstance of presence or absence of the peculiar "horns'' that many species pos-
sess. These are tufts of lengthened feathers rising over the eyes from the forehead, commonly
called "ear-tufts;" but they have nothing to do with the ears, and are more appropriately
named "plumicorns," or feather-horns. More reliable characters may be drawn from the
structure of the external ear and facial disc, the modifications of which appear to bear directly
upon mode of life ; these parts being as a rule most highly developed in the more nocturnal
species; some points of internal structure have been found correspondent. Thus, one group,
Fig. 4 .'5. — '■ Est illis Slririihu!: nomen ; sed nominis Imjus
Causa quod horrenda stridere uocte soieiit." — Ovid, Fiisli, vi. 139.
" Screec/i-oivls they 're called, because with dismal cry
lu darkling uight from place to place they fly."
of which the Barn Owl, Aluco flammeuSi is type, is very distinct in the angular contour and
high development of the facial disc, pectination of middle claw, and other characters upon
which a family Aluconidce may be established. Probably the rest of the suborder fall in two
subdivisions of a single family Strigidce, the essential characters of which have already been
contrasted with those of A lueonidtc.
The nearest relatives of Striges, outside their own order, are Caprimulgi — the relationship
being really very close through tlie genus Steatornis. As is well known. Owls are eminently
nocturnal birds ; but to tliis rule there are numerous striking exceptions. This general habit
is correspondent to the modification of the eyes, the size and structure of which enalile the
birds to see by night, and cause them to sufi"er from the glare of sunlight. Most species pass
the daytime secreted in hollow trees, or dense foliage and other dusky retreats, resuming their
ALUCONID.E: BARN OWLS. 621
wonted activity after nightfall. Owing to the jjeculiar texture of the plumage, their flight is
perfectly noiseless, like the mincing steps of a cat ; and no entirely fanciful analogy has been
drawn between these birds and the feline carnivora that chiefly prey stealthily in the dark.
The nest is commonly a rude affair of sticks gathered in the various places of diurnal resort;
the eggs are several (commonly 3-G), white, subspherical. The 9> '^s a rule, is larger than
(J, but the sexes are alike in color; the coloration is commonly blended and diffuse, difficult of
concise description. Owls feed entirely upon animal substances, and capture their prey alive
— small quadrupeds and birds, reptiles and insects, and even fish. Like most other Raptores,
they eject from the mouth, after a meal, bones, hair, feathers, and other indigestible sub-
stances, made up into a pellet. They are noted for their loud outcries, so strange and often so
lugubrious, that it is no wonder traditional superstition places these dismal night-birds in the
category of things ill-omened. Besides the well-known lines which are set beneath two f)f the
accompanying figures, the reader may recall the Owl as among the 'portents weird' whic'a
foretell the fate of the unhappy queen of Carthage, when, deserted by 'pious' ^Eneas, she
resolves to die.
" Solaque culminibus ferali carmine huho
Saepe queri, et longas iu fletum ducere voces." — Vero , ^n., iv. 4G2.
The hoot-owl, brooding ominous above
Her fateful house, is wearing dismal night away
With wild vociferation. Portents weird, etc.
Owls are among the most completely cosmopolitan birds; with minor modifications ac-
cording to circumstances, their general habits are much the same the world over. A difficulty
of correctly estimating the number of species arises from tlie fact that many, especially of the
more generalized types, have a wide geographical distribution, and, as in nearly all such cases,
they split into more or less easily recognized races, the interpretation <jf which is at present a
matter of opinion rather than a settled issue. About 200 species pass current ; out of about 50
generic names now in vogue, probably less than one-half represent some structural peculiarity.
Family ALUCONID^: Barn Owls.
(Fam. STRIGID.E of A. 0. U. Lists.)
Two genera of Owls, Aluco and Heliodilus, difi'er so much from other Striges that they
may properly constitute a family apart from StrigidcB. The prime character is anchylosis of
furculum with sternum, which latter bone has no manubrium in front and is entire behind (un-
usual ; compare fig. 5<)). There is no bony canal for the passage of the extensor tendon of the
toes. External characters are : facial disc and outer ear-parts highly developed, the former
not circular, but rather triangular, the latter symmetrical ; middle and inner toes of about equal
lengths; inner edge of middle claw serrate or jagged, simulating the pectination seen in Capri-
midgidcB, to which birds these Owls are curiously related through Steatortm. The pterylosis,
as well as pattern of coloration, is peculiar: the plumage is very downy ; the habits of the
species are eminently nocturnal. The U'a<ling genus, Aluco, of several species or races, is
nearly cosmop<ditan, being absent only from high latitudes and some insular rcirions. The
other genus, Heliodilus, is a Madagascan tyi)e. A third genus, Phodilus or Pholodilns, of
which one species, P. badius. inhabits portions of eastern Asia, Ceylon, Java, and Borneo,
is the connecting link with the other family, and Udw removed thereto, though long kept in
the present one. It has no manubrium sterni and no bony canal of the tarso-metatarsus, but
the sternum is notched behind, and the incomplete clavicles do not reach its keel ; the outer
toe has only 4 phalanges. The gentral external aspect of P. hndius resembles that of the
I?arn Owls. — X. 15. Adoption <<{ Ahico for IJani Owls, instead o( Stri.r, rcquiri's the present
622
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — STRIGES.
family to be called Aluconidce, instead of Strigidce; which latter name is to be applied to the
succeeding fiimily. The Linnseau genus Strix, 1758, which included all Owls, was first di-
vided in 17(J0 by Brisson, who made ^'. stridula the type of his restricted genus; consequently,
Strix cannot be used for the Barn Owls. The first tenable name for the genus of which the
Barn Owl is type is Alnco Fleming, Phil. Zool. ii, 1822, p. 236. S. aluco Linn. 1758, p. 93,
No. 6, is the European Barn Owl, commonly called S. Jiammea, though S. aluco LiNN. 1766,
p. 132, No. 7, is S. stri-
dula : see Newton, Ibis,
1876, pp. 94-104, and Diet.
B, 1894, p. 673. On re-
viewing tlie whole case, I
find that Newton is indis-
putably right, according to
A. 0. U. canons of nomen-
clature ; and the A. 0. U.
Checlv List violates its own
rules in calling the present
f a m i 1 y Strigidce. A lu co -
nid(E must stand as name
of this family, as in 2d-4th
cds. of Key.
ALU'CO. (Ital. allocco or
alocho, some kind of Owl,
]>erhaps the European Barn
Owl, A. flammeus. As a
Latin word, Aluco dates
1.503, in Gaza's Aristotle;
as a genus in ornithology
it dates from Fleming,
1828. Figs. 47, 426.)
Barn Owls. To al)ove
characters add : Wings
very long, pointed, folding
beyond tail ; 1st or 2(1 pri-
mary longest, none emargi-
nate. Tail short, nearly
even or emarginate, about
i as long as wing. Tarsus
nearly twice as long as mid-
dle toe without claw, closely feathered, the plumage becoming scant and bristly below^, like
that on the nearly naked toes, and reversed in direction on the posterior aspect ; claws ex-
tremely long and acute (see fig. 47). Bill lengthened, compressed ; cere nearly as long as
rest of culmen ; nostrils oval ; no plumicorns ; eyes comparatively small, black ; ears very
large; bill light-colored; plumage flagrant, not dichromatic and of peculiarly delicate texture
as well as special pattern of coloration ; the subtriangular or somewhat cordate figure of the
facial area variable in form at the pleasure of the bird ; size medium. One North American
species or subspecies, among several which inhabit collectively most parts of the world.
Others, more distinct from the stock form, A. flammeus, are A. novce-hoUandice, and A. tene-
bricosa, both Australian ; A. castanops, Tasmanian ; A. capensis, S. African; A. Candida,
Indian. (Genus Strix of the A. 0. U. Lists, by error : see above.)
Fig. 42G. — Barn Owl
Brelim. )
' From yonder ivy-mantled tower,
The moping owl does to the moon complain
01 such, as wand'ring near her secret bower,
Molest her ancient solitary reign." — Gray.
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS.
623
A. pratin'cola. (Lat. pratincola, meadow-inhabitiug.) American Barn Owl. Monkey-
faced Owl. Above, iucliuliug upper surfaces of wiugs and tail, tawny, fulvous, or orange-
brown, delicately clouded or marbled with ashy and white, and dotted with blackish, some-
times also with white ; such marking resolved, or tending to resolve, into 4 or 5 bars of dark
mottling on the wings and tail. Below, including lining of wings, varying from pure white
to tawny, ochrey, or fulvous, but usually paler than upper parts and dotted with small but
distinct blackish specks. Face varying from white to fulvous or purplish-brown, in some
shades as if stained with claret, usually quite dark or even black. About eyes, and border of
disc, dark brown. Thus extremely variable in tone of coloration, but the pattern more constant,
while the generic characters render the bird unmistakable. Nestlings covered with tiufFy
white down. Length 15.00-17.00 or more ; e.\tent about 44.00 ; wing 13.00-14.00 ; tail 6.00-
7.00; bill 0.95; tarsus 2.75. 9 hxrger than ^. The superior size is the chief distinction
from the Old World A. flammeus, of which I have kept it as a subspecies in all previous edi-
tions of the Key, and now accord it full rank with much misgiving, in deference to the A. 0. U.
U. S. from Atlantic to Pacific ; somewhat southerly, rarely known N. to Massachusetts, New
York, southern Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Washington; S- into Mexico,
West Indies and Central America ; abundant in wooded, settled, and especially maritime
regions ; resident in most of its range, but only migratory or irregular northerly ; gregarious at
times ; nests from January to May in different latitudes or localities ; broods one or two a year.
Breeds naturally in liollow trees, or holes in the ground, frequently in barn, belfry, tower, or
other building; eggs 3-11 or indefinitely numerous, ordinarily 5-7 in number, dead white, or
soiled yellowish-white, about 1.75 X 1.25, nearly equal-ended or more ovate, laid with little
or no prepai-atiou upon the debris of the hole, commonly bones and other refuse of food,
which is chiefly small quadrupeds and insects. Eggs in diS'erent stages of incubation, even
fresh eggs and young, may be found together in the nest. This is the bird which figures every
now and then in the nevA-spapers as the " monkey " or " monkey-faced " Owl. (^Strix flammea
var. americana Coues, Key, 1872, p. 201 ; Alnco flammeus pratincola of 2d-4th eds. of the
Key, after S- pratincola Bp. 183S.) The latter is the right specific name, but coupled with
the wrong generic name, in the A. 0. U. List, No. 365.
Family STRIGID^ : Other Owls.
(Fam. BUBONID.E of A. 0. U. Lists.)
All other Striges, as far as .
known, have the sternum once
or twice notched on each side be-
hind, with a manubrium in front,
and the furculum free or even
defective, being represented l>y a
pair of stylets, which do not jniu
in one bone. There is a bony
canal for jjassage of the comninu
extensor tendon of the toes. Tlie
outer ear-parts are sometimes as
higlily developed as in Aliico-
nid(C, or tliey may be ((uite small.
When large, with a reversible
iiap or operculum, the ear-parts tend to become unsymmetricil on right and left sides of the
head; and this asymmetry is often carried so far as to attcct the sluipe of the whole skull,
Via. 427. — Mobl)ii>K in owl. (From Mii-helct.)
624 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — STRIGES.
which is thus set askew. The facial disc varies in size and perfection, being largest, most
circular, and most completely radiating from the eye as a centre in those species in which the
ear-conch is best developed. These two characters would therefore seem to go together, and
they are not correlated with presence or absence of plumicorns — an obvious but trivial differ-
ence, which carries little weight in classification. Inner toe shorter than middle, and middle
claw not pectinate. The extent of feathering of the feet varies with almost every genus. It
proves advisal)le to make the foregoing main characters the basis of a division of Strigidce into
two subfamilies, Strigince and Biihonince.
Analysis of Subfamilies and Genera.
StriginjE. Eye centric in large complete circular disc, and ear-conch larger than eye, with well-developed oper-
culum ; ear-parts more or less unsymmetrical. Strictly nocturnal.
Plumicorns absent ; cere short.
Ear-parts subsymmetrical. Large : length over 12 inches ; wing 15 or less ; tail under 10 ... . Strix
Largest : length over 20 inches ; wing IG or more ; tail over 10 . Scotiaptex
Ear-parts as3Tnmetrical. Small : length under 12 inches Nyctala
Plumicorns present ; cere longer than rest of culmen. Ear-parts asymmetrical As^o
BuBONiN*. Eye eccentric, nearer top tlian bottom of more or less incomplete disc, and ear-conch not larger than
eye, without developed operculum, symmetrical. Not strictly nocturnal.
Plumicorns present, well-developed.
Very large : length over 18 inches ; tail about § the wing Bubo
Small : length under 12 inches ; tail about § the wing Megascops
Plumicorns present, rudimentary. Very large : length over 18 inches. Wliite Nyctea
Plumicorns absent.
Tarsus full-feathered.
Tail graduated. Length over 12 inches. Hawk-like Surnia
Tail rounded. Length much under 12 inches. Arboreal Glaucidium
Tarsus naked or scant-feathered.
Length under 8 inches. Arboreal Micropallas
Length over 8 inches. Terrestrial Speo/y/o
A'SIO. (Lat. asio, a kind of horned owl.) Eared Owls. Marsh Owls. Skull and ear-
parts more or less unsymmetrical : conch of immense size, about as long as skull is high, fur-
nished with a movable operculum for its fall length. Eyes centric in perfectly developed facial
disc. Plumicorns more or less developed. Nostrils at edge of cere, which is somewhat inflated,
and longer than chord of culmen beyond it; bill rather weak. Wings about twice as long as
tail, pointed, 2d primary usually longest, only 1 or 2 primaries emarginate on inner webs.
Feet closely feathered to ends of toes. Of medium size ; our species 12.00-16.00 long. Em-
bracing about 12 species, and nearly cosmopolitan. Our Long-eared Owl is decidedly difi'er-
ent from that of Europe, Asio otus, but the Short-eared has not been satisfactorily distinguished
from the almost cosmopolitan A. accipitrimis.
Analysis of Subgenera and Species.
Plumicorns long, many-feathered {Asia proper) wilsonianus
Plumicorns short, few-feathered {Brnchyotus) accipiirinus
A. wilsonia'nus. (To A. Wilson. Figs. 56, 428.) American Long-eared OwL. Ear-
tufts conspicuous, about as long as middle toe and claw, of 8-12 feathers. First primary only
emarginate on inner web. Upper parts brownish-black, minutely mottled with grayish-white,
and variegated with the tawny of basal portions of the feathers which comes to the surface
here and there; general effect dark, quite different from the tawny streaking of A. otus of
Europe. Under parts confused blackish-brown, grayish-white and tawny; on breast marbled
in large pattern, for the rest with dusky shaft-lines throwing off dusky cross-bars (several on
each feather) on a whitish ground, and the tawny bases of the feathers showing more or less ;
feet and crissum mostly immaculate, tawny or whitish. Quills blackish -brown, regularly
STRIGIDJE: OTHER OWLS.
625
barred with mottled gray, and towards their bases witli tawny, which hitter forms a conspicu-
ous area on outer webs of several primaries. Lining of wings tawny, separated by a dusky
area from similar bases of inner webs of pri-
maries. Tail like secondaries, dusky with gray
marbled bars, and more or less tawny toward
base ; but from below presenting quite light,
with numerous firm narrow dusky bars. Facial
disc mostly tawny, framed all around in a black-
ish border speckled with wliitish, and more or
less blackened about eye; usually a whitish
superciliary line ; bristles at base of bill mixed
whitish and blackish ; plumbeous-blackish, ba-
sally tawny, edged on one side with whitish.
Bill and claws blackish ; iris yellow. Length
J4.00-16.00; extent about 39.00; wing ILOO-
12.00; tail 5.50-6.50; tarsus 1.25-1.50; chord
of whole culmen about 1.00. Less variable
than many Owls, and always easy to recognize.
Temperate N. Am., common, generally dis-
tributed, resident as a rule, irregularly migra-
tory or roving to some extent, then generally in
flocks; perfectly nocturnal, and thus screened
from casual observation, even where it is numer-
ous, but often surprised in the daytime in shady
resorts, as thick bushes along streams, canons,
caves, etc. Nesting various, in a hollow tree
or stump, rift of rock, or on the ground, but
mainly in deserted nests of other birds, as Hawks,
Crows, Magpies, or even Herons; usually con-
structed with little art, as when in a hollow or on the ground, sojnetimes better built or refitted
in l)ranches of a bush or tree, at a varying height of 10 to 40 feet. Eggs J3-7, oftener 4 or 5,
wliite, subspherical, 1 .50 to 1 .60 X 1 -30 to 1.40, laid from February to May in different latitudes,
usually found in varying stages of incubation of the same set, or with young birds in the nest
before all the eggs are hatched; incubation supposed to take about 21 days; nestlings covered
with grayish-white down. The food of this Owl is mostly small rodents ; it also eats small
birds, frogs, and insects. It is one of our handsomest species, with its trim form, showy plu-
mage, pricked-up ears, and general jaunty air; it has the trick (»f drawing itself up tall, stiff,
and slim, with close-shut feathers, like a soldier on dress parade, and again of swelling up and
fluffing out the plumage, to make itself look big and fierce.
^. accipitri'nus. (Lat. (tccijntrinus, hawk-like. Figs. 420, 430.) Short-earfd Owl.
Mak.sh Owl. Ear-tufts inconspicuous, much shorter than middle toe and claw, few- feathered.
First and second primaries einarginate on inner webs. Above, completely variegated, chiefly in
streaks, with fulvous or tawny, and dark brown ; breast much the same, but other under parts
paler ochrey, usually bleaching on belly, which is sparsely but sharply streaked (never barred)
with dark brown ; feet pale tawny or wliitisli, usually immaculate ; lining of wings interruptedly
whitish. Wing-quills varied, mostly in large jiattern, and tail pretty regularly barred (about
5 bars) with the two colors of upper ])arts. Farial area white or nearly so. but witli a large
black eye-patcli ; disc minutely speckled with fulvous and blackisii, bordered with white inter-
nally and usually having a blackish patch behind ear; radiating feathers of operculum streaked
with blackish and fulvous. Iris bright yellow ; bill an<I claws dusky-bluish; naked granular
40
Fio. 428. — Long-eared Owl.
626
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — STRIGES.
soles yellowish. The ear-opening is extremely large, being 2.00 or more across the longest
way. Length of a $ 14.50; extent
41.00; wing 12.00; tail 6.00; tar-
sus to end of middle claw 3.50 ;
chord of culmen, cere included,
1.12; 9 averaging larger than $.
Young birds are much darker col-
ored than the adults ; the face quite
uniformly blackish, the upper parts
dark brown with broad pale buff
tips of the feathers, the lower parts
dingy grayish-buff, with few if any
markings. In any plumage it is
rather a plain, plebeian Owl, whose
appearance corresponds with its
lowly, unpretentious habits. In-
habits N. Am. at large, and most
^ other parts of the world ; migratory
with us, and sometimes seen in con-
siderable flocks, especially in marshy
places, which are its favorite hunt-
ing-grounds for the small quadru-
peds and other animals upon which
it preys. It is a great destroyer of
shrews and field-mice, deserving on
this account to be protected in the
interests of agriculture. The breed-
PiG. 429. -Short-eared Owl, reduced. (Sheppard del. Nichols sc.) j^^^ ^^^^^ jg nearly Coincident with
tlie general distribution of the species in this country, but most of the birds nest in the northern
parts of the U. S. and thence within the Arc-
tic Circle, retiring from these high latitudes
in winter; the season for eggs ranges from
March in the South to July in the North, but
is mostly April and May for ordinary lati-
tudes. The nest is commonly built on the
ground, sometimes in an underground bur-
row, consisting of a little hay and feathers ;
eggs 4-7, dull white, roundish, about 1.55
X 1-25. This Owl, though a member of the
most nocturnal division of its family, is one
of those frequently abroad in the daytime,
and in dull weather may be observed quarter-
ing low over the ground in open places, on its
broad noiseless pinions, in search of its hum-
ble quarry; it is not a woodland bird, like
most of its ti'ibe, but lives in rank herbage.
STRIX. (Gr. (TTptyl, strigx, Lat. strix, a
screech-owl.) Gray Owls. Brown Owls.
Wood Owls. Skull and ear-parts more or ^'°- «o. - Short-eared Owi.
less unsymmetrical, the latter large, furnished with a moderate operculum scarcely reaching
STRIGIDM: OTHER OWLS.
627
yui^ Aiuevfe.^)
Ku». 4ai. — Uiirioil Owl
628 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES — STRIGES.
the whole length of the opening. Head very large, appearing as broad as the body, and per-
fectly smooth, there being no plumicorns: facial disc complete and of great extent, the com-
paratively small eyes centric in the radiating feathers. Nostril in edge of cere, which is shorter
than rest of culmen. Bill yellow ; iris dark brown or black. Tail very long, f to | as long as
wings. Wings much rounded; 5 primaries sinuate on inner webs; ]st quite short. Feather-
ing of feet variable; tarsus always feathered, but toes wholly or partly feathered, or naked.
Plumage of under parts barred on the breast at least, if not throughout. Nest in trees; eggs
few. A large genus of " earless " Owls, chietly of the northern hemisphere, of medium to
large size ; ours about 1|- feet long. North America has at least two }>erfectly distinct species;
the commonest one of these, S. nebulosa, represents the European Tawny Owl, S. stridula,
badly miscalled " Syrnium aluco " by so many writers. As shown in my article on the genus
Aluco, Strix alnco Linn. ]758, is the European Barn Owl, Aluco flammeus, belonging to the
other ftimily of Owls. Furthermore, the genus Syrnium Savig. J 809, has no standing what-
ever in ornithology, being a mere synonym of Strix in the strictest sense. Hence the A. 0. U.
is in error in using Syrnium as the name of the present genus, as I was similarly in error in
the original edition of the Key, 1872.
Analysis of Species.
Under parts barred on the breast, elsewhere streaked. Length H feet or more.
Toes fully feathered. Eastern U. S nebulosa
Toes mostly naked. Florida to Texas alleni
Under parts barred everywhere. Length under \h feet.
Toes fully feathered. Western U. S occidentalis
S. nebulo'sa. (Lat. nebulosa, clouded. Figs. 431, 432.) Barred Ow^l. Hoot Owl.
Rain Owl. American Wood Owl. Toes fully feathered, nearly or (juite t<t claws, which are
blackish; bill yellow ; iris black. Of medium size in the genus : length 18.00-20.00 ; extent
about 44.00 ; wing 12.50-13.50, rouuded ; tail 9.00-10.00, rounded. Markings of back and
breast in cross-bars, of belly in lengthwise stripes. Above, umber-brown or liver-color, every-
where barred with white or tawny, or both ; breast the same;
on belly the pattern changing abruptly t<^» heavy dusky shaft-
stripes on a white or tawny ground ; crissum the same ; feet
speckled with dusky ; wings and tail like back or rather
darker, regularly barred with gray, light brown or tawny,
some of the bars usually making white spots at their ends,
and marking of wing-coverts rather in spots than bars.
Lining of wings tawny, with some dusky spotting. Facial
i'^^i^j:):^^^^^!'^^^''*' disc set in a frame of black and white specks, with black-
ened eyelids, and obscurely watered with lighter and darker
F,u. 432. -Barred Owl, reduced. ^^^^^.^ ^^ ^.-^^^^^ around eye as a centre, the bristly feathers
about bill mixed black and white, or white at base, blackened terminally. A notably large
and somewhat impressive Owl of eastern North America, common in woodland of the U. S.,
especially southerly (except the range of its subspecies alleni), west to Colorado; not rang-
ing much north of the U. S., though occurring in some parts of the Dominion of Canada;
replaced in Western U. S. by S. occidentalis, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. It
is the commonest "hooting" Owl, the strange outbursts of midnight discord which one may
hear about the farm-house or camp-fire proceeding oftener from this species than from the
Great Horned Owl. It is strong enough to prey upon poultry, quail, rabbits and squirrels, as
well as humbler game, mostly mice, also frogs and other reptiles, insects, sometimes crustaceans
and fish ; occasionally it turns cannibal, and devours small Owls. It is thoroughly nocturnal, and
very seldom seen abroad by day, even in the thickest woods, whose umbrage is so congenial
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS. 629
to this solitary and stubborn reeluse. Nest usually in a hollow tree, sometimes a desei-ted
Hawk's or Crow's nest; eggs 2, 3, or 4, white, subspherical, about 2.00 X l-7o, laid from
February to April.
S. n. al'leni. (To J. A. Allen.) Florida Barred Owl. Like nebulosa proper, but toes
almost eutirely naked. The feathering of the tarsus stops at the roots of the toes almost as
abruptly as it does in Megascons flammeola, in comparison with M. asio, though a slight strip
of bristly feathers ruus a little way along outside of middle toe. The barring of the breast
seems to be heavier, on an average. South Atlantic and Gulf States, from S. Carolina to Texas.
Habits like those of the common Barred Owl, but nesting earlier on an average, Jan. -Mar.,
and eggs usually only 2 in number. (Probably S. georgiea Lath. 1801.)
S. n. helve'olum. (Lat. helveolus, yellowish.) Texas Barred Owl. Size of nehidosum
]u-oper; toes naked as in alleni ; coloration pallid throughout in comparison with the type
form ; legs and feet buff or whitish, with few or none of the dusky markings of the other forms.
Corpus Christi, Texas. (Bangs, Pr. N. Engl. Zool. Club, i, Mar. \i\, 1899, p. 31 ; Auk, Oct.
1899, p. 341.)
S. occidenta'lis. (Lat. occidentalis, western.) Western Barred Owl. Spotted Owl.
Xanthus Owl. Toes feathered as in S. nebulosa. Decidedly smaller than that species,
and otherwise readily distinguished. Ground-c<d()r of upper parts much the same, but the
barring broken up into spotting, for the most part ; on back and wing-coverts resulting in
irregular variegation, on head making small round white spots. Wings, tail, and facial disk
much as in nebulosa. Under parts quite diflferent, the markings being in bars everywhere,
with little difierence in pattern between the belly and the breast. The latter is closely and
regularly barred with brown and white, as in nebulosa, and if the barring is at all diflferent ou
belly, it is from separation of the white bars into pairs of spots, in any event very different in
appearance from the firm lengthwise stripes of nebulosa. The difference between the two
species in this regard is comj)arable to that between the Long- and Short-eared Owls. Tiie
lining of the wings is fully spotted with dusky on a tawny ground. The general brown color
of the bird is on tlie whole warmer than that of nebulosa. Length 16.00 or more ; wing
12.00-13.50; tail 8.00-9.00. Western U. S., southerly; has been found in Colorado, New
Mexico, Arizona, California (original specimen from Fort Tejou), Lower California, and
some parts of Mexico, and is probably not so rare as has been supposed. Habits as far
as known not different from those of the Barred Owl ; nest in the hollow of a tree, or built
on a branch, of small sticks, bark, hay and featheis ; eggs known to be 4 in one case, and
to be laid in April; size about 2.05 X 1.80, and shai)e thus well rounded, as usual in the
genus.
S. o. cauri'nus. (Lat. caurinus, northwestern ; caurus, the northwest wind.) NORTHERN
Spotted Owl. Merriam's Owl. Like the last, darker and richer in coloration ; dark areas
larger and darker ; white markings smaller, especially on head and back, where the spotting is
leduced to a minimum ; primaries without whitish tips, with only an indistinct pale band
mixed with a little whitish on outer side of the vanes, and faint terminal edging on some of
tlie feathers; the 3 or 4 i)ale bars toward ends of the feathers also obsolescent. Coast region
ofWashingtcm and British Columbia. New to the Key. Syrnium o. caurinum Mekuia.m,
Auk, .Ian. 1898, p. 39; A. 0. U. Suppl. List. Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 109, No. m\) a.
BU'BO. (Lat. bubo, the great horned owl or "grand duke" of Europe, B. ma.nnnis. iguarus
or bubo.) Great Horned Owls. Eagle Owls. Hoot Owls. Grand Di'kes. Skull
and ear-parts symmetrical (of same size on both sides of head), the latter simply elliptical,
non-opcrculate, not longer than the great yellow eye, whicli is eccentric in the moder.itely de-
veloped facial disc (nearer its toj) than bottom). Plumiconis highly developed. Nostrils oval,
in edge of cere, which is not inflated, nor as long as rest of culmen ; bill robust, black, not
buried in frontal bristles. Wings rather short, folding slmrt of end of tail, .'M or -1th primary
630
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — RAP TORES — STRIGES.
longest, first 2 or 3 emarginate near their ends. Tail rounded, more than i as long as wing,
its under coverts not reaching its end. Feet densely feathered to last .]\)int of toes, but claws
exposed. Of medium and very large size (some species are nearly the largest of Owls), and
variegated, usually dark, colors ; plumage not dichromatic. Embracing numerous species, of
all America and nearly all of the Old World ; only one, however, in North America, with sev-
eral ill-defined subspecies.
B. virginia'nus. (Lat. virginianus, Virginian. Fig. 43.3.) Great Horned Owl. Hoot
Owl. Cat Owl. American Grand Duke. Distinguished by large size and conspicuous ear-
tufts, our other species of similar stature
being tuftless or nearly so. Length nearly
or about 2 feet; extent 4 or 5 feet; wing
14.00-16.00 inches; tail 8.00-10.00; tarsus
2.00-2.25; culmen without cere 1.10-1.20.
9 averaging much larger than ^. Plu-
mage varying interminably, no concise de-
scription meeting all its phases. A white
collar on throat is the most constant color-
mark. On the upper parts, the under plu-
mage tawny, but so overlaid with coarse
mottling of blackish and white, that the
tawny shows chiefly on head, nape, and
scapulars; mottling chiefly transverse, re-
solving into 7 to 9 continuous or broken
bars on wings and tail. Under parts white,
indefinitely tawny-tinged, and for the most
part barred crosswise with blaclvisii, cliang-
ing on fore breast to ragged and rather
lengthwise blotches. Feathering of feet
nearly plain tawny. Ear-tufts black and
tawny; a dark mark over eye; border of
facial disc black; face white or tawny, but
the feathers mostly black-shafted. Bill and
claws black ; iris yellow ; pupil always cir-
cular ; wlien fully dilated as large as a
finger-ring, contractile to size of a pea.
Young covered at first with white down ;
Fig. 433. -Great Horned Owl. (Frou. The Ooprey.) ^^^^ plumage more uniformly tawuy and
lighter-colored than it becomes after the first moult, when the white collar and other distinc-
tive markings are assumed. This powerful bird, only yielding to the Great Gray Owl in
linear dimensions, but not in bulk of body, and inferior to none in spirit or prowess, is a common
inhabitant of North America at large, representing B. bubo of Europe. The typical or ordinary
form (atlanticus Cass.) occurs throughout Eastern N. Am., N. to Labrador, W. to the E. edge
of the Great Plains. It is non-migratory ; breeds in all winter and early spring months (some-
times in December, often in January, usually February or March), laying in hollows of trees
or rifts of rocks, occasionally on the ground, often in a bulky nest of sticks on the branches of
tall trees, then appropriating and renovating that of a Crow, large Hawk, or Eagle. Eggs
usually 2 or 3, often 4, rarely more, and 2 the most frequent number, likely to hatch ^ and
9; they are thick-shelled, granular, unglossy, colorless, subspherical, about 2.1.5 X l-*0 in
size ; duration of incubation about three weeks. The young begin to hoot when about 4
months old. If taken early enough from the nest, they may become docile and even affectionate ;
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS. 631
but captive adults generally prove intractable. This Owl preys upon birds and quadrupeds up
to the size of domestic f(jwls and rabbits, and is more destructive to poultry than any Hawk
whatever ; it often kills more than it can devour, only eating off the heads of its victims. It
is habitually abroad in the daytime, apparently not at all inconvenienced by sunlight. Runs
into the following varieties, which, however, are not as strictly geographical as the names
would indicate : —
B. V. arc'ticus. (Lat. arctieus, northern.) White Horned Owl. Very pale ccdored, fre-
quently quite whitish, and not distantly resembling the Snowy Owl, from which, however, it
is easily distinguished by the long plumicorns and other generic characters. (See Swainson's
fig. in F. B. A., pi. 30.) Boreal and alpine North Am.; such specimens occasional in north-
ern U. S. in winter, and Rocky Mt. region. This form has stood correctly in the Key since
1872; the attempt of the A. 0. U. to subdivide it into B. v. arctieus and jB. v. suharcticiis,
Lists, 1886-95, Nos. 375 h and 375 a (after Ridgw., Orn. 40th Par. 1877, p. 572) has been
abandoned (see Auk, Apr. 189(3, pp. 153-1.36, and Jan. 1897, p. 134).
B. V. paci'flcus. (Lat. pacificus, of the Pacific ocean.) Pacific Horned Owl. Very
dark colored, chiefly blackish and grayish, with little tawny, and what there is of it dull ;
facial disc quite ashy. Rather smaller than average virginianus ; but the diflference is slight.
Western N. Am., but by no means confined to the Pacific coast region. The smallest
specimens I have seen are from Lower California. Cass., 111. B. Cal., etc., July, 1854,
p. 178, and in Baird, B. N. A. 1858, p. 49; Coues, Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 202, and 2d-
4th eds. 1884-90, p. 504; ignored in A. 0. U. Lists, 1886 and 1895; admitted in Eighth
Suppl. Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 119, No. "375c"; given as "3756" in Ninth Suppl. Auk, Jan.
18il9, p. 110.
B. V. saturatiis? (Lat. saturated, sc. with color.) DusKY Horned Owl. Extremely dark-
colored with little or no tawny; facial disc sooty brown mixed with grayish-white. Size of
ordinary virginianus. Pacific coast region. Upper California to Alaska; " Labrador," and
also accredited to much of interior N. Am. Apparently a dark littoral form, in the extreme
pliase of which the tawny is extinct. RiDGW. Orn. 40th Par. 1877, p. 572; Man. 1887,
p. 263 ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886 and 1895, No. 375 c; not separated from pacificus in 2d-4th eds.
of the Key, and prttbably not separable.
Obs. B. v. occidentalis Stone, Auk, Apr. ISOfi, p. 155, is inadmissible, being simply the common species, somewhat
lighter than usual, and insomuch tending toward B. v. arctieus; type from Mitchell Co., Iowa. See Auk, Jan. 1897,
p. 13'.'.
MEGASCOPS. (Gr. ^eyas, megas, large, and (tku)\I/, Lat. scops, a, small kind of owl; our species,
though small, are larger than the typical (Scops giu of Euroj)e. Fig. 434.) Little Horned
Owls. Screech Owls. Dukelets. Like a miniature Bubo in form (all our species under
a foot long). Skull and ear-parts symmetrical; latter small, simply elliptical, with rudimen-
tary operculum ; facial disc moderately developed ; plumicorns evident ; nostrils at edge of core,
which is not inflated, and shorter than rest of culmen. Wings rounded, but long, about twice
the lengtli of the short rounded tail, about to end of which they fold ; in our species 4th and 5th
primaries longest, 1st quite short; 3 or 4 outer primaries sinuate or emarginate on inner webs.
Tarsus feathered (in our species), but toes only partly bristly (in the M. asio group) or quite
naked (as in M. flammeola). Plumage dichromatic in some cases; i. e., some individuals of
the same species normally mottled gray, while others are reddi.»<h. the two phaj^es very distinct
when fully dcvelop(;d, but shading insensibly into each other, and entirely independent i>f age,
season, sex, or locality; the same individual may he red or gray at different times, and may ]>ass
from one phase to tlie other by aptosochromatism — that is, by alteration in tlie ]>igments of tiie
{>lumage, without loss of old or gain of new feathers (Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 38, pi. 1 ). In nornijil
jihimage, a white or wliitisli .scapular stripe ; lower parts with lengthwise l>lotchis or shaft-
632
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — STRIGES.
lines and crosswise bars or waves of blackish or dark color; upper parts Avitli black or blackish
shaft-lines on a Unely-dappled brown or gray ground (more or less obliterated in the red
phase) ; facial disc black-bor-
dered nearly all around ; wing-
quills spotted or marbled on outer
webs, barred on inner webs. Tail
with light and dark bars. Young
covered with white down. Nest
in holes ; eggs plural. A large
and nearly cosmopolitan genus,
especially rich in tropical spe-
cies ; but only three known to
inhabit N. Am., one of them run-
ning into several local races very
ditficult to characterize satisfac-
torily. Obs. This is the genus
Scops, Savigny, 1809, Type S.
giu of Europe. Kaup, in found-
ing his subgenus Megascops, Isis,
1848, p. 765 and p. 769, clearly
intended, not to replace Scops,
but to separate from S. giu cer-
tain larger species of the same
genus, among them our S. asio,
the first one he names on p. 765,
therefore to be assumed as the
type of Mcgascops. But his intention was frustrated by the mishap that Brunnich, in
1772, had used the word Scops wrongly instead of Scopus — whether by accident or design
we shall never know. This miserable business of misusing the classic name of a certain
Owl for a certain water bird (Scopus umbretta) throws out Scops of Savigny, 1809; and as
Ephialtes Keys, and Blas. 1840, based on S. giu, is also preoccupied, having been before
used in entomology, the next name in order is Megnscops Kaup, for the whole genus Scops!
See Auk, April, 1885, p. 183, where Dr. Stejneger makes the point, from which I see no
escape, under A. O. U. canons of nomenclature.
Fig. 434. —Screech Owl, reduced. (From Dall.)
Analysis of Subgenera, Species, anil Stibspecies.
Toes bristly or partly feathered. Plumicorna conspicuous. {Megascops proper) asio
Face not fringed with filaments.
Dichromatic ; red pliase bright rusty. Eastern.
Medium in size ; wing usually between G.OO and 7.00 ; tail about 3.50. Markings of under parts coarse,
irregular, and blotchy, usually wanting on middle of belly ; of upper parts fine but irregular, without
nuchal collar. Eastern U. S. and Canada asio
Small : wing usually 5.50-G.OO ; tail about 3.00. Markings as in asio, but rather heavier. S. Atlantic
and Gulf States Jioridanus
Small : size of Jioridanus. Markings of under parts fine, regular, of upper parts coarse, but regular,
with tendency to a nuchal collar. Texas maccalli
Dichromatic : red phase rusty-brown. Northwestern.
Large : wing usually over 7.00. In the gray phase like asio, but markings of under parts finer, more
regular and continuous. Northwest coast region kennicoiti
Large: s\ze oi kennicoH i ; coloration of 6en(/(rei (monochromatic). Interior macfarlanei
Dichromatism not known to occur. Western.
Medium ; size of average asio. Markings of under parts thick, regular, continuous over the whole sur-
face ; of upper parts exactly as in usio. California beiulirei
Medium : size of average asio. Ground color ashy ; dark markings coarse and heavy. Plains aikeni
STRIGIDJ^: OTHER OWLS.
633
Medium : size of average asio. Ashy-gray above, etc. New Mexico and Arizona .... cineraceus
Large : size over average asio. Markings of all parts very light, the gray pale, with much white, espe-
cially on wings and under parts. Rocky Mts. mazwellicE
Face fringed with filaments. Mexico and Arizona trichopsis
Toes perfectly naked. Plumicorns short. (Psiloscops.) Larger. Southwestern jiammeola
Smaller. Idaho idahoensis
M. a'sio. (Lat. «.sw, a Idud of horned owl. Fig. 435.) Little Horned Owl. Screech
Owl. Mottled Owl. Gray Owl. Red Owl. American Dukelet. Of medium
size in the genus, i ?: Length 8.00-10.00; extent about 22.00; wing 0.00-7.00, usually be-
tween these numbers ; tail 8.00-3.50; 9 larger than ^ .— Gray ornormal phase, inluh $ 9:
Upper parts brownish-gray in minutely dappled pattern of lighter and darker shades, every-
where finely but irregularly streaked with black or blackish shaft-lines, usually most evident
on the crown. A conspicuous oblique scapular bar formed by white or creamy outer webs of
several scapulars, each usually touched with black at its end ; a second similar bar on outer
webs of several outer wing-coverts. Wing-quills dusky ; outer webs of primaries with several
distinct conspicuous white or buff spots; inner webs of
primaries and both webs of secondaries with numerous
alternating lighter and darker bars ; lining of wings
mostly yellowish-white. Tail like secondaries, but the
light bars mostly ragged or dissipated in marbling.
Facial disc set in a blackish frame nearly all around ;
mostly finely mottled, but lores and chin usually whit-
ish, immaculate. Taking white as ground color of the
under parts, this is coarsely and irregularly blotched and
streaked with thick sliaft-lines giving off numberless
finer curved or wavy cross-bars ; general aspect patchy ;
markings usually wanting on middle of belly. Iris
yellow; bill livid or slate-gray, pale horn-color at tip;
claws blackish. From this stage the " mottled owl "
passes by insensible degrees, through wood-brown,
hazel-brown, and tawny into the "red owl." Red or
erythrismal phase: Bright rust-red, sometimes even
bronzed ; most of the special markings dissipated or
ab.sorbed in red, continuous and uniform above, show-
ing only traces if any of black shaft-.'^tripes ; below,
black stripes and blotches usually preserved, and red
also mixed with much white. The dark rim of the disc,
and white scapular stripes, are u.sually preserved. The
two phases are distinct from the first feathering, which,
in the normal ))hase, is almost everywhere closely and regularly barred or waved crosswise with
dark gray and pale gray or whitish. Nestlings are covered with white down. Eastern U. S.
and Canada (except the range of M. a. floridamis), W. to the Great Plains, on confines of its
range sliaiiing into the several varieties noted beyond ; resident, and on the whole the most
abundant Owl, breeding about buildings as well as in hfdlow trees or stumps, and feedinir on
small tiuadrupeds, as mice and shrews, insects and less frequently small birds and reptiles ;
nt'st a slight accuuuilation of rubbish in tlie hollow .selected for a residence, which is often a
Woodpecker's hole; eggs ordinarily 5 or (J, but fmiu 4 to 7, 8, or 9, white, subspherical, 1.30
to 1.40 X 1-15 to 1.20, laid from the latter half of March to early in May, according to lati-
tude. This interesting little Owl, of the quaint and curious cries, so persistent in utterini^ its
doleful ditty, is the best known and most familiar of its uncanny tribe; it belongs to the group
Fig. Voi^. — Screech Owl, Gray Plumage.
634 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES— STRIGES.
which is only semi-nocturiial, and can see quite well by day, but seldom flies abroad except at
night. It is easily tamed, and makes an amusing pet.
M. a. florida'nus. (Lat of Florida.) Florida Screech Owl. A small southern form ;
wing 5. .50-6.00; tail about 3.00. Coloration as in asio, but heavier: a rich red phase fre-
quent if not the usual one. In its full development the rusty makes quite firm crossbars on
the under parts, which is not the rule in asio, though very evident in specimens of asio from
southern Illinois, for example, where the red is by far the most frequent plumage. In the
"gray" phase, rather brown than gray, sometimes quite umber-brown, the feet dark brown,
heavily barred with dusky. South Atlantic and Gulf States, chiefly coastwise; best marked in
Florida, thence fading insensibly into asio, both in size and color.
M. a. kennicot'ti. (To Robert Kennicott.) Kexnicott's Screech Owl. The large
dark northwest coast form. Length about 11.00; wing usually 7.00-7 .50, but grading down
in some cases below 7.00; tail about 4.00. In gray phase, similar to asio proper, and still more
so to bendirei, the upper parts in fact indistinguishable, but markings below finer, more regular
and continuous over the whole surface than in asio ; in " red " phase dusky umber-brown, quite
unlike the bright rust color of asio. This state was long supposed to be the only one, and is
characteristic of the bird which occurs coastwise from Oregon to Sitka, shading southward into
bendirei, and eastward into macfarlanei of the interior. But the dichromatism of kennicotti is
established by means of the form called satnratits by Brewster, Auk, April, 1891, p. 141,
which proves to be inseparable, and thus substantiates the view maintained in the Key, 2d-4th
eds. 1884-90: see Auk, Jan. 1894, p. 49.
M. a. macfarlanei. (To Robert Macfarlane of the Hudson's Bay Co., in former years an
energetic collector of birds in British America, in association witli Kennicott.) Macfarlane's
Screech Owl. Size of kennicotti, with the coloration of bendirei. Northwestern U. S., m
the interior, Montana to Oregon and Washington E. of the Cascade range, thence N. in Brit-
ish Columbia. This is simply the connecting link between kennicotti and bendirei, covered
by my description of the former in previous editions of the Key, later named and recognized
by the A. 0. U. Brew.ster, Auk, Apr. 1891, p. 140, described from Fort Walla Walla,
Wash., and Hellgate (Missoula), Mont. A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 3737*.
M. a. bend'irei. (To Capt. Chas. Bendire, U. S. A.) CALIFORNIA Screech Owl. Size
of asio, and extremely like it, differing chiefly in finer, more numerous and continuous cross-
bars of under parts, which cross middle of belly as elsewhere ; the shaft-stripes also appear less
blotchy. It is thus quite like the gray phase of kennicotti, and indistinguishable from macfar-
lanei in color, but averaging smaller than either. No rich "red" jjhase has been observed, but
specimens run from the normal gray into more brownish shades. The plumicorns are said to
be shorter. Coast region of California, common. I have gone carefully over a large series,
and appreciate the points made by Mr. Brewster and Mr. Ridgway. If these fine shades are
to be recognized by name, tlie present seems entitled to be ranked with the rest.
M. a. niax-wel'liae. (To Mrs. M. A. Maxwell, of Boulder, Col., a noted huntress and taxi-
dermist.) Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. Size averaging over that of asio; wing up to
7. .50; tail up to 4.00. No red phase observed; but, on the contrary, the whole plumage very
pale, almost as if bleached, the difference evident in nestlings even. Upper parts paler
gray, with reduced black lines; lower whiter with reduced dark shaft-lines and cross-bars;
the scapular bar very conspicuous ; much white on wing-coverts ; white spots on outer webs
of several primaries running into continuous areas only indented with small dark spaces. An
alpine form approaching kennicotti and especially macfarlanei in size, but as much lighter-
c(dored as kennicotti is darker than normal asio. Mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and
Montana.
M. a. ai'keni. (To Chas. E. Aiken, of Colorado Springs, Col.) Aiken's Screech Owl.
Size of average asio (9 : wing 6.56; tail 3.80; tarsus 1.37; bill from nostril 0.47). No red
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS. 635
phase known. " Ground color more ashy ; the dark markings coarser, and more numerous
and conspicuous, than in any other North American member of the genus;" resembling M.
aspersus of Mexico. El Paso Co., Colorado, in the plains {maxwellice in the alpine region).
Brewster, Auk, Apr. 1891, p. 139; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 373*7.
M. a. maccal'li. (To Col. Geo. A. McCall.) Texas Sckeech Owl. A small southern
form; size oi floridanus; gray and red phases, as in asio proper. Very similar to asio; in
gray phase, markings of under parts finer, firmer, more regular and continuous; shaft-lines
strict, not blotchy ; cross-lines sharj) ; stripes of upper parts coarse, but regular, and nape with
a tendency to present a light nuchal collar. Texas and southward. Scops viecallii Cass. B.
Cal. and Tex., July, 1854, p. 180, and in Baird, B. N. A. 1858, p. 52; ed. 1859, p. 52,
pi. 39; Baird, U. S. Mex. B. Surv. 1859, pi. 1. S. asio var. maccallii CouES, Key, 1st ed.
1872, p. 203, here first reduced to a subspecies ; CouES, B. N. W- 1874, p. 303. S. asio
maccalli Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 506. Megascops asio maccalli Stej. Auk,
Apr. 1885, p. 184. M. a. mccallii A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886, No. 373 6; A. 0. U. Suppl.
List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 109. '! Scoj}S asio var. enano Lawr. MS., Riogw. in B. B. and R.,
Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 48; Coues, B. N. W. 1874, p. 304. 1 Scops asio, subsp. y, enano
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii, 1875, p. 118. Megascops asio trichopsis Ridgw. Auk, Oct.
1895, p. 389, by error (not trichopsis of Wagler); A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 373 6, by
error.
M. a. cinera'ceus. (Lat. cinerexs, ashy.) Mexican Screech Owl. Described by Ridg-
way as having the bars of the lower surface fine, closer than in asio, and much more uniformly
distributed ; general aspect paler than in asio, with much finer vermiculations. Later described
by Ridgway as "nearly pure ashy-gray above, the usually broad black mesial streaks in con-
spicuous contrast ; blackish bars on lower parts very numerous, narrow ; black border to face
without admixture of brown, and black spots on breast usually without distinct brown exterior
suffusion; length about 6.50-8.00; wing 6.10-7.00 ; tail 3.10-3.70." Lower California, Ari-
zona, New Mexico, and southward in western Mexico. Scops asio maccalli Ridgw. in B. B.
and R. Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 49 and p. 52, by error. Scops asio subsp. 8, trichopsis
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii, p. 119, excl. syn. Scops trichopsis Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat.
Mus. 1878, p. 114, by error. Queried as Scops trichopsis f Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90,
p. 506. Megascops trichopsis Stej. Auk. Apr. 1885, p. 184, by error. Megascops asio tri-
chopsis Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, p. 355; A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886, No. 373/;
Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 261 — all in error. Megascops asio cineraceus Ridgw. Auk, Oct. 1895,
p. 390 ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 373/. The status of this form is dubious ; but as I
suspected in 1884, it is not Scops trichojysis of Wagler.
M. trichop'sis. (Gr. 6pi$, thrix, gen. rpixos, trichos, hair; o\//'tj, opsis, aspect.) Wagler's
Owl. Spotted Screech Owl of Brewster. Distinct from any of the foregoing to wliich
the name has been misapplied. Adult 9^ "Sides of head conspicuously fringed with black
bristles, longest on auriculars and superciliary rufifs ; tarsi densely feathered on all sides to the
toes, the latter sparsely feathered above ; throat and sides of neck pale rusty chestnut ; re-
mainder of jdumage coaisely spotted and barred almost everywhere with dull black " (Brewster).
A red phase. Chihuahua and some other .-states of Mexico, S(jutli to Guatemala. Huachuca Mts.
of Arizona. Length of the Chihuahua type 7.50; extent 16.25; wing 5.66; tail 2.89; tarsus
1.17; middle toe 0-67 ; cuhneu from nostril 0.40; depth of bill 0 41; longest feathers of ear-
tufts 1.00; Huachuca specimens smaller; wing about 5.25, etc. The fringing filaments of the
face give this species an unmistakable aspect and the name iriclwpsis: it was unknown to U. S.
ornithologists till described as aspersus by Brew.stek. S. trichopsis Wagler, Isis, 1832,
p. 276. Megascops trichopsis Kaup, Trans. Zonl. Soc. Lond. iv, 18(52, p. 227; A. O. U.
Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 18!»9, ]i. 109, No. 373. 1. Megascops aspersus Brewst. Auk, Jan.
1888, p. 87; Auk, Oct. 1891, p. 400, pi. 3, upper tig.; Auk, Apr. 1898. p. 186. Also figured
636 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES — STRIGES.
ia Biol. Centr. Amer. Aves, iii, Nov. 1897, p. 16. The slight feathering of the toes iudicates
au approach to the following section of the genus.
(Subgenus Psiloscops.)
M. (P.) flamme'ola. (hn.t. flammeola, here signifying a little reddish thing.) Flammulated
Screech Owl. A small species, with much the general aspect of an uugrown asio; but sub-
generically distinct from any form of asio. The close feathering of the tarsus stops abruptly at
bases of toes, which are naked, and the plumicorns are quite short (afibrding characters of sub-
genus Psiloscojjs). Length 6.50-7.00; wing 5.25-5.50; tail 2.75; tarsus 0.90; culmen, with-
out cere, 0.35; middle toe, without claw, 0.55. Adult ^ 9- Facial disc, sometimes whole
head, rusty-rufous, or light chestnut, speckled with black, on top of head also with white, tend-
ing to form a superciliary stripe. Ground of under parts white, but heavily overlaid with shaft-
stripes or blotches of black giving oif irregular cross- waves, on the breast tinged with rusty-rufous
here and there ; tarsi white, speckled with dusky. Upper parts minutely dappled with dark
brown and hoary-gray, and with ragged dark shaft-stripes ; a conspicuous whitish or tawny and
white scapular bar, as in asio. Tail like back, but with numerous narrow and ragged cross-
bars of pale rusty or whitish. Wing-quills " bitten in" on outer webs with white or buff, con-
spicuously so on several primaries, their inner webs with regular but narrow, distant and weak
bars, strengthening, however, toward bases of secondaries. Young ])irds, like those of asio,
tend to a uniform cross-barring of the whole plumage, but especially of the under parts, with
light and dark ; top of head finely vermiculated in this manner ; chestnut first appears on ear-
coverts and about eyes. The species is dichromatic, and in the red phase parts which are brown
or gray in the other phase are rich buff or orange-rufous ; but the peculiar pattern of coloration
persists, and in any color-variation this interesting little scops, only about as large as a Glait-
cidium, is unmistakable. This is our nearest representative of the European "petit due" or
" dukelet," commonly called ScojJS giu. From the highlands of Guatemala and Mexico it ex-
tends northward to the mountains of Colorado, and in California to Fort Crook ; resident, breed-
ing up to 10,000 feet, in Woodpeckers' holes in trees, May and June; eggs 3-4, 1.15 X 0.95.
M. f. idahoen'sis. (Lat. of Idaho.) DwARF ScREECH OwL. Like the last, but still
smaller ; wing about 5.00. Coloration paler, especially on the under parts, where the ground
is white, with fine and distant dark vermiculation, and the heavier lengthwise black markings
are mainly restricted to a single series on each side ; chin white ; facial disc bright tawny
ochraceous, with much less conspicuous dark markings than in flammeola. Upper parts
nearly as in the last. Type specimen adult $ from Ketchum, Alturus Co., Idah<j, Sept. 22,
1890. Idaho and eastern Washington. If the chai'acters hold true, when specimens enough
shall have been examined, it will rank as a good species. Merriam, North American Fauna,
No. 5, July, 1891, p. 96, pi. 1; Auk, Api\ 1892, p. 169, pi. 2; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895,
No. 374 a.
SCOTIAP'TEX. (Gr. a-Korla, skotia, darkness, gloom; rest of word uncertain, probably per-
verted from ptynx, Gr. Trrvy^, x>tugx, the eagle-owl. If so, the correct form of the word would
be Scotioptgnx, and its grammatical gender feminine.) Great Gray Owls. Lapp Owls.
General characters of Strix proper (from which not separated till the 4th ed. of the Key, p. 904,
1890.) Size very great ; but the apparent dimensions are in part due to the remarkably copi-
ous lax plumage, the bird being notably small-bodied in comparison with its linear measure-
ments; length 2 feet or more. Coloration diffuse, of blended brown, gray, and whitish, the
dark markings in excess of the light ones, and forming streaks lengthwise on the breast, but
cross-bars on the flanks. Bill and feet small, the former almost buried in the facial disk, the
latter densely clothed with shaggy feathers ; eyes also small, for an Owl, with yellow irides.
Six primaries emarginate. One species, of circumpolar distribution. (Scotiaptex Swains.
Class B, ii, 1837, p. 217, usually considered a synonym of ^' Si/rnium," i. e. of Strix proper.)
STRIGIDuE: OTHER OWLS. 637
S. cine'rea. (Lat. cinerea, asliy.) Great Gray Owl. Spectral Owl. Feet completely
feathered to claws; bill auJ eyes yellow; 6 primaries cut on inner webs. Entire upper parts
dark brown, mottled with grayish-white in confused and intricate pattern, reducible in general
to dissipation of bars. Wings and tail similar, broken-barred with grayish-white marblino-.
Under parts of the same dark brown and pale gray, the pattern in streaks on breast, in cross-
bars on belly and flanks, in spots on feet. The great facial disc watered with dark hwwn and
light gray in regular rings concentric with eacli eye, the outermost ring dark brown and stronger
than the rest, bounded below with a ragged white collar. Length 2 feet or more; extent about
5 feet; wing 16 UO-18.00 inches; tail 11.00-12.50; culmen 1.00 without cere. An immense
Owl, one of the largest of all, inhabiting Northern N. Am., straying irregularly south into the
U. S. in winter, to southern New England, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Dakota,
Montana, Wyoming, Idalio, Oregon, and nortliern California ; common in wooded regions of
the fur countries and Alaska, but not frequenting the barren grounds. Nest in trees, of sticks,
mosses, and feathers; eggs 2, 3, or 4, not equal-ended and rather small for the bird's appar-
ent dimensions, about 2.1.5 X 1-70, laid from April to July. Like others of the genus it
is a wood Owl ; while its prowess enables it to prey upon creatures up to the size of Grouse
and Hares.
S. e. lappo'nica. (Lat. Z«^;j;oHicrt, of Lapland.) Lapp OwL. Specimens from Alaska, lighter
colored than typical cinerea, and with a basal whitish patch on inner webs of the remiges, have
been referred to the European rather than the American variety, the Norton Sound examples
being regarded as Old World stragglers of Strix lapponica Retzius, Fu. Suecica, 1800, p. 79;
Scotiaptex einereum Icqjponicum Kidgw. Man. 1887, p. 2G0; Scotiaptcx cinerea lapponica
CouES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895 [No. ;}70 «.].
NYC'TAIiA. (Gr. vvKToKoi, nuktalos, sleepy.) Saw-whet Owls. Skull and ear-parts
highly unsymmetrical, latter of great size, fully operculate. Head very large (as in Strix),
without pluinicorns ; facial disc complete, with centric eye. Nostril at edge of cere, which is
inflated or not. Tail from ^ to § as long as wing, rounded. Third and 4th primaries longest ;
1st quite short; 2 or 3 emarginate on inner webs. Feet tliickly and closely featliered to claws.
In this interesting genus the ear-parts reach extreme asymmetry, the whole skull seeming mis-
shapen. Two species are known, both of small size ; one of circumpolar distribution, with a
subspecies peculiar to North America, the other, American. They are notable for the unusual
degree of diflFerence between old and young ; and our species are readily distinguished by stronger
characters than are ordinarily found between congeneric owls. Eyes yellow in both ; bill yel-
lowish in one, black in the other. Adults umber or chocolate-brown above, spotted with
white, below white, striped with brown. Young more uniformly brown, with plain dark face
and white eyebrows. Nestlings covered with sooty down ; eggs numerous. Nest in trees ;
habits strictly nocturnal.
Analysis of Species.
Larger : wing about 7.00 ; tail 4.50. Bill yellow ; cere not tumid ; nostrils presenting laterally, and obliquely oval.
Arctic tengmalmi richardsoni
Smaller ; wing 5.50 ; tail 2.G7. Bill black ; cere tumid ; nostrils presenting anteriorly, and about circular. U. S.
acadica
N. teng'iiialmi rich'ardsoni. (To P. G. Tengmalm and J. Richardson. Fig. 4.%.) Arctic
American Saw-whet Owl. Richardson's Owl. Adult : l'p])er parts, indudiui: wings
and tail, uniform choc(tlate-brown, spotted with white ; on top of head the spots small and ))ro-
fuse, on nape larger and blended into a nuchal collar, on back and wing-coverts large and sparse
but tending to form a scapular bar, on wing-quills and tail-feathers in pairs, at opposite edges
of the webs, on inner webs larger, more like bars, and more or less run together, esj)ecially on
inner secondaries. Under i)arts white, tliickly and confusedly streakeil lengthwise witli color
of back. Facial disc mostly white, I)nt with bl:icki.'<h eyelids an«i loral spot, set in a frame of
638
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES— STRIGES.
dark browu speckled with white. The general tone of the brown is oftenest ruddy, nearly as
in acadica, but sometimes dark and pure. Length 10.00-12.00 ; extent 24.00 ; wing 7.00 ; tail
4.50; tarsus 1.00; middle toe without claw 0.G7 ; culinen without cere 0.60. Young: Upper
parts plain brown, lacking the white spots of the adults, except on the wings and tail; f<\cial
area dark, unmarked, except by a white superciliary streak; lower parts plain brownish, fad-
ing posteriorly into buff, unmarked ; difference from the adult thus as in acadica. Distin-
guished from the European conspecies (fig. 436) by its darker coloration, ochrey feet spotted
with brown instead of being nearly immaculate white, and more heavily streaked under tail-
coverts; the difference in coloration from tengmalmi proper being thus closely correspondent
with that between the American and European Hawk Owls. This fine species inhabits North-
ern N. Am., being seldom seen in the U. S., where only known in winter and not farther south
than New England, Wisconsin, northern Ohio, Colorado, and Oregon, though it is possibly
resident in northern Maine, like the Hawk Owl; breeding range from just beyond our N.
border northward to the limit of trees. The nest is in a tree, usually in a hole, sometimes
among the branches ; eggs 2 to 6 or 7 in number ; size 1.20 X 1-05, thus very round ; laid from
late in April to early in June. The bird feeds mostly upon very small mammals and insects.
N. aca'dica. (Lat. acadica, of Acadia.) Acadian Owl. Saw-whet Owl. White-
fronted Owl. Kirtland's Owl. Adult : Upper parts, including wings and tail, very
similar to those of the last species, but usually
ruddier brown, the spotting less extensive, the
marks on top of head pencilled in delicate shaft-
lines instead of round spots, those of wings and
tail exactly as in richardsoni. Under parts white,
diffusely streaked or dappled with a peculiar light
brown, almost pinkish-brown. Feet immaculate
whitish, tinged with buff. Facial disc mostly
white, but blackened immediately about eye and
on loral bristles, and pencilled with dusky on
auriculars ; set in a frame of color of back, touched
with white points behind ear ; this frame distinct
on throat, where it separates white of the disc from
a white jugular (H)llar, before the pectoral streaks
begin. Bill black ; claws dark ; eyes yellow.
Y(nmg quite different (iV. albifrons) : Above,
ruddy chocolate-brown, without any spots ; wings
and tail more fnscous brown, marked substantially
as in the adults. Below, color of back extending
over all fore parts, the rest brownish-yellow ; no
streaks whatever. Facial disc sooty-brown, with
whitish eyebrow ; some white touches on the rim behind ear curving forward to chin. Bill
black. Length 7.50-8.00 ; extent 17.00-18.00 ; wing 5.25-5.75 ; tail 2.60-2.90 ; tarsus 0.75 ;
bill without cere 0.50 ; middle toe without claw 0.60. This curious little Owl, the most
diminutive species found in Eastern N. Am., inhabits the U. S. from Atlantic to Pacific, goes
N. to lat. 52° in British Am., and S. into Mexico. Though common and generally distributed,
it is not very well known, as it is sliy and retiring, perfectly nocturnal in habits, and does not
often come under casual observation ; in regions E. of the Mississippi Valley it is most fre-
quently found in the N. half of the U. S., but in the Rocky Mts. ranges throughout; it is a
wood Owl, seldom if ever occurring in open country. It is chiefly noted for its shrill notes,
which, being likened to filing a saw, have occasioned its name. The nest is usually made in
the hollow of a tree or stump, as a Woodpecker's or squirrel's hole, but sometimes the bird has
Fig. 430. — Tengmalm's European Saw-wiiet Owl
very near richardsoni. ^ uat. size. (From Brehin.)
SriUGID^E: OTHER OWLS.
639
occupied artificial retreats set up for its accommodation, like the Purple Martin ; the eggs are
3-6 or 7 in number, white, subglobular, about 1.18 X 1.00; the largest ones about equal those
of the preceding species in length, but are both relatively and absolutely narrower. They are
laid mostly in April, but from late in March to early in June.
NYC'TEA. (Gr. i/uKTeur, wwAiiCMS, Lat. wi/cfeMS, nocturnal.) Snow Owls. Much the same
generic characters as Bubo, but plumicorns rudimentary, generally considered wanting; facial
disc quite incomplete, eyes not centric to it ; bill nearly buried in frontal feathers ; feet densely
clothed in long shaggy feathers which even hide claws ; 4 outer quills emarginate on inner
webs; under tail-coverts reaching end of tail, which is rounded, and rather more than \ as long
as wiui?. One circumpolar species of great size, and mostly white color; young covered with
sooty down ; nest on ground ; eggs many.
N. uyc'tea. (Fig. 437.) Great White Owl. Snowy Owl. Ermine Owl. Wapa-
CUTHU. Harfang. Pure wliite, spotted and barred with brownish-black markings, wholly
indeterminate in size and number;
but entirely white specimens are
very rare. There is often more
blackish th;in white ; in darkest
birds, the markings tend to bar
the plumage with rovrs of spots,
such pattern specially evident on
wings and tail. A common aver-
age plumage is spotted over all
upper parts, broken-barred on
quills and tail-feathers, regularly
barred on under parts, with wliite
face and paws. The face, throat,
and feet are usually whitest. Bill
and claws black ; iris yellow.
^ nearly or about two feet long ;
extent 4.50-5.00 feet ; wing IG.OO-
18.00 inches; tail 9.00-10.00; cul-
men 1 .00 without cere ; tarsus 2.00 :
middle toe without claw 1.25. 9
larger, often over two feet long ;
wing up to 19.00, etc. She is
also as a rule darker colored than
he is ; our very large heavily
blackened specimens are mostly
of the "'fair" sex. This remark-
able Owl, conspicuous in size and color, abounds in boreal regions of both Iiemisphores, far
within tlie Arctic Circle, as near tlie North Pole even as any explorers have gone. It is
capable of eniiuring the rigors of six month.*;' niiihts under polar stars, and only comes south-
ward irregularly in winter, sometimes raiding in large numbers. "With us, it is of every
winter occurrence in the Northern and Middle States, sometimes pushing its way even to
the Carolinas and Texas ; there being no part of the U. S. where it may not appear at that
season. It is far from being exclusively nocturnal, but hunts abroad in the daytime as
readily as any Ilawk, with eyes undimmed by the ghire of the sun from boundless slieets ttf
snow, so dazzling and painful to human vision. It jireys upon hares, spermopliiles and smaller
mammals, especially lemmings and voles, wiiich swarm in the sphagnum »{ hyj)erboroan tun-
dras or barren grounds, upnu Ptannii,Mn, Uiicks and smaller birds, .nnl often proves it.^elf as
Fio. 437. — Siiowv Owl.
640 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTOR ES — STRIGES.
good a fisherman as it is bold a fowler. It has never been ascertained to breed in the U. S.,
though it may have done so in Maine, as it certainly does a little i'arther north in Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, Manitoba, and thence N. to the Arctic
Ocean. The nest is built upon the ground or rocks, of mosses lined with feathers ; the eggs
are 3 to 10, usually 5, 6 or 7, laid at intervals (as is the case with various other Owls), so that
the nest may contain fresh and incubated eggs and young birds at once ; they are lustreless,
roughly granular, even faintly corrugated lengthwise, equal-ended, but not much rounded,
being about 2.25 X 1-75. Only one clutch is deposited annually, mostly in May or June.
{Nyctea nivea and N. scanfZmca of authors, as of previous editions of the Key; but our rules
require us now to use the inelegant and displeasing tautonym, Nyctea nyctea.)
SUR'NIA. (Etymology of Siirnia or Syrniiim, unknown. There is no recognized classic
Greek or Latin word from which the name can be derived, but I find uvpviov, sttrnion, cited by
Brisson as a modern Greek name of Strix stridula, and this is obviously the source of both Stir-
nia and Syrnium. The former dates in systematic zoology from Dumeril, Zool. Anal. 1806,
p. 34.) Hawk Owls. Skull and ear-parts much as in Bubo or Nyctea ; latter non-operculate,
the opening of small size ; facial disc very little developed, and eyes not centric to it ; no plunii-
corns. Wings folding far short of end of tail ; 3d primary longest; first 4 emarginate on inner
webs. Tail remarkably long, little shorter than wing, much graduated, with lanceolate
feathers. Feet thickly and completely feathered to the claws ; tarsus scarcely or not longer
than middle toe. Of medium size, with a peculiarly neat and dressy appearance for an Owl,
the whole plumage being more strict than in other members of this family. There is but
one species, common to northern portions of both hemispheres, as Hawk-like in habits as
in mien.
S. u'lula. (Lat. ulula, a kind of Owl, so called from its outcry; ululare, to cry out, howl, as
with pain or grief. As the name of an Owl, the word goes back in ornithology to Gesner, 1555,
and still farther to Pliny. Use as a technical name, both generic and specific, is of course very
recent : Strix ulula Linn. 1758, is the European Hawk Owl ; Ulula Cuv. 1817, is a genus of
Owls, which has been variously used. Ulula as a Latin word is obviously onomatopoetic; com-
pare Gr. dXaXd or dXaXij, alala or alale, an outcry, dXaXd^cu, alalazo, I cry out ; also oXoXvyij,
ololuge, an outcry; oXoXuywv, ololugon, the croaking of frogs; oXoXv^w, ololuzo, I call on the
gods ; compare also our interjection hallelujah ! which we get from the Hebrew ; Sanskrit
uliikas, an owl; English owl, owlet, howlet, howl, halloo, hullo, hullabaloo, etc.) European
Hawk Owl. Lighter in color than the American caparoch next described ; the white mark-
ings more prominent on the crown, cervix and scapulars ; lighter brown, narrower bars on the
under parts; dark markings of the disc rather brown than blackish. Size the same. N. Eu-
rope and Asia; similar specimens from St. Michael's, Alaska. (^S. funerea ulula of 2d-4th
eds. of the Key: see next article.)
S. u. cap'aroch. The word caparoch, ajiplied to the American Hawk Owl, as Strix caparoch,
by P. L. S. Ml'ller, in his Suppl. to Lixn. Syst. Nat. 177G, p. 09 (after Bodd, Kortb. 1772,
p. 112), is the same as caparacoch or coparacoch, given in Brisson, Orn. 1700, 1, p. 520, as the
name applied by the natives of Hudson's Bay to this very bird, the Strix Freti Hudsonis of
Brisson (the Little Hawk Owl of Edwards, ii, pi. 62), and also the Strix canadensis
Briss. i, p. 518, pi. 37, fig. 2; which latter is one of the two bases of Strix funerea Linn.
S. N. I. ed. 12, 1766, p. 133, No. 11. Our bird has commonly been called Surnia funerea (Linn.
1760), as in the 2d-4th eds. of the Key, 1884-90, p. 511 ; but unluckily Linnaeus mixed it up
with the European one, which he had called Strix funerea in his Fn. Suec. 2d ed. 1761, p. 75;
and furthermore, his S. funerea of the 10th ed. 1758, p. 93, No. 7, is based solely on the Eu-
ropean bird (Fn. Suec. 1st ed. 1746, p. 51). Thus it appears that ulula Linn. 1758 and 1766,
belonging exclusively to the European form ; funerea Linn. 1758, exclusively European ; and
funerea Linn. 1766, European and American, ai'e none of them available for our bird : and
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS.
641
Fio. I.SS. — Anicrii-nii M.iwk Dwl.
41
642
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — STRIGES.
caparoch Miill. 1776, comes next iu order for the latter. See Auk, Oct. 1884, p. 362. Ataother
name for our bird is Strix hudsonia Gm. 1788, obviously based on Edwards, as above; this is
the origin of Surnia ulula var. hitdsonica Coues, Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 205. Figs. 438, 439.)
American Hawk Owl. Canadian or Hudsonian Owl. Day Owl. Caparoch. Bill
and eyes yellow ; claws brownish-black.
Upper parts bistre-brown, darkest and
almost blackish on head, where profusely
spotted with small round w^hite marks,
to which succeeds a nuchal interval less
spotted or free from spots, then an area
of larger and lengthened spots ; scapu-
lars profusely spotted with white in
large pattern, forming a scapular bar as
in Megascops ; back and wing-coverts
more or less spotted Avith white also ;
primaries and secondaries with white
spots in pairs on opposite edges of the
feathers. Tail broken-barred with white
or pale gray, usually narrowly and dis-
tinctly, on one or both webs, and tipped
with the same ; but there is great indi-
vidual variation in this respect, as may
also be said of the amount and charac-
ter of the spotting of the whole upper
parts. Under parts from breast back-
ward, including crissuin, closely and
regularly cross-barred with rich reddish-
brown, or even reddish-black, upon a
white ground, the alternating bars of
color usually of about equal widths — if anything, the white the broadest.
Fig 439 — Hawk Owl, reduced (Sheppard del. Nichols sc )
The lining of the
wings shares the same character, but is more spotty ; the paws are mottled with brown and
whitish, in different pattern. On the breast the regular barring gives way, the tendency being
to form a dark pectoral band on a white or spotted ground, but this disposition is seldom per-
fected. Facial disc mostly whitish, bounded by a conspicuous blackish crescent behind ear.
When the dark nuchal collar is perfected, a second bar curves down behind the first on side
of neck, separated by a whitish interval ; edges of eyelids, many of the loral bristles, a line
just in front of eye, and a chin-spot, are black or dusky ; the lower part of disc below ears
has also dusky streaks. Exposed part of bill bright yellow, but most of that hidden by bris-
tles is of a dark livid color. However variable in detail, the markings of this species are
unmistakable; those about the head are better defined than in most Owls, and quite peculiar.
Length 15.00 or more; extent 33.00 ; wing about 9.00 ; tail about 7.00 ; tarsus, or middle toe
without claw, 1.00 or less; culmen without cere 0.75. A handsome and spirited Owl, abun-
dant in northern portions of N. Am., S. into northern U. S. in winter, frequently and regularly ;
is possibly resident in Maine and in the mountains of Montana and Idaho ; also accredited to
Great Britain, on the strength of the dark coloration of some British specimens. Like the
Snowy Owl, it endures the rigors of Arctic winters. Nest usually in trees, either in a natural
hollow or among the thick branches of a conifer, sometimes on rocks or stumps, of sticks,
mosses, grasses, and feathers; eggs 3-7, April, May, about 1.55 X L25, white. The food
of this bird is chiefly field-mice, lemmings, and other small rodents, hawked for in broad day-
light, this owl being the least nocturnal of its tribe.
STRIGID.^: OTHER OWLS. 643
GLAUCI'DIUM. (Gr. yXavKibiov, glaukidion, dimin. of yXamos or yXavKos, glankos, gleam-
iii<r or glaring, as an Owl's eyes are; hence yXav^, glnux, au Owl. Cf. the well-known epithet,
yXavKcoTTis 'AdrjVTj, (jlaucopis Athene, gleaming-eyed Athena, Pallas, or Minerva, goddess of war
and wisdom, to whom the y\av^ was sacred.) Gnome Owls. Sparrow Owls. Pygmy
Owls. Size very small. Head perfectly smooth ; no plumicorus ; ear-parts small, non-
operculate ; facial disc very incomplete ; eye not centric. Nostrils circular, opening in the
tumid cere; bill robust. Tarsus fully and closely feathered, but toes only bristly for the most
part. Wings short and much rounded; 4th primary longest, 1st quite short, 3 outer ones
emargiuate, next 1 or 2 sinuate. Tail long, about f as long as wing, even or nearly so.
Claws strong, much curved. A large genus of very small Owls, mostly of tropical countries.
The numerous species, chiefly of warm parts of America, are in dire confusion, but those known
to inhabit North America are now well determined. The plumage of many or most species is
dichromatic, as in Scops, there being a red and a gray phase independently of age, season, or
sex; but the red is not known to occur in our G. gnoma. The upper parts are marked with
spots or lines ; bars, or rows of spots, cross wings and tail ; under parts streaked ; a cervical
collar. Notwithstanding their slight stature, the Gnome Owls are bold and predaceous, some-
times attacking birds quite as large as themselves. They are not specially nocturnal. The
eggs are laid in holes in trees. «
Analysis of Species.
Markings of upper parts in dots and round spots. Tail dark brown, with rows of white spots gnoma
Markings of upper parts in sharp lines. Tail reddish, with dark brown bars phaloenoides
G. gno'ina. (Lat. gnoma, a spirit of the mines.) Gnome Owl. Pygmy Owl. Adult $ ^ :
Tail concolor with back, and markings of upper parts, as well as those crossing wings and
tail, in form of dots or round spots, not lines or bars. Upper parts one shade of dark brown,
everywhere dotted with small circular spots of white; a collar of mixed blackish -bi-own and
white around back of neck ; breast with a band of mottled brown, separating the white throat
from white of rest of under part.'^, which have irregular lengthwise streaks of reddish -brown.
Wings and tail dusky-brown, the feathers marked on both webs with rows of round white
spots, largest on the inner; under wing-coverts white, crossed obliquely by a blackish bar.
Bill, cere, and feet dull greenish-yellow; soles chrome-yellow; claws black ; iris bright yel-
low; mouth livid flesh-color. Length of ^ 7.00 or a little less; extent 14.50; wing 3.75;
tail 3.00. Length of 9 ~-'^^^ > extent 15.50, etc. In 9 the upper parts are rather lighter,
with fewer larger spots, and a nearly obsolete nuchal collar ; but both sexes vary in the tint
of the upper parts, which ranges from pure deep brown to pale grayish, almost olivaceous,
brown, probably according to age and season, the newer feathers being darker than they are
when old and worn. Erytlirism, so well known in phal(rnoides, has not been observed in
the jtroscnt one, which is closely related to the Sparrow Owl of Europe ((?. passerinum).
Kocky Mts. and others of Western N. Am. from British Columbia S. to the tablelands of
Mexico, common in wooded regions ; an interesting little owl, crepuscular and rather diurnal
than strictly nocturnal, preying chiefly upon insects, but also upon birds and quadrupeds some-
times about as large as itself, as Robins, Grosbeaks, Towhees, Chipmunks, Gophers, etc. The
liird is usually found in coniferous forests, has low cooing notes, and nests in holes of trees or
stumps, mostly those made by Woodpeckers ; eggs 3-4, 1.02 X 0.01, white or whitish, mi-
nutely punctulate, laid in May or early June.
G. g. californ'icum. (Lat. Californian.) CalifoRN'IAN Gnome Owl. CALIFORNIA
Pygmy Owl. Like the last ; darker colored. The Pacitic coast form of the foregniui;,
occurring in California, Oregon, Washington, and Ikitish Columbia. G. pnssn-i)iiim var.
cnlifornicum of the Key, orig. ed. 1H72, jt. 2(M!, which is G- gnoma of the 2d and 3d eds. l!!'H4
and 1887, p. 514, includes this subspecies. The two forms were not then discriminated, and
their ref(rf'nc(> to their Ennijiran relative was erroneous. The present subspecies is G. califor-
644
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES— STRIGES.
nicum Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857; G. gnoma caUfornimm A. 0. U. Committee's List. 1st Suppl.,
1889, p. 9 ; CouES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904 ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 379 a.
G. hos'kinsi. (To Frauds Hoskins, of Triunfo, L. Gala.) Hoskins' PvaMY Owl. Simi-
lar to the preceding, but smaller and grayer ; upper parts less distinctly spotted ; forehead and
facial disc with more white. Wing 3.30 ; tail 2.50 ; tarsus 0.75 ; chord of eulmen 0.50. Lower
California. G. gnoma hoskinsii Brewster, Auk, April, 1888, p. 136, accorded specific rank
by its describer with approval of the A. 0. U. Committee, in 1st Suppl. 1889, p. 9; Coues,
Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904 ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 379.1. I have inspected the type
specimens, which appear to be those of a distinct species.
G. phalccnoi'des. (Gr. (pdXaiva, phalaina, Ijat. phalcena, a moth, and el8os, eidos, form, figure,
appearance; from the resemblance of the plumage in coloration to that of certain moths. Fig.
440.) Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Adult ^ 9, normal plumage : Tail entirely ferrugi-
nous, or light chestnut-red, crossed
with 7 to 9 bars of blackish-brown,
of same width as the rufous inter-
spaces, both sets of markings quite
regular. (These tail-marks distin-
guish the species in any plumage
from G. gnoma.) Entire top of
head, above superciliary ridges, and
sides of head behind auriculars, oli-
vaceous-brown, streaked with small
distinct lines of white or fulvous-
whitish ; these markings being on
forehead and most of crown like pin-
scratches in their sharpness, and
though a little less so behind ears,
everywhere retaining their narrow
linear character. (In G. gnoma, the
head-markings are dots and spots,
nut lines.) Back like head, oliva-
ceous-brown, but without markings,
except on scapulars, most of which
have a large round white spot on
outer web near end, and more or
fewer pairs of fulvous spots on both
webs. Color of back and head di-
vided by an obvious cervical collar,
Fig. 440. - Ferruginous Owl. (From The Osprey.) consisting of a series of diffuse whit-
ish, and another of fulvous, spots, separated by a nearly continuous line of black. Upper tail-
coverts usually more or less rufescent, approximating to color of tail. Remiges olivaceous-
fuscous, like back ; primaries imperfectly and indistinctly, secondaries completely and decidedly,
cross-barred with numerous rufescent bands, narrower than the dark intervals ; besides which
markings some of the primaries have an incompleted series of small whitish or very pale ful-
vous spots along outer edge, and all have large and deep indentations of white or whitish along
inner web, increasing in size from the ends toward the bases of all the feathers, and also on
individual feathers from outer primaries to inner secondaries, on which last tliey reach quite
across inner webs. Lining of wings white, with an oblique dark bar, and another curved dark
bar, latter across ends of under coverts. Under parts white, heavily streaked along sides with
color of back ; this color extending quite across breast, wliere, however, the feathers have di-
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS. 645
lated shaft-lines of whitish ; chin and throat white, divided into two areas by a blackish or
dark gular C(jllar, which curves across from one post-auricular region to the other. The mark-
ings all diffuse. Auriculars dark, sharply scratched with white snaft-liues, bounded below by
pure white. Eyebrows white, pretty definitely bounded above by color of crown. Region im-
mediately about the bill whitish, but mixed with long, heavy, black bristles that project far
beyond bill, which latter is greenish at base, growing dull yellowish at end ; sparsely-haired
toes somewhat like bill; claws brownish-black; iris lemon-yellow. Length of ^ about (i. .50;
extent 14.50; wing 3.50; tail 2. .50; tarsus 0.75: middle toe without claw about the same,
its claw 0.40. 9 larger: length 7.00 or more; wing 4.00; tail nearly 3.00. Red phase :
Entire upper parts deep rufous-red, with lighter markings of head, etc., obsolete or obliterated;
tail the same, with dark bars scarcely traceable. Dark cervical collar, however, conspicuous.
White of under parts tinged with yellowish or fulvous ; markings of under parts similar in
color to ground of upper parts, but duller and paler ; tibiae rufous, without markings. Gular
collar blackish. Various intermediate stages have been observed, and the species is to be found
in every degree of transition, from the slightest departure from the normal state to completely
erythritic condition. These color-conditions are common to both sexes. In extreme cases, the
rufous becomes intense and almost uniform, a light rufous replacing even the white of under
parts, and there being no traces left of bars on wings or tail. Texas to Arizona and Southern
California, and soutliward. Habits like those of the Gnome Owl; eggs of the same size and
shape, granulated, 3-4 in number, laid in holes in trees, April, May. G. ferrugineum of all pre-
vious editions of the Key, 1872-1890, as I hesitated to make any change of nomenclature in a
case the synonymy of which was so extensive and intricate; but the species is now identified
with the old Strix plialcEnoides of Daudin's Traite, ii, 1800, p. lOG; Glaucidium 2)halcBnoides
Cabanis, J. f. 0. 18(i9, p. 208 ; A. O. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. 1880-95, No. 380.
MICRO'PALLAS. (Gr. fiiKpos, mikros, small ; IlaXXdf, Pallas, goddess of wisdom, to whom
the Uwl was sacred.) Elf Owls. Kelated to Glaucidium ; of very diminutive size, including
the smallest known species of Owl, and one of the least of all raptorial birds. Head perfectly
smooth ; no plumicorns ; ear-parts small, uon-operculate ; facial disc incomplete, with eye not
centric. Nostril circular, opening in tumid cere. Tarsi scarcely feathered below sufFrago,
being almost entirely naked and bristly, like the toes; this is as in Speotijto, though other
characters are quite different. Claws remarkably small and weak ; middle toe and claw about
as long as tarsus ; outer claw reaching a little beyond base of middle claw ; inner intermediate
lietween middle and outer. Wings very long, rather more than | the total length of the bird,
l>ut much rounded ; 1st primary only f as long as longest one ; 3d and 4th longest, 5th but
little shorter, 2d about equal to ()th ; outer 4 sinuate on inner webs. Tail of moderate length,
^ as long as wing, the feathers not graduated, broad to their very tips. Bill small and weak,
compressed at base, where hidden in dense antrorse bristly feathers ; culmen and gonys only
moderately convex ; lower mandible obsoletely notched. One species known. Genus 3//-
crathene Coues, 1866, and lst-3d eds. of the Key, 1872-87; name changed to Micropallas
CouES, Auk, Jan. 1889, p. 71, and Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904, the generic name originally
bestowed being antedated by Micrathena of Sundevall, a genus of arachnidans.
M. Avhit'neyi. (To Prof. J. 1). Whitney.) Elf Owl. Adult ^ : Above, light umber-
brown, thickly marked with irregular angular ]>ale brownisli dots, one on every feather, and
inintitcly unduhitfd witli lii,'lit(r and darker color. A concealed white cervical collar, this color
occu|)ying the middle of the feathers, which are brown at end and pluml)eous at ba.^e. A white
sca])uiar stripe ; outer webs of scapulars almost entirely of this color. Wings like back ; lesser
coverts with two pale brownish spots on each feather; middle and greater coverts boldly spotted
with white at end of outer web of each feather, and with pale brown spots near end. Onills
with 3 to 6 pale brown spots on each web, forming broken bars, mostly passing to white on
edire of the feathers, those on a few intermediate primaries almost white. Tail-feathers like
646
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — STRIGES.
wing-quills, with 5 broken bars and one terminal, of pale brownish, whitening on inner webs.
Lining of wings white, interrupted with dark brown. Face and region about eye white, below
it barred with light and dark brown ; bristles at base of bill black on terminal half. Chin and
throat white, forming a broad mark from side to side. General color of under parts whitish ;
breast blotched and imperfectly barred with brown, forming toward abdomen large patches,
sides more grayish, Hanks plumbeous, tibiae narrowly barred with light brown and dusky.
Tarsal bristles whitish ; those of toes yellowish ; bill pale greenish ; iris bright yellow. Length
5.75-6.25; extent 14.25-
^v
Fig. 441. — Bills and feet of Speotyto, nat. size.
S. floridana. (Ad. nat. del. R. R.)
Lower, S. hnpogrea ; upper,
15.25; wing 4.25-4.50;
tail 2.00-2.25; tarsus 0.80-
0.90. Southern and Lower
California, Arizona, New
Mexico, southern Texas,
and S. through most of
Mexico ; a very curious
little Owl, whose general
habits, nesting, and food
are similar to those of the
Gnome Owls ; but it ap-
pears to be more noctur-
nal, and feeds more exclu-
sively on insects. It .is
common in the giant cac-
tus region, and nests usu-
ally in the Woodpecker
holes of those strange
forms of arborescence ; eggs 2-5, oftenest 3 or 4, 1.02 X 0.92, thus very rounded, pure white^
minutely granular, laid in May and June.
SPEO'TYTO. (Gr. o-Treo?, speos^ a cave ; tuto), txdo^ a kind of Owl.) Burrowing Owls.
Of medium and rather small size. Head smooth ; no plumicorns ; ear-parts small, iion-oper-
culate ; facial disc incom-
plete. Nostril opening in
the tumid cere. Wings ot
moderate length ; 2d to
4th quills longest ; 1st
about equal to 5th; 2 or
3 sinuate on inner webs
near end. Tail very shoit,
only about half as long as
wing, even or scarcely
rounded. Tarsi extremely
long ; about twice as long
as middle toe without its
claw, very scant-feathered
in front, bare behind ; toes
bristly. The long slim
1 -^ ^^ /-£ Fig. 442. — Burrowing Owl, reduced. (Sheppard del. Nichols sc.)
legs are quite peculiar (hg. " e >
441), in comparison with any other N. Am. Owls, though the bareness of the feet is shared
to a greater or less extent by the Antillean genus Gymnasia, the Old World Ninox, and somfr
other genera. Speotyto is a genus confined to America, where there are several subspecies.
>
STRIGID.E: OTHER OWLS.
647
of one or two species, of diurnal and terrestrial habits, noted for inliahitincr underirround
burrows.
S. cunieula'ria hypogae'a. (Lat. cuniciilaria, a bnrrower; Gr. vnoyfioi, hupogeios, under-
ground. Fig. 442.) Burrowing UwL. Adult J* ?: Above, dull grayish-brown, profusely
spotted with whitish ; the markings mostly rounded and paired on each feather, but anteriorly
lengthened. Quills with 4 to 6 whitish bars, entire or broken into cross-rows of spots ; tail-
feathers similarly marked. There is
much individual variation in the tone of
the ground-coll ir, and size and number of
spots, which may also be rather ochrey
than whitish. Superciliary line, cliin,
and throat white, the two latter separated
by a dark brown jugular collar ; auricu-
lars brown ; facial bristles black-shafted.
Under i)arts white or pale ochrey ; breast,
belly, and sides barred with transverse
spots ot brown, in a pretty regular man-
ner ; legs and under tail-coverts un-
marked. Lining of wings tawny-white,
dusky-spotted on primary coverts. Sexes
indistinguishable in size or color : Length
9.50 ; extent 23.00 ; wing 6.50-7.00 ;
tail 3.00-3.25; tarsus L50-1.75; mid-
dle toe without claw 0.80 ; chord of
culmen without cere 0.50-0.00. Young
differ in mucli less spotting, or even
uniformity, of the body above, and
whitish under parts, excepting the jugu-
lar collar; wing- anil tail-coverts largely
white. A remarkable Owl, abounding
in suitable places in Western X. Am.,
from the Plains to the Pacific, in tree-
less regions inhabited by " prairie-dogs "
(Cynomys liidovicianus, etc.) and other
burrowing rodents, such as SpermopM-
lus richanhoni \\\ the north, and S.
hcecheyi in California. I have found
colonies in Kansas, Nel)raska, Wyo-
ming, N. and S. Dakota, Montana N.
to 4!l°, Colorado, New Mexico, and
California, in all cases occupying the deserted burrows <if tlie (|uadru|ieil.s. in)t living in common
with them as usually supposed ; others have fouud these Owls burrowing in the rest of our
Western States and Territories, in western Minnesota, and British ('oluml>ia. They no doubt
occur also in portions of Alberta, Assiniboia, and Manitoba; stray individuals have been taken
in New York city and Massachusetts, and the species extends S. to Guatemala. Besides prairie-
dog holes the birds also occupy the holes made l>y badgers, skunks, and foxes. The eggs are
laid from 5 or G to 10 feet from the entrance of the burrow in an enlarged chamber at the end
of tlie variously curved or cnxdvcd passage-way, upon a mass of miscellaneous materials, often
including dried dung and feathers, and infested with Heas ; they vary in number from 0 t<> II.
being oltenest 7, 8, or 'J ; are wliite, subspherieal. I.:{(l X I l<» to |.|(l y (».!)S, averaging: 1.2.')
Hiirrouiiig Owl.
648
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
X 100; they are laid from April to July. The bird's food is chiefly insects, small reptiles,
and quadrupeds, birds being apparently rarely taken. It is easily able to prey upon mammals
up to the size of gophers, cliipmunks, and even rabbits, and habitually does so upon the young
at least of the various rodents, formerly supposed to be its hosts, with which it associates, thus
being by no means the friendly and welcome guest of those fairy-tales I was among the first t(»
discredit. As a whole, the species is resident, being able to endure extremely cold weather ; but
migration is of regular occurrence in some regions.
S. c. florid'ana. (Of Florida. Fig. 44.3.) Florida Burrowing Owl. Like the last ;
rather smaller; wing 6.00-t)..)0; tail 3.00; shanks more extensively denuded, only feathered
about half-way down in front ; feet and bill relatively longer. Upper parts darker, rather
bistre-brown, more profusely and confusedly spotted with smaller and whiter marks ; under
parts more heavily and regularly barred with darker brown. Florida ; an isolated local race,
small colonies of which are common in suitable open places in various parts of the State ; it
is also ascribed to the Bahamas. But the Burrowing Owls of some other Antillean islands
are a ditterent species or subspecies {quadeloupensis) . The burrows are excavated by the birds
themselves to the extent of 3 to 8 feet or more, generally quite near the surface of the ground;
eggs indistinguishable from those of hypogcea, but only 4-8, usually 6, laid March-May.
Suborder ACCIPITRES : Diurnal Birds of Prey.
This large group, comprising the great majority of Raptores, may be most readily defined
by exclusion of the particular characters of other suborders. There is nothing of the grallato-
rial analogy shown by the singular Gypogeranides. The nostrils are not completely pervious,
nor is the hallux elevated, as in Catliartides ; while other peculiarities of American Vultures
are wanting. Comparing Accipitres with Striges, we miss the peculiar physiognomy of Owls,
the eyes looking laterally as in ordinary birds, and the facial disc being absent (rudimentary in
Fig. 444. — Shoulder-joint of Accipitres ; after Ridgway. a, anterior end of coracoid ; 6, upper end of clavicle;
c, scapular process of coracoid, reaching b in the middle fig. (Falco peregrinus), but not iu the left-liand fig. (Buteo
hore(iUs), nor in the right-hand fig. {Pandion haliaetus) ; d, lower end of scapula. The figs. nat. size, left side, viewed
from opposite side.
CirciiKc) ; aftershafts are usually present ; the outer toe is not shorter than inner one, nor versa-
tile (except Pandionida'). The external ears are moderate and non-operculate. The eye is
usually sunken beneath a much projecting superciliary shield, conferving a decided and threat-
ening gaze. The bill shows the raptorial type perfectly, and is always provided with a cere
in which (not at its edge as in most Owls) the nostrils open; the cutting edges are usually
lobed, or toothed (see any figs.). The lores, with occasional exceptions, due to nakedness or
dense soft featherings, are scantily clothed with radiating bristly feathers, which, however, do
not form, as usual in Owls, a dense appressed ruff hiding base of bill. Wings of 10 primaries,
and tail of 12 rectrices (with rare exceptions) ; both extremely vai-iable in shape and relative
FALCONID.E: VULTURES, FALCONS, HAWKS, ETC. 649
and absolute lengths. The feet are usually strong and efficient instruments of prehension and
weapons of offence or defence, with widely separable and strongly contractile toes, cleft to the
base or there only united by small movable webs, and generally scabrous underneath with
wart-like pads or tylari to prevent slipping, as shown in fig. 46. The claws are developed
into large sharp curved talons. The tarsal envelop (podotheca) varies ; sometimes the whole
tarsus is feathered, and it is usually so in part ; the horny covering takes the form of scutella,
or reticulations, or rugous granulations, and is occasionally fused. The capacious gullet dilates
into a crop ; gizzard moderately muscular ; coeca extremely small ; oil-gland tufted; syrinx of
ordinary broncho-tracheal form ; ambiens and femorocaudal muscles are present ; accessory femo-
rocaudal, semitendinosus, and its accessory are absent. There are good osteological characters :
Phalanges of hind toe are more than half as long as those of outer toe ; basal joint of middle or
outer toe is longer than next one. No basipterygoid processes. Sternum manubriated, and
when not entire behind is single-notched or fenestrate on each side (doubly so in most Ov.-ls).
Huxley has called attention to a character of the shoulder-girdle, afterward well elaborated by
others (fig. 444) : In certain genera, as Falco, Micrastur, Herpetotheres, and in PolyhorincB,
tlie scapular process of the coracoid (fig. 444, c) is prolonged beneath the scapula, d, to meet
the clavicle, h; which is not the case in other groups of genera of Falconidce, nor iu Pandi-
onidce. This distinction has been made the basis of a primary division of diurnal Aceipitres
into two subfamilies, Falconince and Buteonince, the former including Polyhorus and its allies,
the latter including Pandion; but some modificatitm of this scheme is advisable, I think. It
seems to me that the primary divisi(»n should be made as on p. 619, by excluding PandionidcB
as a family distinct from Falconidce proper, on ground of its many peculiarities. This being
done, the character of the shoulder-joint may properly be considered in dividing i^aZconjVZfC into
subfamilies. I am perfectly willing to approximate Polyhorus to Falco on this technical arround,
notwith.standing the great outward dissimilarity of these two forms ; but it is unlikely that or-
nithologists will allow the construction of the shoulder-joint to outweigh all other characters
combined. The feet are sympelmous, but in two different ways iu the two families, Falconidce
and Pandioyiidce.
Diurnal Birds of Prey abound in all j^arts of the world, holding the relation to the rest of
their class that carnivorous beasts do to other mammals. With many exceptions, the sexes
are alike in color, but the 9 ^s almost invariably larger than the ^. Changes of plumage
with age are great, and render determination of species perplexing — the more so since purely
individual, and somewhat climatic, color-variations, and such special conditions as melanism,
are very frequent. Modes of nesting are various ; the eggs as a rule are blotched, and not so
nearly spherical as those of Owls. The food is exclusively of an animal nature, thougli end-
lessly varied; refuse of the stomach is ejected in a pellet by the mouth. The voice is loud and
harsh. As a rule, Birds of Prey are not strictly migratory, though many of them change their
abode with much regularity. Their mode of life renders them usually non-gregarious, except-
ing, however. Vultures and vulture-like Hawks, which congregate where carrion is plentiful,
([iiite like American Cathartides. There are upward of 3.50 species or good geoorraphic.il races,
referable to about 75 genera, and divisible into two families — Falconidce and Pa)idionid(C.
Family FALCONID^ : Vultures. Falcons. Hawks, Eagles, etc.
Characters as above, exclusive of those markini: the Fi^<h-hawl;s, Pandionidcp, beyond.
No unexceptionable division of the family liavin<: been proposed, and the subfamilies being still
at i.ssue, it may be best not to materially modify the arramrt'inent presented in the earliest edi-
tion of this work, further thau to separate Pandiunidcc from Falcouidtr proper, as was done iu
tlje 2d edition.
650
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
Old World Vultures form a group somewhat apart from the rest in many points of super-
ficial structure and habits, though so cdosely correspondent with ordinary Falconidce, and espe-
cially witli Buteonince, in all essential respects, that they can form at m(jst a subfiimily Vulturince
(fig. 445). They have nothing to do with American Vultures (suborder Cathartides), with
which they used to be wrongly united in a family Vulturidce. They are a small group of some
— ^ — ^ 9 genera and about 20 spe-
cies, mainly subsisting upon
carrion ; the most decidedly
raptorial is the Bearded Grif-
fin, Gypa'etus barbatus ;
other characteristically " vul-
turine" forms heing Vultur
nionachus, Pseudogyps ben-
galensis, Otogyjis auricularis,
Lophogyps occipitalis, Gyps
fulvus, Gypiscus pileatus,
Neophron percnopterus, and
Gypohierax angolensis ; of
these, some authors make the
genera Gypa'etus and Gypo-
liierax, respectively, types of
two other subfamilies, Gypae-
tince and GypohieracincB.
The South American
genera, Micrastur and Her-
2)etotheres, are each described
as being so peculiar as to
form a group of supergeneric
value, comparable with those
termed subfamiUes in the present work. Their rehitionships are with Falconince (Ridgway).
But Sundevall associates Spilornis with Herp)etotherincEj and places Micrastur among the
numerous genera of his Asturincs.
The foregoing are the principal if not the only supergeneric types of Falconidce which have
no representatives in our country.
The North American Falconidce fall in several groups, which I shall call subfamilies, with-
out insisting upon their taxonomic rank, or raising the question whether the family at large is
divisible in this manner. These groups are six in number : 1. C(Vcm«, Harriers ; 2. Milvince,
Kites ; 3. Accipitrince, Hawks ; 4. Fcdconince, Falcons ; 5. Polyborince, Caracaras ; 6. Bu-
teonince, Buzzards and Eagles. If it be urged that these groups grade into one another, it may
he replied that most large groups of like grade in ornithology do the same ; and that '' typical "
or central genera of each of them offer practical distinctions which have been recognized from
time out of mind, in popular opinion and vernacular language, as well as by the consensus of
most ornithological experts. The A. 0. U., however, recognizes only two subfamilies — Fal-
conince for the Falcons proper, and Accipitrince for all the rest, except the genus Pandion,
made a third subfamily of Falconidce, instead of a separate family. There is much to be said
in favor of this conservatism.
In my 1884 revision of North American Falconidce, made to check and amplify the descrip-
tions in the original edition of this work, an interesting relation between shape of wings and
their pattern of coloration presented itself, (a) If we take a " noble" Falcon, such as a Peregrine
or a Lanner, we find a strong, yet sharp wing, with the 2d primary longest, supported nearly to
Fio. 445. — The Vulture's BaiiqiK r iliu'.ti itiiig subfimily Vulturince of
family Falconidce, not represented iu Amerjca (.From Michelet.)
FALCONID^E—CIRCIN.E: HARRIERS. 651
the end by the 1st and 3d ; the nicking of the quills confined to a few, if occurring on more than
one, and situated near the tip. Such a wing is as potent in its feathers as in the construction
of its shoulder-joint, and indicates the acme of raptorial power in its possessor, a Falcon being
able to dash down upon its quarry with almost incredible velocity and violence. The mark-
ings of a Falcon's wing are no less characteristic, consisting of clean-cut, distinct spots of light
cok)r on both webs of primaries and secondaries, throughout their whole extent, or almost so.
(b) Any true "Hawk," as an Astur or Accijnter, has a rounded concavo-convex wing, confer-
ring a rapid, almost whirring, tlight, like that of a Partridge at full speed ; and such a bird
captures its prey by chasing after it with a wonderful impetuosity, but not at a single plunge
like a Falcon. Such a wing has more primaries cut, farther from their ends, and the markings
are pretty regular and distinct hais. (c) Any " Buzzard," as a Buteo, a heavy and compara-
tively slow or even lumbering bird in flight, taking its prey by surprise and merely dropping
on it without special address, has many or most of the primaries cut, far from their ends, and
tlie tendency of the markings is to fuse and blend in large irregular masses of color, the sharp
markings of Falco or Accipiter he'mg thua done away with. Of course there are exceptions,
as well as every possible gradation, in the case ; but if one will compare the wing of Circus or
Archibuteo with that oi Aecipiter or Falco, he cannot fail to perceive the point I raise. The
tail is in somewhat like case. In the most noble Birds of Prey it is very stiff and strong, with
almost lance(jlate feathers, sharply spotted as a rule; in a Hawk, longer and weaker, still regu-
larly barred ; in a Buzzard general! 1/ (there are marked exceptions) of medium length and strength,
with the markings tending to merge in large areas of color, just as those of the wings do. Fur-
thermore, in large and difficult genera, as Buteo for example, the best specific characters may
be aSorded by the markings of the tail. These are usually quite different in young and old
birds; but are amc^ng a Hawk's most specific credentials, after the mature plumage is assumed,
even when the rest of the plumage varies greatly, or is subject to melanism, erythrism, etc In
fine, many Hawks are best known by their tails. Melanism is frequent in Falconidce; erythrism
is not (just the reverse of the case of Strigidce). The further generalization may be made, that
the coloration of under parts of Falconidce is more distinctive of species than that of upper parts ;
and that when these parts are barred crosswise in the adult they are streaked lengthwise in the
young. Sexual differences are rather in size than in color, such a case as that of Circus being
exceptional.
Analysis of Subfamilies.
Scapular process of coracoid reaching clavicle.
Upper mandible toothed, lower mandible notched Falcon'is.e
Mandibles without tooth or notch PoLTBORiNi:
Scapular process of coracoid not reacliing clavicle.
Face with a ruff somewhat as in Owls C1RCIN.E
Face without ruff.
Tarsus approximately equal to tibia in length ; rounded wings little longer than tail .... Accipitrin.k
Tarsus decidedly shorter than tibia.
Tail forked, or much sliorter than the long pointed wings Milvin'.«
Tail not forked, moderately shorter tlian tlie obtuse wings Bitteoxik.e
Subfamily CIRCIN/E : Harriers.
Face surrounded with an incomplete ruff (as in most Owls;) orifice of ear about as large
as eye, and in some cases at least with a decided of>nch (fig. 446). Bill rather weak, not
toothed or notched. Legs lengthened ; tarsus approximately equalling tibia in length (as in
Accijiitrinfr). Wings and tail lenytliened. Form light and litlie; plumage loose; general
organization of the buteonine rather than of the falconine division of the family. Thus,
scapular process of coracoid not produced to clavicle ; no nirdiaii ridir'' <'n jialatc anteriorly;
septum nasi less complete than in Fnlco. and nostrils not circular with a central tubercle.
652
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
Fig. 446. — Ear-parts of Circus,
Macgillivray.)
(After
The Harriers constitute a small group, of the single genus Circus and its subdivisions (to
which soine add the African Pohjboroides) , containing some 15 or 20 species of various parts
of the world.
CIR'CUS. (Gr. KipKos, Jcirkos, Lat. circus, a kind of hawk ; from its circling in the air. Fig.
44G.) Harriers. Bill thickly beset with many curved radiating bristles surpassing in length
the cere, which is large and tumid ; tomia lobed or fes-
tooned, but neither toothed nor notched. Nostrils ovate-
oblong, nearly horizontal. Superciliary shield promi-
nent. Tarsus long and slender, scutellate before and
mostly so behind, reticulate laterally ; toes slender, the
middle with its claw much shorter than tarsus ; a basal
web between outer and middle ; all tuberculate under-
neath ; claws very large and sharp, much curved. Wings
very long and ample; 3d and 4th quills longest; 1st
shorter than Gth; outer 3-5 (in our species 4) emargi-
nate on inner webs ; 2d-5th emarginate on outer webs. Tail very long, about f as long as
wing, nearly even or rounded ; folded wings falling short of its end. In our species, which
differs little from the European C. cyaneus, the sexes are extremely unlike in color and size ;
old $ chiefly bluish-gray and white ; 9 ^nJ young of both sexes dark brown and reddish-
brown or tawny, with white rump; 9 is much larger than $ . Nest placed upon the ground ;
eggs colorless or nearly so. Harriers are among the most " ignoble" of Hawks, preying upon
humble quarry, chiefly small quadrupeds, reptiles, and insects, for which they hunt by quarter-
ing low over the ground with an easy gliding flight. They are " light-weights " in proportion
to their linear dimensions, all the members being lengthened, the wings especially ample.
The plumage is also loose and fluffy, somewhat like that of Owls, to which the Harriers are
related in several respects.
C. liudson'ius. (Lat. Imdsonius, of Hudson's Bay. Fig. 447.) American Marsh Hawk,
or Harrier. Blue Hawk. Mouse Hawk. Adult $ : In perfect plumage pale pearly-
bluish, or bluisli-ash, above,
with the upper tail-coverts en-
tirely white ; but most speci-
mens have a dusky wash ob-
scuring the bluish, and retain
traces of brown or rufous. Five
outer primaries mostly black-
ish, all of them and the secon-
daries with large white basal
areas on inner webs ; tail-feath-
ers banded with 5 or 6 obscure
dusky bars, the terminal one
strongest and most distinct, and
marbled with white toward
their bases. The bluish cast
invades the fore under parts.
t*'^\'-
Fig 447 —Marsh Hank, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del E C.)
the rest of which are white, with sparse drop-shaped rufous spots ; lining of wings white.
From this blue-and-white state the bird is found grading by degrees into the very different
plumage of the 9 and young : Above, dark umber-brown, everywhere more or less varied
with reddish-brown or yellowish-brown ; upper tail-coverts, however, white, forming a very
conspicuous mark ; under parts a variable shade of brownish-yellow, or ochraceous, streaked
with umbor-brown, at least on breast and sides ; tail crossed with 6-7 blackish bars. The
FALCONIDjE — MIL VINJE : KITES.
653
younger the bird the heavier the coloration, which is sometimes quite blackish and reddish,
excepting the white upper tail-coverts. Nestlings are covered with tawny or buff down, paler
or whitish below, overcast with gray above. ^ 9 • I^'S, tarsi, and toes bright yellow ; cere
yellow or yellowish; bill blackish; claws black. ^ : Length 17.50-19.00: extent 40.00-
44.00; wing 13.00-14.00; tail 9.00-10.00; tarsus .3.00 or less ; middle toe without claw 1.20.
9: Length 19.00-21.50; extent 45.00-50.00; wing 14.00-1(3.00; tail 9.50-10.50 ; tarsus 3.00
or more; middle toe without claw 1.40. N. Am. at large, S. to Panama and Cuba, one of the
most abundant and widely-diti'used of its family, especially in meadowy and marshy places,
and easily recognized ])y its generic characters, in all its variation of size and color; resident S.
frnm about 40°; breeds throughout range. The nest is placed upon the ground, and rather
neatly built of hay, a foot in diameter, 3 inches high ; eggs 2-9, commonly 4-6, broad and
nearly equal-ended, or quite ovate, averaging 1.80 X 1.40, with moderate variability either
way, dull white, with more or less greenish or bluish shade; no decided markings, but fre-
quently small spots and large blotches of very pale brownish on the surface, and some neutral-
tint shell-spots ; they are laid from April to June, but mostly in May. Commonly regarded
as a subspecies of C. cyaneus of Europe; averaging a little larger; old ^ retaining a few
rufous spots in white of under parts, and more evident barring of wings and tail. (C cyaneus
hudsonius of former eds. of the Key.)
Subfamily MILVIN/E: Kites.
No ruff or ear-conch. Lo-
ral bristles moderate, scanty or
([uite wanting, the head being
then closely and softly feathered e
to the bill. Superciliary shield .^^
evident or not. Bill usually r
weak, sometimes extremely ^_
slender; cutting edge of upper S;
mandible straight to the curve, ^'
or lobed or festooned, but not £:
todthed, nor under mandible Ej
truncate and notched. Nostrils y±.
not circular, nor with central ^
bony tubercle. Wings very ^
li "Ug, more or less narrowed and ^
l)ointed, with several (in our "^
genera 2 to 5) primaries emar- rf^
ginate on inner welis. Tail <.
very variable in length and
shape, in our genera nearly even l
or deeply forked. Feet very ^
small; tarsus much shorter than
tiliia, apjiroximately equal to
middle toe without claw, — usu-
ally feathered above, the rest Fio. 448. - A typical Kite ^i.7«„o«/M /or/,c«/,«). (From Miehelet.)
mostly or entirely reticulate in small pattern (with few or no large transverse scutella). Gen-
eral organization is buteoiiine ; the scai>ular jirocess of coracoid does not meet the clavicle,
septum nasi incompletely o.ssified, anterior ridge of palate little developed, if at all ; super-
ciliary .shield in one or two pieces. Kites form a rather extensive group of Hawks of no
654 S YSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
great streugth and less than average size, though very active, generally of lithe and grace-
ful shape, with long thin wings and often forked tail. They are "ignoble" birds, subsisting
upon small game, especially insects and reptiles. In Pernis apiwrus, the Bee-eating Hawk
of Europe, the whole head is densely and softly feathered to the bill. The group is less homo-
geneous than the others here presented, and might be dismembered, or merged in Buteonince.
The genera assigned differ with nearly every writer who recognizes the group. The type is
Milvus, near which stands our Elandides (fig. 448), and with which it may not be improper
to associate Elanus, Idinia, and Bontrhamus.
Analysis of Genera.
Tail nearly as long as the wings, deeply forked ; head closely feathered Elandides
Tail short, nearly or about even.
Five outer primaries emarginate on inner webs ; bill and claws extremely slender Rostrhanius
Two outer primaries emarginate ; tarsus scutellate in front Iitinia
— entirely reticulate Elanus
ROSTRHA'MUS. (Lat. rostrum, a beak ; hamus, a hook.) Sickle-billed Kites. Bill
extremely long and slender: upper mandible hooked almost into a sickle-shape, the curvature
also impressed to some extent upon the under mandible ; cutting edges entirely without tooth
or lobe, but simply curved like culmen ; gonys straight. Cere contracted ; nostrils narrowly
oval, horizontal. Loral bristles slight. Space between bill and eye nearly naked and colored,
as if a continuation of the cere. Wings long; 3d and 4th quills longest ; 5th next; 1st sliorter
than 6th ; outer 5 emarginate on inner webs. Tail about half as long as wing, slightly emar-
ginate or nearly even. Feet small ; tarsus feathered about ^ way down in front, then scutel-
late, for the rest reticulate ; middle toe and claw about as long as tarsus. Inner toe without
claw shorter than outer ; inner toe and claw longer than outer ; no evident webbing between
toes; soles granular, but little tuberculate. Claws very long and acute, but slender and com-
paratively little curved; inner edge of middle one dilated and jagged. A genus marked by ex-
treme hooking of the slender bill, otherwise near Elanus; containing two or three species of
the warmer parts of America.
R. socia'bilis. (Lat. sociahilis, sociable, gregarious.) Everglade Kite. Snail Hawk.
Adult ^ 9 • General color slate, or blackish-plumbeous, blackening on wings and tail, over-
laid on head and neck with a chalky cast. Base of tail, with longer upper coverts and all
under coverts white, increasing in extent on tail from middle to lateral feathers ; tail also with
a pale gray or whitish terminal zone. Bill and claws black ; base of bill, cere, and feet bright
orange, drying dingy yellow; iris red. Length I6.OO-I9.OO; extent about 44.00; wing 13.50-
15.50 ; tail 6.50-7.50; bill 0.90-1.00; tarsus 1.75-2.25; middle toe without claw, rather less.
Young birds are much varied with brown, yellowish, and white, but the species is unmistak-
able in any plumage. Florida, some of the West Indies, Mexico, and S. through most of S.
America. Common in the " everglades" of Florida; and resembling the Marsh Hawk in habits ;
food largely a kind of snail (Pomus depressus) ; nest in a bush or amidst rank herbage, often
over water, built of sticks, leaves, and grasses, a foot or more in diameter by 6 or 8 inches
deep, with a shallow cavity ; eggs 2 or 3, greenish-white or whitish, irregularly spotted,
scrawled, blotched, or smirched with brown, about 1.72 X 1-45, laid in March and April,
rarely late in February. (i2. sociahilis of orig. ed. of Key, p. 211 ; R. s. plumheus of 2d-
4th eds. p. 523, by error.)
ICTI'NIA. (Gr. IktIvos, iktinos, a kite.) Lead Kites. Bill rather small, but robust,
very deep and wide for its length; tip of upper mandible much overhanging, its cutting edge
very prominently lobed, sometimes almost toothed like a Falcon's, sometimes irregularly
sinuate-serrate ; the nick just in front of the lobe usually permitting the median ridge of the
palate to be visible from the side ; culmen very strongly arched in nearly a quadrant of a circle ;
gonys convex, ascending; cere short; nostrils small, subcircular; loral bristling slight; super-
FA L COXID.E — MIL \ 'IN.E : KI TES.
655
ciliary sliield small, in oue jjiece. Wings of moderate length, ample; 3d quill longest; 2d but
little shorter ; 1st quite short, about equal to 6th ; outer 2 emarginate on inner web, and next
2 somewhat sinuate. Tail moderate, even or emarginate, the feathers broad to their obtusely
rounded ends. Feet short and stout ; tarsus scantily feathered about ^ way down in front,
then scutellate, for the rest reticulate; middle toe without claw about as long as tarsus; outer
and middle toes connected by a basal web for whole length of basal joint of the latter; inner
toe without claw shorter than the outer, with claw hunger, its claw being much larger than
that of outer toe, reaching beyond base of middle claw. Soles broad, especially under the hind
toe, which is widely margined ; claws short, stout, much curved. A genus of two species,
Fio. 449. — Left, Mississippi Kite, J nat. siz
liclit. Suallnu-t.iil.-.l Kit,-,
(^From Brelim.)
routined to temperate and trupicil .America; of great volitorial power, spending much of their
time on the wing in aerial gyrations; somewhat gregarious like other 3Iilrin(r, and preying
uixin the hum])lest (juarry, especially insects and small re])tiles, often feeding from their talons
as they sail through the air, after sweeping down upon their prey and seizing it as they pass
without staying their Hight.
I. inississippien'sis. (Lat. of Mississippi. Fig. 44!>.) Mi.-iSissiiM'i Krn:. Adult ^ ^ :
General plumage plumbeous or dark ashy-gray, bleaching on head and secondaries, blackeniuir
on tail and wings, several primaries more (^) or less (9 ) sufl'iised with chestnut-red on inner
web or on both webs. Forehead and tips of seeondaries usually silvery-whitish; concealed
white spots on scapulars ; bases of feathers of head and under j»arts Heocy-white. Lores, eye-
656 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
lids, and bill, including cere, black ; gape of iiioutb and feet orange, the latter obscured on front
of tarsus, and along tops of toes ; iris lake-red. Feet and cere drying to a nameless dingy
color. Length of $ about 14.00 ; extent 36.00 ; wing 10.50-11.50 ; tail 6.00-6.50 ; tarsus 1.45 ;
9 about 15.00; wing 11.00-12.50; tail 6.50-7.00. Young: Head, neck, and under parts
whitish, spotted with dark brown or reddish-brown, excepting on throat and along super-
ciliary line; lining of wings tawny, spotted VA'ith rusty-brown; upper parts blackish, naost
feathers edged with tawny- white ; quills tipped with white; tail black, with about 3 pale ashy
bands, and as many rows of white spots on inner webs. Southern U. S., regularly N. to South
Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas, casually to Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Wisconsin ; W. to the
Indian Terr, and Texas; S. through Mexico to Guatemala; replaced in Central and South
Auierica by the related but quite distinct I. plumhea. Nest of sticks, etc., in trees, either de-
ciduous or coniferous, at various heights, 20-60 feet; eggs 2-3, 1.65 X 1-35, pale glaucous,
noi-uially unmarked, but often with some faint spots or stains ; laid in April, May, or June.
(Ictinia snhccerulea (Bartr.) Coues, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 524.)
E'LiANUS. (Lat. elanus, a kite.) Pearl Kites. Related tfi the last; general form and
aspect similar. Pattern of coloration entirely different. Bill rather weak and compressed ;
tomia of upper mandible devoid of lobe or festoon, but slightly sinuate to the overhanging tip;
gonys about straight; culmen less strongly convex than in Ictinia ; nostrils subcircular, near
middle of the moderate cere. Feet very small ; tarsus feathered half-way down in front, for
the rest finely reticulate, like tops of toes to near their ends; hind toe very short ; claws small,
little curved, not scooped out underneath ; basal web between middle and outer toes slight
(compare feet oi Ictinia). Wings nearly or about twice as long as tail; pointed, 2d and 3d
quills longest, 1st about equal to 4th, 1st and 2d emarginate on inner webs. Tail emarginate^
but outer feather shorter than the next, all the feathers broad to their obtusely -rounded ends.
A small genus of 4 or 5 species inhabiting the warmer parts of the world.
E. glau'cus. (La.t. glaucus, hhnsh.) Black-shouldered Kite. White-tailed Kite.
Adult (J 9 : Upper parts pale bluish-ash ; most of the head, whole tail, and entire under
parts, including lining of wings, pure white; lesser and middle wnng-coverts black, forming a
great black area ; a patch on under wing-coverts, shafts of most tail-feathers, and loral spot,
also black; white of under parts and middle tail-feathers often wdth a pearly bluish cast. Bill
and claws black ; cere and feet yellow or orange; iris red or reddish. Length 15.50-17.00;
extent 39.00-41.50 ; wing 11.50-13.50; tail 7.00-8.00; tarsus 1.30; middle toe without claw
about the same; 9 averaging larger than ^. Young : Marked with dusky and redtlish-brown ;
wing-feathers white-tipped, tail-feathers with a subterminal asiiy bar. In this species the tail
is emarginate to a depth of about 0.50; outer tail-feather also about as much shorter than the
next, which is the longest one. Southern U. S. from Atlantic to Pacific; N. to South Carolina,
Illinois, Indian Territmy, and Middle California, casually to Michigan ; S. through Central
and most of South America ; common in many localities and resident, but of irregular distri-
bution, especially iu the breeding season, March-^Iay. With habits in general like those of
the last species, this elegant Kite is stronger and more predaceous, preying upon small birds and
quadrupeds as well as insects and reptiles ; its favorite haunts are near streams or marshes. It
nests in trees, preferably the tops of low oaks ; eggs 3-5, oftenest 4, subspherical, about 1 .66 X
1.33, whitish, blotched and smirched with mahogany color, usually to the extent of mostly hid-
ing the ground color with these rich and heavy reddish and blackish browns. (E. glancus
Coues, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 525, holds good ; for those who will not accept Falco glauciis
from Bartram, 1791, must take it from Barton, N. H. Penn. 1799, p. 11 : see Coues,
Birds Coll. Vail. 1878, p. 593, and Auk, Apr. 1897, p. 21 G. E. leucunis of A. 0. U. Lists,
1886-95, by error.)
ELANOi'DES. (Lat. elanus, and Gr. e'idos, eidos, resemblance.) Swallow-tailed Kites.
Prominently characterized by the extremely elongated and deeply forficate tail, length of which
FALCONIDuE — ACCll'ITRIX.E: HAWKS. 657
nearly equals that of wing, the narrow, acuminate lateral feathers being more than twice as
long as middle pair when full grown. Wings also very long, thm, and acute; 2d and .3d ([uills
ft)rming the point; 1st about equal to 4th ; 1st and 2d emarginate on inner webs. Feet very
short, but stout ; tarsus feathered about i way down in front, elsewhere irregularly reticulate ;
toes mostly scutellate on top, but reticulate toward their bases, granular and padded under-
neath; claws short, stout, strongly arcuate, scooped out underneath, with sharp edges, that of
the middle dilated. Bill rather weak, with moderately convex culmen and small cere; the
cutting edge festooned. Nostrils oval, oblicjue. Head closely feathered on sides; a small
superorbital shield of a single bone. A beautiful genus, of a single species, related to Old
World Milvus (typical Kites) and esp<'cially to Nauclerus, with wliieh latter it has usually
been associated.
E. forfica'tus. (Lat. forficatus, deeply forked. Figs. 448, 449.) Swallow-tailed Kite.
Snake Hawk. Adult ^ ^ : Head, neck, band on rump, and entire under parts, including
lining of wings, snow-white ; back, wings, and tail, glossy black, with various lustre, chiefly
green and violet. Bill bluish-black; cere, edges of mandibles, and feet pale bluish, the latter
tinged with greenish; claws light-colored. Length about 24.00, but very variable; extent
50.00; wing 15.50-17.50; tail up to 14.50, cleft more than J its length; tarsus about 1.25;
middle toe without claw rather less. Young : Similar ; less lustrous ; wing- and tail-feathers
white-tipped; feathers of head and neck pencilled with delicate shaft-lines of blackish. This
most elegant Kite, superlative in ease and grace of wing, floats, soars, and dashes over the
greater part of America, and even crosses the Atlantic on its buoyant pinions (Great Britain,
more than once, see Zool. June 15th, 1897, p. 270). It is abundant in the Southern U. S.,
sometimes winging its way to the Middle States, even to New England, and regularly up the
whole ^Mississippi valley, to that of the Red Kiver of the North. While I was collecting on
the northern Boundary Survey, in Nortli Dakota, Manitoba, and Assiniboia, in 1873, and dur-
ing my exploration of the source of the Mississippi in Minnesota, in 1894, I was repeatedly
gratified by the spectacle of this impetuous bird, so like a colossal swallow in its flight, build,
and coloration. Its breeding range is irregularly coextensive with its general distribution in
North America ; the laying season is March-!May in the South, but May and June in the Upper
Mississippi and Red River valleys. The nest is placed on a tree, preferably atop a tall one,
and is constructed of sticks, hay, moss, etc.; eggs 1-4, oftener 2 or 3, averaging nearly 1.90 X
1.50, witli the usual range of variation in size and shape, wliite or whitish, irregularly blotched
and specked with rusty and rich dark chestnut-brown, in most cases in bold, handsome
patterns.
Subfamily ACCIPITRIN>E : Hawks.
General form strict, with small head, shortened wings, and lengthened tail and legs.
Tarsi approximately equal to tibia in length. Bill slu»rt, robust, high at base; toothless, but
usually with a prominent festoon; no central tubercle in the broadly oval nostril, nor keel of
palate anteriorly. Superciliary shield prominent. Coracoid arrangement as in Biiteoninie,
into which grou[» the present one grades. Wings concavo-convex ; .3d to Gth quills longest,
1st very short and more or less bowed inward, outer 3 to 5 emarginate or sinuate on inner
webs. Tail quite long, square or rounded, sometimes emarginate, nearly cquaUing wiui: in
length. Tarsi slender, longer than middle toe without chiw, usually ext«'nsively if not com-
pletely denuded of feathers, and scutellate before and behind ; but in sonu' cases the scales fuse
in a continuous boot, like that of a Thrush. This is an extensive group of medium-sized and
small Hawks, little if at all inferior in spirit of audacity to the true Falctms, though less jtow-
irfully ortranized, and in fact conforming in anatomical characters with Tintamiu(C rather tlian
with F(i}ioui)ur. In the teclinic of falconry, Accipifrituc are styled "ignoble," because tiie.se
short-winired Hawks rake after tlie (piarry, instead of plunging upon it like the " noble " long-
658 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
winged Falcons. Their flight is swift and dashing; they capture their prey in open chase with
amazing celerity and address, always killing for themselves and disdaining refuse. Their
quarry is chiefly birds and quadrupeds. Astur and Accipiter are the typical and principal
genera, of which some 50 species (chiefly of the former genus) are known, inhabiting most
parts of the world. Our representatives of these genera are easily discriminated, but some
exotic species connect tliem so closely that the A. 0. U. makes Astur a subgenus of Accipiter.
Analijsis of Genera or Suhgeyiera.
Small and medium-sized ; length 20.00 or less. Tarsus more extensively denuded, and scutellate, sometimes booted.
Accipiter
Large ; length over 20.00. Tarsus less extensively denuded, and scutellate, never booted Astur
ACCI'PITER. (Lat. accipiter, a hawk. Fig. 450.) Sharp-shinned Hawks. Tarsi
feathered about |- way down in front, or less (in Astur about ^ way), and quite slender (whence
the term "sharp-shinned"); in one of our two species prominently and continuously scutellate
before and behind, the scutellation continued on to the toes ; in the other the same, or finally
fused in a continuous " boot." Toes long, slender, the outer much webbed at base and padded
underneath ; inner claw much larger than middle one, approximately equalling hind claw ;
height of bill at base greater than chord of culmen ; 4th and 5th quills longest, 3d and 6th
next, 2d shorter than 6th, 1st very short. The two following species are exactly alike in color ;
one is a miniature of the other. The ordinary plumage is dai'k brown above (deepest on head,
the occipital feathers showing white when disturbed), with an ashy or plumbeous shade which
increases with age, till the general cast is quite bluish-ash ; below, white or whitish, variously
streaked with dark brown and rusty, finally changing to brownish-red (palest behind and
slightly ashy across breast), the white then only showing in narrow cross-bars; chin, throat,
and crissum white, with blackish pencilling, the crissum, however, usually immaculate; wings
and tail barred with ashy and brown or blackish, quills white-barred basally, tail whitish-
tipped ; bill dark ; claws black ; iris, cere, and feet yellow. Sexes alike in color ; 9 much
larger than ^.
Analysis of Species.
Feet extremely slender ; bare portion of tarsus longer than middle toe ; scutella frequently fused ; tail square,
cf 10.00-12.00; extent about 21.00; wing C.00-7.00; tail 5.00-G.OO. ? 12.00-14.00; extent about 25.50 ; wing 7.00-
8.00 ; tail 6.00-8.00 ; whole foot 3.50 or less veJox
Feet moderately stout ; bare portion of tarsus shorter than middle toe ; scutella always distinct ; tail rounded,
cf lG.00-18.00 ; extent about 30.00 ; wing 9.00-10.00 ; tail 7.00-8.00. $ 18 00-20.00 ; extent about 35.00 ; wing
10.00-11.00; tail 8.00-9.00; whole foot 4.00 or more . . . . , cooperi
A. ve'lox. (Lat. velox, swift, moving with velocity or rapidity. Fig. 451.) Sharp-shinneu
Hawk. "Pigeon" Hawk (so called, but not to be confounded with Falco columharius) .
Little Blue Darter. Adult $ 9 '• Above, dark plumbeous, slate-color, or bluish-gray,
somewhat more fuscous on wings and tail than on the body ; feather.s of hind-head with fleecy
white bases, scapulars with concealed white spots. Tail crossed by about 4 blackish bars, the
first under the coverts, the last subterminal and broadest; extreme tips of the feathers white.
Primaries also marked with blackish bars or spots, and whitening at their bases, in bars or in-
dents of the inner webs. Under parts barred crosswise with rufous on a white ground, the bars
on some parts cordate and connected along shafts of the feathers, which are blackish ; ear-coverts
rufous ; rufous mostly or entirely wanting on cheeks, throat, and crissum, which are more or less
finely pencilled with black shafts of the feathers; crissum, however, often pure white. Axil-
lars barred like other under parts ; lining of wings white, with dusky spots. Dimensions as
above. Young: Above, umber-brown, varied with rusty-brown edgings of most of the feath-
ers ; white spots of scapulars exposed. Below, white more or less tawny-tinged, striped length-
wise with dark brown or reddish-brown on most parts, the feathers mostly black-shafted. This
FALCONID.E — A CCIPITRIN/E: HA WKS.
669
state is oftener seen than the perfected plumage ; every intermediate stage is seen ; but there
can be no misunderstanding the species, as our only other Hawks {Falco columburius and F.
sparverius) of similar sliglit dimensions belong to a different geuus aud subfamily. N. Am.
at large, one of our most abundant Hawks, aud one which, notwithstanding its smalluess, sus-
tains the reputation of Accipitrince for nerve and prowess. It preys almost entirely upon birds,
up to the size of a Robin, even of a Pigeon ur pullet. The nest is built at a fair height in a
tree, preferably a conifer, sometimes in a hollow or on a ledge of rocks, being a shallow plat-
form of small sticks with or without a lining of leaves or bark ; of remarkably large dimensions
for the size of the bird ; the eggs are generally laid in May, sometimes not till June, to the
number of 4 or 5, rarely more. The white ground-color has often a livid bluish or greenish
Fio. 450. — Accipiier nisus of Europe, adult (f, J nat. size; not distinguishable in a cut from our Sharp-shinned
Hawk ; taken as of j nat. size it would represent Cooper's Hawk just as well ; at | it would do duty for a Goshawk.
(From Brelim.)
tint, and is marked, often so thickly as to be obscured, with large, irregular splashes of various
shades of brown, intermiuably changeable in number, size, and pattern, sometimes inclining
ti> form masses or a wreath, sometimes more evenly distributed, sometimes reduced to spots,
in rare cases to a few mere specks sparsely scattered over the whole surface. The egg is of
nearly equal size at both ends, and measures about 1.45 X 1.15, ranging in length from 1.40
to 1.54. It is not always distinguishable with certainty from that of Fako cnlumbnrius. The
eggs of this species are usually beautiful objects. (A.fuscus of ]>revious eds. of the Key, a
name preoccupied ; velox Wilson is next in order of date, and now usccl by the A. 0. U.)
A. coo'pcri. (To Wm. Cooper. Figs. 452, 45.*}.) Cooper's Hawk. Chickkn Hawk (a
name shaiid l)y species of 7?»/eo.) liio BurE Dautkk. Tlie colors and changes of j»lumage
of this species being practically tlie same as those of trior, need not be repeated. The chief
diffeicnces are : crown of adult usually ajipreciably darker slate than back ; wliite scapular spots
sm.iller, fewer, or w.nitini,' ; in high plumage the upper parts clearer bluish, while the breast
lias a tine glaucous bloom overlying the rufous and white ground-color; tail more decidedly
(360
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
white-tipped. A small $ cooperi grades in size nearly down to a large 9 velox, but there ap-
pears to be constantly a ditiereuce of 2 00 at least in total length; and in any event, the other
characters above given will suffice for their discrimination. In either species, the yellow of the
cere and feet is often or usually obscured with greenish. In cooperi, tlie tarsal scutella are
sometimes indistinct, but are not known to fuse into a boot. A large 9 not distantly resembles
FALCOXIDjE — A CCIPITRTNJZ: HA WKS.
661
a young $ Goshawk ; but difference in feathering of tarsus is distinctive. Temperate N. Am.
at large, and southward; one of the common "chicken" Hawks, and a fellow of great audacity
and prowess, preying on
birds up to the size of Grouse
and di>mestic })oultry. Nest-
ing substantially as described
for velox, but the cht)ice of
a site is more variable in ^Q^f^-^ ^' "iJ^^BP ^S^-^
height and kind of tree, and
the structure is relatively
smaller ; also, the nest of
some other Hawk, or of a
Crow, is often utilized. Eggs
I have examined measure
from 1.80 X 1-45 to 2.00 X
1.65 (figures showing tlie Fig. 452. —Beak and Ulons of ^criy^Z/er (.1. coo/jeW, nat. size). (Ad. nat.
variation both in size and ^^^' ^" "^
shape), averaging al)out 1.90 X 1.50. They re.-;emble those of the Marsh Hawk so closely as
not to be certainly distinguishable, but are usually more globular, and with a more granulated
shell. The greatest diameter is at or very near the middle ; difference iu shape of the two ends
is rarely appreciable. All are more uniform in color than those of most Hawks, resembling the
pale, scarcely-marked examples occasionally laid by most kinds; none are conspicuously dark-
marked. The ground is bluisli-wliite, faintly tinted
witli livid or greenish-gray, rarely quite greenish ;
if marked, it is usually with faint, sometimes
almost obsolete, blotches of drab, liable to be over-
looked without close inspection ; but a good many
specimens are found with decided, though still dull
and sparse, spots and scrawls of ])ale brown.
Tinee or four eggs are the usual nest-complement,
but the number ranges from 2 to G ; iu the North-
ern and Middle States they are laid iu May, in the
Southern also in the latter part of April, and in
some localities they are found fresh in June.
AS'TUK. (Lat. astur, a hawk.) G<)SIIAWKS.
( 'liaracters iu general as above given for Accipiter;
size superior, organization nK)re rtibust ; feet
stronger ; tarsus feathered about k way down iu
front and on sides, leaving only a narrow bare strip
lichind; scutcllatiou discontinuous at bases of toes,
wliich are finely reticulate ; resumed beyond ; never
fused. These "goose-hawks" or "star-hawks"
are a small genus of five or six '" ignoble" species,
hilil ill liigh cstiiiiatinii \\\ talcoucrs fir their jiniwess in the chase. Ours appears to be quite
<listin<'t trnui VA\m\H':\\\ ixihimlidriiis, tlioiigh closely related. (Siibi.'enus ..4.s7«;", A. 0. V .)
A. atriciipil'liis. (I.at. utriaipillus, black-Iiaired. Figs. 4.")4, 4.").").) Amf.kH'AN Gi).<!llAWK.
15lue Hen Hawk (adult). C'iiickkn Hawk (young). Adult <^ 9 = AI)ove, dark blnisli-
slate color, each feather black-shafted; top of head blackish, conspicuously diHerent from other
u|iper parts, the feathers tliere with Heecy white bases ; a long white superciliary or rather post-
ocular stripe; .•luriciilars blackish, (irouiid color of under jiarts, including lining of wings,
Kio. 4.53. — Coopcr'.s Il.uvk.
662
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
white, closely barred or vermiculated in narrow zigzag lines with slaty-brown, except on throat,
and ciissum, and everywhere sharply pencilled with blackish shaft-lines, one on each feather.
The barring is largest and most regular on belly, Hanks, and
tibiae, but is for the most part much dissipated in fine mottling.
It varies greatly in coarseness in different specimens, some of
which approach palitmbarius in this respect. Tail like back,
banded with 4 or 5 blackish bars, the terminal one much the
broadest. Wing-quills in similar pattern; both these and tail
showing tendency to some whitish mottling of inner webs of the
feathers. Bill dark bluish ; iris reddish ; feet yellow, claws
black. Young: Difference substantially as in ^cctp«7er: above,
dark brown, varied with rusty-brown and whitish ; below, white,
more or less tawny-tinged, with oblong, lance-linear, clubbed or
drop-shaped dark brown markings. Tail more distinctly barred
than in the adult, and with white tip. Iris yellowish. But iu
any equivocal plumage, the Goshawk may be recognized by its
size, which is that of an average Buteo, together with the short
rounded wings, very long fan-shaped tail, and other generic char-
acters. Length of ^ 20.00-22.00; extent about 42.00; wing
12.00-13.00; tail 9.00-10.00; tarsus 2.75; middle toe without
claw 1.75; chord of culmen without cere 0.90; 9i length 22.00-
24.00; extent 45.00 or more; wing 13.00-14.00; tail 11.50-12.50.
A large, powerful, and in perfect plumage, a very handsome
Hawk, of splendid spirit, combining ferocity witli audacity in the
highest degree, and the terror of the poultry-yard, where it does
more damage than any other Hawk, or than the great Horned
Owl ; it habitually preys upon birds up to the size of Grouse and
Ptarmigan, and mammals as large as hares. It is a larger, and
altogether "better" bird than the European Goshawk. It in-
habits northern N. Am.; the northern half of the U. S. chiefly
in winter, but is also resident in some parts, and breeds in moun-
tainous regions S. to Colorado, where I have seen it in summer,
and New Mexico ; it occurs sometimes on the Pacific Coast of
the U. S., as in Oregon, and has been taken in England. The
nesting and eggs are like those of Accipiter cooperi; eggs only
distinguishable by their superior size, measuring about 2.30 X 1-85, are 2-5 in number, white
with a faint bluish tint, normally immaculate, sometimes showing faint brownish or neutral tint
discolorations. They are laid in April and May.
A. a. stria'tulvis. (Lat. striaUdus, finely striped.) Western Goshawk. Described as
having markings of under parts so fine and dense as to present a nearly uniform bluish-ashy
nebulation, pencilled with fine black-shafted lines, and the upper parts dark plumbeous, inclin-
ing to blackish on the back; the young brownish -black above, with broad black screaks be-
coming often cordate spots on the thighs. Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, especially the Coast
region, breeding from Sitka, Alaska, to the Sierras Nevadas of California in lat. 39°.
Pig. 4r>4. — European Goshawk,
young (} \ nat. size, not distinguish-
able in the cut from the young Amer-
ican Goshawk ; change of scale to \
or 4 would make it represent the
young (f Cooper's or Sharp-shinned
Hawk. (From Brehm.)
Subfamily FALCONIN/E: Falcons.
Bill furnished with a sharp tooth and notch near end of cutting edge of upper mandible
(sometimes two such teeth) ; end of under mandible truncated, with notch near tip (figs. 456,
458). Nostrils circular, high in the cere, with a prominent central tubercle (fig. 456). Inter-
FA L CONID^ — FA L CONIN.E ; FA L CONS.
663
nasal septum extensively ossified. Palate with a median keel anteriorly. Superciliary shield
proniiueiit, in one large piece. Shoulder-joint strengthened by union of scapular ])rocess of
coracoid with clavicle (fig. 444) as in Micrastur, Herpetotheres, and Pohjborince alone of Fal-
conidce. Wings strong, long, and pointed, with rigid and usually straight and tapering Hight-
feathers ; tip formed by 2d and 3d quills, supported nearly to their ends by Isl and 4th, both
of which are longer than 5th ; only one or two outer primaries emarginate on inner webs near
end. Tail short and stiff, with more or less tapering rectrices. Feet strong, rather short ;
tarsus of less length than tibia, feathered more or less extensively, elsewhere irregularly reticu-
late in small pattern varying with the genera or subgenei'a ; never scutellate in single series
M
t
Fig. 455. — American Goshawk, nat. size.
before or behind. Middle toe very long ; talons very strong. True falcons are thus eminently
distinguished from other members of the family ; a glance at the toothed beak suffices for their
recognition. They are birds of medium and small size, some kinds being not larger than a
Sparrow, but extremely sturdy organization, vigorous physif|ue, and temerarious dis])osition.
They capture their quarry with sudden and violent onslauglit, and exhibit raptorial nature in
its highest degree. The typical an<l principal genus is Fnico, of which there are several sub-
divisions corresponding to minor modifications. Upwards of ."SO species are recognized. Our
rather numerous species represent the several grades of Gyrfalcons, Lanuers, Peregrines, Mer-
lins, and Kestrels. These I shall consider under one genus, Falco, with indication of the sub-
genera.
FAL'C'O. (Lat. falco, a falcon or fauct)n.) Characters as above, with minor modifications
as follows : —
Anali/sis of Subgenrra, Sprcies, and f!uhspecies.
TarHus morp or less feathered above, elsewhere irreRuIarly reticulate in small pattern (no large plates like srutella) ;
•-M i>nin!»ry lonRfst ; Int longer than 4th, and alone decidedly emarginate on imier web. ( Gy r/d/foru and Lan-
ners.) ^HlEROFALCo.)
664
5 YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — RAP TORES — A CCIPI TRES.
Gyrfalcons : Tarsus feathered fully ^ way down iu front and on sides, leaving but a narrow strip bare be-
hind ; longer than middle toe without claw ; 1st quill shorter than 3d. Sexes alike. Very large : about
2 feet long.
Prevailing color white. Arctic isla7idus
Prevailing color dark ; head and neck lighter than back. Arctic and Subarctic rusticolus
Prevailing color dark ; head and neck darker than back. Arctic and Subarctic .... r. gyrjaleo
Prevailing color blackish. Labrador and Southward r. ob.wletus
Lanners : Tarsus feathered J way down in front, broadly bare behind ; longer than middle toe without claw :
1st quill shorter than 3d. Medium ; grayish-brown above ; sexes alike mexicanus
Peregrines : Tarsus feathered but a little way down in front, broadly bare behind ; not longer than middle
toe without claw ; 1st quill not shorter than 3d. Medium: slaty-bluish above ; sexes alike. (Rhynchodon.)
The ordinary Duck Hawk of N. Am. peregrinus anatum
The dark N. W. Coast form p. peatei
Tarsus scarcely feathered above, with the plates in front enlarged, like a double row of alternating scutella (and
often with a few true scutella at base) ; 2d or 3d primary longest ; 1st not longer than 4th ; 1st and 2d emargmate
on inner webs. (Merlins, Kestrels, and Hobbies.)
Merlins : Tarsus scarcely longer than middle toe without claw. Sexes unlike ; young of both like adult $ .
Small ; wing 7.50-8.50. (jEsalon.I
Tail of cf with not more than 4 dark bands, the subterminal one broad, or 5 light ones.
The ordinary Pigeon Hawk of N. Am columbnrius
The dark N. W Coast form c. suckleyi
Tail of (f with 5 dark and 6 light bands. Interior N. Am richardsoni
Tail of (f with more numerous bands. Straggler from Europe regulus
Kestrels : Tarsus decidedly longer than middle toe without claw. Sexes very unlike at all ages. Smallest :
wing 7.00-7.50. (Tinnunculus.)
Under parts white or tawny , back rufous, barred $ or plain (f.
The ordinary Sparrow Hawk of N. Am sparverius
The pale desert form from the Southwest s. deserticolus
The depauperate peninsular form of Lower California y. pemnsularis
Under parts bulf ; back rufous, barred $ or spotted (f with black. Straggler from Europe tinnunculus
Under parts rufous. Florida, a straggler from the West Indies dominxcensis
Hobbies: Tarsus longer than middle toe without claw. Sexes alike ; young little different
Medium; wing 10.00 or more. (Rhynchofalco.) Juscicwrulescens
(Subgenus Hierofalco : Gyrfalcons or Jerfalcons.)
F. (H.) islan'dus. (Lat.
also islandicus, Icelaudic or
Icelandish ; the word does not
mean "of an island, insular,"
but "of Iceland," in Skandi-
naviau Islandsk, in Icelandic
Islenskr ; from the name of
the island, iu Skandinavian
and German called Island, in
Dutch Ijsland, from iss, ice,
and land, land.) White
Gyrfalcox. Iceland Ger-
falcon (in part). Green-
land Gyrfalcon. One of
the largest and most powerful
of the Falconince. Feet very
stout; tarsus rather longer
than middle toe and claw,
Fig. 456. —Prairie Falcon, § nat. size. (From life, by H. W. EUiott.) feathered fully half-way down
in front and on the sides, with only a narrow bare strip behind overlaid by the feathers; the bare
parts reticulate (not scutellate). Lateral toes of about equal lengths, without the claws, one
of which is larger than the other. Wing pointed by 2d quill, supported nearly to the end by
FALCOXID.E—FALCONTN.E: FALCONS.
6G5
Fig. 457. — A
(From Michelet.)
' noble " Falcon.
the 3d, the 1st ratlier shorter than 3d, and alone decidedly einarginate on inner web. Adult
^ 9- White — wiiite as a Snowy Owl. Head and all under parts iininacuLite white, or with
only a few dark touches on the top and sides of the head, — -
and on the tianks and flags. Back, wings, and tail white,
more or less profusely marked with dusky (slaty-black) bars,
crescents, arrow-heads, or transverse spots; amount of these
dark markings about as in an average Snowy Owl. Bill
bluisli, darker at tip ; cere, edges of eyelids, and feet chrome-
yellow ; claws blue-black ; iris brown. Bill and claws finally
growing whitish. Length of ^ about 2'.2.00 ; wing 14.00-
15.00; tail 9.00; bill 0.9.5; tarsus 2.40; middle toe with-
out claw 2.00. 9: Length about 23.50; wing 15.50-10.50 ;
tail 10.00. Young: Not very diflereut from tlie adults;
prevailing color still white, but more heavily marked with
dark brown, tending to lengthwise spots on both upper and
under parts. The e.\-treme form in the subgenus Hierofalco,
seeming to be specifically distinct from the ne.xt, in general
recognizable at a glance, though some puzzling specimens
occur; of circumpolar distribution, breeding only in very high
latitudes: range in America from Greenland to Behring Sea,
S. irregularly in winter: in the U. S. (except Alaska) only
known to reach nortliern Maine ; in Europe reachiug Ice-
land frequently, tiie British Islands rarely. Nest on cliffs;
eggs 3-4, about 2.30 X I -HO, with the whitish ground so
heavily overlaid witli ditferent shades of reddish-brown as to
ap])ear almost uniformly of that color, with some b(dder spots of darker brown. It is unfortu-
nate ttiat the white j)olar Gyrfalcon was first described from and named for the island of Ice-
land, which is not its home ; but so it happened, and the rectification of synonymy, which was
in a state of dire confusion in the subgenus
Hierofalco, involves an entirely " new deal "
in the names of the two species (one of them
with two subspecies) which were correctly
discriminated under other names in the 2d-
4th eds. of the Key: see Auk, Apr. 18!?5,
)i[). 184-188. The principal synonymy of
the present species is: Gerfdiilt yyrfalco
Biiiss. i. 1760, i>. 370, pi. 30, fig. 2. F.
Fio. 4r,8. — Pereprine Falcon, greatly reduced. (From ixhoulus BlU'NN. Oril. Bor. 17(j4, J). 2, in-
Tenney, alter Wilson.) eluding this species and the uext one. F.
islfoulus Fahric. Kij. Groenl. 1780, p. 58, proi>erly restricted to the present sin^cies. /•'.
gyrfulco Boon. Tabl. 1783, ]>. 20, based on V\. Enliim. No. 440. F. tslandiis, vars. tilbus and
macitlatus G.M. 1788, j). 271, and /•'. candicans, ]>. 275. the latter being tlie name which most
authors have used, including mystdf. F. iskmdicKs Lath. Ind. Orn. i, I7!»0, p. '.^2 \ figured
uinler this name by AtniliON, folio pi. ;l(i(j, o<'tavo pi. 11>. F. (jrn'tdnndicns TruT. Sy.>it.
Nat. i, 1800, ]i. 147. Fulco {llieroffdcu) gijrfidco s-.w. atudiani.< Kiuiav. in Baiud, Bhf.w.
and Kii)(;\v. Hist. N. .\. B. iii. l.-'74. ]>. 108. llieroftdco holhoclli Siiaupk. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
i. b-71. pi |;{_,,pp(r ti-. .mly. It is Kid.iw. No. 412, C.rKS. No. :>{)]. \. O. V. N-. :r,.'{.
K (H.) rusti'eoliis. (LiniiMMn Latin, iin-aiiin^ a countryman, a rustic; tin- ju-tiprr Lat.
w'MiliI be ntricotii, fmni nts, i;rnitivc nais, antl valeir, to inhabit ; inmla, an inhabitant.)
Linn;eus uses a like tnrm of tlic wnnl fur the Won.icock, which he called Sioltijxix rusticolu
666 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
instead of ruricola. There is, however, the good Lat. rusticns, rustic, rural, and rusticari, to
rusticate, live iu the country.) Gray Gvrfalcon. Iceland Gyrfalcon (in part). Form
strictly as in the preceding. Adult ,$ 9 '■ Not white, but gray, with darker markings. Above,
pale bluish-gray, with dark bars, crescents, or transverse spots in about equal amounts or
rather in excess, on the back, wdngs and tail, but on the head and hind neck the light color
prevailing ; crown thus decidedly lighter than back, owing to amount of white or whitish
streaking (reverse of the case in the next subspecies). Bars of tail well marked, the light ones
gray or grayish-white, especially the terminal one, the dark ones slate-gray, each about as
broad as the other. Under parts white, in tone decidedly lighter than the upper parts, being
moderately striped, streaked, or spotted with the dark color of the back on the sides, flanks,
flags, and crissum, the latter never immaculate; slight dark mustaches; cere, eyelids and feet
yellowish ; bill bluish, yellow at base ; iris dark brown ; bill and feet never whitening. Size not
appreciably different from that of the foregoing ; same difference between the sexes. Young:
Lacking distinct cross-bars on the upper parts, where the color is dark, with merely lighter
edgings of the feathers, and some spotting with whitish, often of a butfy shade, on the back,
wing-coverts, and outer webs of the quills. No bars or transverse dark markings on the
lower parts, where the dusky appears in lengthwise streaks of variable size and number,
usually narrower than the light ground color. Bill, cere, eyelids, and feet colored much alike,
not yellow or whitish. This is the stock-form of the subgenus Hierofalco ; it cannot be mis-
taken for the foregoing, in any plumage, but is very near the next, often hardly distinguish-
able. The best mark is : Head and neck lighter than the l)ack in this typical form ; head and
neck darker than the back in gyrfalco. True rusticolus inhabits tlie Arctic regions of Europe,
Asia, and America, including Iceland and southern portions of Greenland, breeding throughout
such range, and coming irregularly S. iu winter to the N. border of the U. S. ; it nests on cliflFs,
like the White Gyrfalcon, and the eggs are indistinguishable. Following is its synonymy, in
part : Gerfault (Vlslande, Gyrfalco islandicus Briss. Orn. i, 1760, p. 733, pi. 31. Falco rus-
ticolus LiXN. S. N. 10th ed. X, 17.58, p. 88; 12th ed. 17GG, p. 125 ; Fabric. Fn. Groenl. 1780,
p. 55; Gm. S. N. 1788, p. 2G8 ; Lath. Ind. Orn. i, 1790, p. 28. F. islandus Brunn. Orn.
Bor. 1764, p. 2, including this species and the foregoing one ; Gm. S. N. i, 1788, p. 271 ;
Hierofalco islandus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i, 1874, p. 414. F.fuscus Fabric. Fn. Groenl.
1780, p. 56. F. gyrfalco Bodd. Tabl. 1783, p. 13, based on PI. Enlum. No. 210. F. can-
dicans var. islandicus Gm. S. N. 1788, p. 275. F. islandicus Daudin, Orn. ii, 1800, p. 100,
and of most authors, including myself. F. groenlandicus Daudin, Orn. ii, 1800, p. 127. F.
arcticus HolboU. Zeitschr. Ges. Nat. iii, 1854, p. 426. F. holboelU Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873,
p. 415, and Hierofalco holboelU Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i, 1874, p. 415, at least in part.
F. sacer var. islandicus Coues, Key, 1872, p. 213. Falco (Hierofalco) gyrfalco var. islandicus
RiDGW^. in Bd. Brew, and Ridgw. Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 108. F. gyrfalco-candicans and
F. eandicans-gyrfalco, Seebohm, Brit. B. i, 1883, p. 16. — This species is Ridgw. No. 412 o,
Coues, No. 500, A. 0. U. No. 3.54
F. (H.) r. gyrfalco. (Gyrfalcon is tlie worst, gerfalcon the better, jerfalcon the best, spelling
of the name, if we regard the etymology of the word, which was formerly in English also ger-
faidcon, gerfaucon, gerfawcon, jerfaucon, gierfalcon, girefaucon, gyrfacoim, gerfauTc, etc., with
many identical or similar forms in other European languages : see the list given nwAe.y gerfalcon
in the Century Dictionary, where it is stated that the first element of the word is not connected
with Lat. gyrus, a gyration, circle, but with German geier, greedy. The wlicde M^ord is identical
with the Lat. hierofalco, now the technical subgeneric name, meaning literally " sacred falcon,"
from Gr. Upoi, hieros, sacred, and Lat. falco, a falcon ; adapted from Gr. Upa^, hierax, a falcon,
now the technical name of another genus of jPafcomc^rt;.) Brown Gyrfalcon. American
(and European) Continental Gyrfalcon. Norwegian Gyrfalcon. Closely resem-
bling the last, and the distinctimi not very apparent ; darker, age for age, than the foregoing ;
FA L CONID.E — FA LCONIN.E : FA L CONS. 667
top of head and back of neck darker instead of lighter tlian other upper parts, the crown often
plain dusky ; barring of back and wing-coverts indistinct, the dark there prevailing over the
light markings ; under ])arts never whitey tliroughout, much obscured witli gray, and heavily
marked with blackish on the sides, flanks, flags, and crissum ; lieavy blackish moustaches ;
tail closely barred with light and dark bands of about equal widths. J wing 13.50-14.50 ;
tail 8.50-9.50 ; 9 wing 15.00-1 (5.00; tail 9.00-10.00; dimensions thus not distinctive. Young
darker than the adults ; at an early stage, some of the light markings tmgcd with ochraceous.
This is the ordinary Gerfalcon of continental America, also found in Greenland, and in-
separable from that of continental Europe; it inhabits Arctic America from Labrador to Alaska
(probably never reaching as high latitudes as islandus) in the breeding season, and ranges
freely S. in winter over the border of the U. S., sometimes reaching southern New England,
the Middle States, Kansas, etc. It abounds in its summer home, mostly N. of kit. 65°, where
it breeds, and preys on hares, Grouse, Ptarmigan, Ducks, Auks, etc. The nest is built in a tree
or on a cliff", indiff"erently, of sticks, twigs, mosses, grasses, feathers, etc, and the eggs are laid
from the middle of May to that of June; eggs 3-4, with the usual variation in size, shape,
and color, indistinguishable from those of other Gerfalcons; they range from 2.25 to 2.50 long
X 1-70 to 1.90 broad, and are usually heavily colored with reddish and brownish pigments in
interminable variation, to an extent which almost entirely hides the ground color. Principal
synonyms: F. gi/rfaJco Linn. S. N. 10th ed. 1758, ]). 91 ; 12th ed. 1766, p. 130, and of most
authors. F. sacer Forster, Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, p. 382. F. sacer, var. /3, Gm. S. N.
1788, p. 273 (from Forster). F. sacer Cassin, IJ. Cal. 1853, p. 89, in part (includes islandus,
as above, and lahradora. as below ; excludes rusticolus, as above). F. sacer var. gyrfalco
COUES, Key, 1872, p. 213. Falco (Hierofalco) gyrfalco, var. sacer and var. gyrfalco Ridgw.
in Bd. Brew, and IIidgw. Hist. X. A. B. iii, 1874, pp. 108, 115. F. sacer Coues, Key,
2d ed. 1884, p. 532, name restricted to the present subspecies. F. rusticolus gyrfalco Stej.
Auk, Apr. 1885, p. 187. — This subspecies is Ridgw. No. 412 h, Coues No. 498, A. 0. U.
No. 354 a.
F. (H.) r. obsole'tus. (Lat. ohsoletus, unwonted ; obsolete, as the pattern of coloration is in
this case.) Black Gvrfalcon. Labrador Gyrfalcon. A dark phase of the last, al-
most entirely dusky, the usual markings nearly obliterated; from the foggy coast of Labradoi,
where it breeds on cliff's, .S. in winter to New England and New York. In extreme cases it is
quite black, unmarked. There is no difference in measurements, and the eggs are indistin-
guishable. I suspect the truth to be, in respect to all the Gyrfalcons, that there is but a single
circumpolar species ; that with specimens enough an uninterrupted series could be established
connecting tlie blackest " ohsoletus" with the whitest " caudicans '' ; and that the races which
most ornith(dogists recognize, are not coincident with geographical areas. F. holboelli of Mr.
Sharpe appears to be somewhat of a connecting link between the two species now generally
considered distinct. But I defer in this case to those who have formed the contrary opinion,
upon further investigation of the subject than I have made. F. ohsoletus, G\n. Syst. Nat. 1788,
p. 268. F. labr((dora, Aud. f(dio jd. 196, ])ub. about 1834. Falco (Hierofalco) sacer, var.
labradora Ridgw. in Bd. Buew. and Hidgw. Hist. N. A. li. iii, 1874, p. 108 and p. 117.
F. sacer ohsoletus CouE.s, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 532. F. rusticolus ohsoletus Stej. Auk, 1885,
p. 187. Ridgw. No. 412 c, Coues, No. 499, A. 0. U. No. 354 b.
F. (H.) mexica'nus. (Liit. vie.vicanus, 'Slcxk-a.n. Figs. 456, 459.) American Laxxeu Fal-
con. Prairie Falcon. A medium-sized species, distinguished from any Gyrfalcon by smaller
size, different feathering of tarsus, etc.; from the Hnck Hawk by mnch lighter c<dor, which is
dull brownisii above instead of dark slate, etc. Adult ^ 9- I'i>pi'i' parts l)rownish drab, each
feather with a paler border of brown, grayish, or whitish; top of head more uniform, occiput
and nape showing more whitish. Under parts white, everywiiere excepting tui throat marked
with firm spots of dark brown, most linear on breast, then more broadly oval on belly, enlarg-
668
5 VS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. —RAP TORES — A CCIPI TRES.
ing and tending to merge into bars on tlanks, very sparse or obsolete on crissuni, in maxillary
region forming a broad firm moustache ; these markings corresponding with ground color of
upper parts. Primaries ashy-brown, with narrow but firm pale edging of outer webs and ends ;
inner webs regularly marked with
white in form of barred indents
or circumscribed spots, most nu-
merous and regular on the outer
few primaries ; the white tinged
with fulvous, next to the shafts ;
outer web of 1st primary either
plain, or with whitish indents as
in lanarius; outer webs of sec-
ondaries more or less marked
with fulvous ; axillars plain dark
brown ; lining of wings otherwise
white, spotted with dark brown.
Tail pale brownish-gray, nearly
uniform, but with white tip, and
more or less distinct barring or
indenting with whitish, especially
on lateral feathers, producing a
pattern not unlike that of pri-
maries. Bill mostly dark bluish
horn-color, but its base, and much
of under mandible, yellow ; feet
yellow. Young birds have more
fulvous in the dark ground of the
upper parts; are more heavily
spotted below, and the white is
there tinged with buff or ochrey;
feet plumbeous. Size very vari-
able : $ about 18.00 ; extent
40.00; wing 12.00-13.00; tail
7.00-8.00; tarsus about 2.00;
middle toe witliout claw about
the same ; chtird of culmen, in-
cluding cere, 1.00. 9 larger:
wing 13.00-14.00 ; tail 8.00-9.00. etc, A noble species, representing the Old World Lanner
and Jugger, abundant in western U. S., especially on the Plains; E. occasionally to Illi-
nois; S. into Mexico. I have traced it from Montana at lat. 49° to Arizona and 8. California,
and found it very numerous in Wyoming, where it is the characteristic species of its genus.
In the region first named it was nesting on cliffs, and such is its wont everywhere, in the
woodless regions it inhabits, where the faces of cut banks of streams, generally precipitous and
often of great height, are the ordinary resorts for nidification for Eagles, Ferruginous and
Swainson's Buzzards, and various other Birds of Prey; in forested country, however, the Lanner
will sometimes take to a tree. The breeding season is mostly April and May, but extends
from March to June. Eggs 3-5, from 2.05 to 2.25 X 1-55 to 1.65, white or creamy-whitish,
irregularly but usually thickly clouded, mottled, and blotched with reddish-brown; often
with a purplish shade ; thus indistinguishable from those of related species. (F. pohjagrus
Cass.)
Fig. 450. —Lanner Falcon, ', nat. .sizi- ; not distingiiislialile in the cut
from the Prairie Falcon. (From Brehm.)
FALCOXID.E — FALCON IN Ji: ; FALCONS.
669
(Subgenus Rhyxchodon: Peregrines.)
F. (R.) peregrinus an'atum. (U\t. j^eregrinus, wandering ; atiatum, genitive plural of anas,
a duck. Fig. 4G0.) Ameuican Peregrine Falcon. DuckHa\yk. Great-footed Hawk.
A medium-sized Falcon, about as large as the foregoing, but kuinvu at a glance from any bird
of N. Am. by slaty-plumbeous or dark bluish-ash of upper parts, black "moustache," and
other marks, taken with its particular size and shape. Wings stiff, long, thin, pointed by 'Zd
quill, supported nearly to its tip by 1st and 8.1; 1st alone abrui)tly emarginate on inner web,
about 2 inches from tip ; none cut on outer webs. Tomium of upper mandible strongly toothed,
of under mandible deeply notched. Tarsus feathered but a little way down in front, otherwise
Fig. 400. - Peregrine Falcon, or Duck Hawk, i nat. size. (From Urehm.)
entirely reticulate; toes very long, giving great grasp to tlie talons. Adult S 9 : Above, rich
dark bluisli-ash or slate-coh.r, — very variable, sometimes quite slaty-blackish, again much
lighter bhiish-slate; the tint pretty uniform, wliatevcr it may be, over all upper parts, but all
tlie featliers with somewhat paler e.iges, ami the larger ones for the m..st part ..bscurely barred
with liglit.'r an.l darker hues. Under parts at large varying from nrarly i-.uv white to a peculiar
muddy^.utf c.dor of ditt-.'rent de-rers ..f intensity ; thn.at and breast usually frc fro.n markings
(or only with a few sharp sliaft-penciUings) ; this white ..r light coh.r mounting .m auricnlars,
so that it partly isolates a blackish moustache from blackish of si.h' of head; under parts, ex-
cept as said, inclu.ling under wing- and tail-ci.verts. closely and n^irularly barred, ..r l.-ss closely
and more irregularly spotted, with bla.-kisli ; bars best pronounced on Hanks, tibi:e, and cnssum,
670 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
other parts tending to spotting, which may extend forward to invade breast (this is the rule in
European birds, or true 2ieregrinus ; the exception, though not a rare one, in American birds,
of the subspecies anatiim). Tail and its upper coverts regularly and closely barred with black-
ish and ashy-gray, the interspacing best marked on inner webs, and all the feathers narrowly
tipped with white or whitish. Primaries uniform blackish on their exposed surfaces, but on
inner webs marked with numerous regular and close-set spots of white, whitish, or muddy buff,
for the most part isolated within the webs, but on inner primaries and secondaries, and toward
bases of all, becoming or tending to become bars reacliing edge of feather. Bill blue-black;
cere and much of base of bill yellow ; feet yellow ; claws blackish. Size very variable ; length
of a good-sized 9 I'J.OO; extent 45.00; wing 14.50; tail 7.00. ^ averaging smaller; wing
12.50; tail 6.00; a usual range, sex not considered, is, wing 11.50-14.00; tail 6.00-8.00;
tarsus 1.75-2.10; middle toe without claw rather more. Young: Eecognizably similar to
adults in general characters ; not barred below, but there more or less extensively and heavily
streaked lengtliwise ; upper parts brownish or blackish, in either case without the glaucous
bloom and appearance of transverse markings which the adults show, the variegation being
chiefly in light gray or rusty edgings of individual feathers. This Falcon is the central figure
in the whole genus, and in one or another of its geographical guises is cosmopolitan; it is uni-
versally but irregularly distributed in N. Am., scarcely to be considered common anywhere;
breeds S. to S. Carolina on the Atlantic side, still farther S. in the West, usually in mountainous
regions ; nests on cliffs, niches of " cut banks," or in hollows in high trees ; eggs usually 3-4,
2.00 to 2.25 X 1-50 to 1.70, averaging about 2.10 X 1-65 ; white or whitish, spotted, blotched,
wreathed, clouded, etc., with reddish-browns, from chocolate or even purplish to the ochres;
they are in general so heavily and uniformly pigmented as to hide the ground color, and aver-
age among the darkest eggs of our Falconidce; they are mostly laid in April and May, but
the season extends through June in high latitudes. The Peregrine is a bird of noted prowess,
habitually striking a quarry as large as itself or larger, as Grouse, Ducks, Herons, hares, etc.
F. (K.) p. peal'ei. (To Titian R. Peale.) Peale's Peregrine. A dark form, described
from the N. W. coast. Adults with upper parts dark .slate-color ; top of head like back; breast
heavily spotted with blackish, and broad dusky bars on other under ]iarts. Young without
rusty margins of upper parts, the lower sooty blackish, streaked with pale buff. Pacific Coast
region from Oregon to the Aleutian and Commander islands, breeding throughout this range.
Queried as a subspecies in 2d-4th eds. of the Key, p. 536, but probably entitled to recognition
as such, like the dark local I'aces of this region in many other cases. Falco eommimis var,
pealei Ridgvv^. Bull. Essex Inst, v, Dec. 1873, p. 201 ; Bd. Brew, and RinoAV. Hist. N. A,
Birds, iii, 1874, p. 129; F. peregrinus piealei Ridgw. Proc U. S. Nat. Mus. iii, Aug. 1880,
p. 192; A. 0. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. 1886 and 1895, No. 356 a.
(^Subgenus ^ salon: Merlins.)
F. (2E..) columba'rius. (Lat. columbarius, a pigeon-fancier. Fig. 461.) Pigeon Hawk
(a name also applied to Accipiter fusciis). Smaller than any of the foregoing; about size of
Aceipiter fuscus, but much stouter and differently proportioned. Tarsus mostly with a double
row of alternating scutella in front, feathered but a little way down ; middle toe without claw
nearly as long as tarsus. Tail about § the wings, lightly rounded. Wings pointed by 2d and
3d quills, 1st about equal to 4th; 1st and 2d emarginate on inner webs near end; 2d and
3d sinuate on outer webs. Sexes unlike; old ^ bluish above, ? and young dark there.
Old (^ : Above, some shade of bluish, from pale bluish-gray or bluish-ash to dark bluish-
slate, each feather pencilled with a fine black shaft-line. Tail banded with color of upper
parts and black, the subterminal black band broadest, all subject to much variation; tail
tijtped with white. Primaries blackish, witli lighter edges or tijis, and numerous oval trans-
FALCON ID.E — FALCONIN.E: FALCONS.
671
verse spots of white or whitish on inner webs; outer webs often showing traces of ashy
markiui^s; a similar pattern continued on secondaries. Under parts wliite, or whitish, gener-
ally pure and immaculate on throat, elsewhere tinged with tawny or ochraceous, almost every-
where longitudinally streaked witli dark umber-brttwn ; the individual streaks very variable in
size and distinctness, generally blackish-shafted, as a rule heavy and thick on breast, more
strict on flags and vent, changing to spots or even bars on flanks; these latter markings
sometimes involved in a bluish clouding. Side of head with fine dark pencilling on a light or
whitish ground, not gathered into a maxillary stripe, but C(.)alescing on ear-coverts; a })retty
well-defined light superciliary streak ; markings of side of head confluent on nape, forming a
nuchal band which interrupts continuity of color of upper parts. Iris brown; feet yellow;
claws and most of bill bluish-black; cere and base of bill greenish-yellow. This plumage is
comparatively seldom seen. Length about 11.00; extent about 23.50; wing 7.50-8.00; tail
Fig. 4(51. — Pigeon Hawk.
5.00-5.50; tarsus 1..35; middle toe without claw 1.25. Adult 9 » ''^i"l specimens of either sex,
as usually observed: Pattern of coloration as before, but ujijier parts and tail quite ditterent.
Above, the blui.sh shade replaced by dark umber-brown, nearly uniform, or only interrupted by
the nuchal band of streaks, but feathers usually with ap[»reciahly paler edges and black sliaft-
lines, the latter especially on head. Tail like back, and tipped with white, and crosse<l by
about 4 other narrow whiti.sh or light ochraceous bauds, formed of bars or transverse spots on
both webs of the feathers ; uppermost of these bands lying under the coverts; generally only 3
exposed ones, besides the terminal one; intervenintj dark zones all of about the same width,
say 1.00, hut subterrninal one usually rather wider than the others. Pattern of quill-
feathers as in ^ , but spots rather tawny or fulvous than whitish. Under parts as l)efore, but
ground color ranixiui; from nearly white to ([uite rich buff or even fulvous, and showiui,' a wiile
range of variation in heaviue.ss of streaking. Leni^th of 9 about 12.50; extent almut 20.50 ;
wing 8.00-ri.50; tail 5..">(> (I.OO. In quite young birds. eiiiiinL's <if f.itli.r- t>f upper parts may
672
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — RA P TORES — A CCIPI TRES.
be tawny or rufous. A spirited little Falcon, generally distributed in N. Am., common, repre-
sentine the Merlin t)f Europe, F. regidm. Nests chiefly nortlierly, on branches or in holes in
trees, or on rocks, April-June; eggs commonly 4 or 5, ranging in size and shape from 1.50
to 1.80 X 1-25, some being subspherical, others elongate-oval. The coloration ranges from
Fig. 4G2. — American Sparrow Hawk.
nearly uniform deep rich brown (chestnut or burnt sienna) to whitish or white, only marked
with a few in.listinct dots of dull grayish or drab. Such extremes are connected by every
degree; a yellowisli-brown ground-color, irregularly splashed with rich ruddy brown, is the
usual style. The markings may be very evenly distributed, or mostly gathered in a wreath
FA LCOXID.E —FAL CONIX.E : FA L CONS. 673
around one or the other end, or even both ends. The quarry is chieHy birds, even up to the
size of a Ptarmigan.
F. {JE.) c. suck'leyi. (To Dr. Geo. Suckley.) Suckley's Pigeon Hawk. Black Meki.in.
Size of the last; general coloration blackish; thn.at of $ streaked with black, the rest of
lower surface brownish-black with tawny and whitish markings; lower parts of adult ? and
young $ heavily marked with dusky. Barring or spotting of wings indistinct or (dis(dete, also
of tail in 9 , exx-ept the terminal liglit tail-bar. N. W. coast region, N. California to S. Alaska,
and E. in Oregon and Wasiiington. A dark form of F. columbarias, formerly queried in Key, l)Ut
wliicli has proved entitled to subspecitic recognition. Falco columharius var. siicklei/i Riuow.
Bull. Essex Inst, v, Dec. 1873, p. 201 ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. 1886 and 1895, No. .'J57 a;
F. lithofako var. suckleyi, Bu. Brew, and Ridgw. Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 143.
F. (>E.) rich'ardsoiii. (To Sir J. Richardson.) Richardson's PiGEOX Hawk. American
Merlin. "Adult ^ : Upper plumage, dull eartli-brown, eacii feather grayish-umber centrally,
and with a conspicuous black shaft-line. Head above, approaching ashy-white anteriorly, tlie
black shaft-streaks being very conspicuous. Secondaries, primary-coverts, and primaries, mar-
gined terminally with dull white ; the primary-coverts with two transverse series of pale ochra-
ceous spots; primaries, with spots of the same, corresponding with those of the inner webs.
Upper tail-coverts, tipped and spotted beneath the surface with wliite. Tail, clear drab, much
lighter than the primaries, but growing darker terminally, having basally a slightly ashy cast,
crossed with six sharply defined perfectly continuous bands (the last terminal) of ashy-white.
Head frontally, laterally, and beneath — a collar round the nape (interrupting the brown above)
— and entire lower parts, white, somewhat ochraceous, this most perceptible on the tibiae;
cheeks and ear-coverts with sparse, fine, hair-like streaks of black ; nuchal collar, jugulum,
bre.ist, abdomen, sides, and tiauks with a median linear stripe of clear ochre-brown on each
feather ; these stripes broadest on tlie Hanks ; each stripe with a conspicuous black shaft-streak ;
tibiae and lower tail-coverts with fine shaft -streaks of brown, like the broader stripes of the other
portions. Chin, and throat, only, immaculate. Lining of the wings spotted with ochraceous-
white and brown, in about equal amount, the former in spots approaching the shaft. Inner
webs of i)rimaries with transverse broad bars of pale ochraceous — eight on the longest. Wing
7.70; tail .").00; cuhnen 0.50; tarsus 1.30; middle toe 1.25; outer 0.85; inner 0.70; posterior
0..50. Adult 9 : Differing in coloration from the male only in the points of detail. Ground-
color of the upper parts clear grayish-drab, the feathers with conspicuously black shafts; all
the feathers with pairs of rather indistinct rounded ochraceous spots, these most conspicuous on
the wings and scapulars. Secondaries crossed with three bands of deeper, more reddish-ochra-
ceous. Bands of the tail, pure white. In other respects e.vactly like the male. Wing t>.00;
tail 6.10; culmen 0.55; tarsus 1.40; middle toe 1.50; Young $ : Differing from the adult only
in degree. Upper surface with the rusty borders of the feathers more washed over the general
surface; the rusty ochracectus forming the ground-coh)r of the head, — paler anteriorly, where
tile black shaft-streaks are very conspicuous; spots on the primary coverts and priuiaries deep
reddish ochraceous; tail-bands broader than in the adult and more reddish ; the terminal one
twice as broad as the rest (0.40 of an inch), and almo.«<t cream color. Beneath pale ochraceous.
tliis deepest on the breast and sides; markings as in \\\i' adult, but anal region and lower tail-
coverts immaculate; the .shaft-streaks on the tibije, ahso, scarcely (liscerniblc. Wing 7.00 ;
tail 4.60." (Ridgway.) Interior N. Am., esjtecially from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mts.,
but also extending to the Pacific, and from the region of the Saskatdiewan to the Mexican
border; very near columharius, both being closely related to F. retjulus, the fewer bars on the
wiuirs and tail a])parently tlie principal diaracter; and in this respect lichunlsnui seems to bo
exactly interme<liate bitween voliinihdiius and rcfjiilus, with a tail-band mori' tlian the former,
and with fewer tiian tlie latter. A 9 I tooli in Daiiota measures : lengtli 12.75; extent 26.75 ;
wintr 8.50.
43
674
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
F. {2E.) reg'ulus. (Lat. a little king, a kinglet, dim. of rex, king.) Pallas' Pigeon
Hawk. EuRorEAN Merlin. Size and proportions of the speoies last described ; markings
of tail and wings more numerous and less firm. Adult $ : Middle tail-feathers crossed by
about six imperfect dark bars, in addition to the broad subtermiual baud. Adult 9 and young
$ : These tail-feathers crossed by about eight light bars, including the terminal one. {F. regii-
lus Pallas, Reise Russich. Reichs. ii, 1773, p. 707; F. asalon Tunstall, Orn. Brit. 1771,
p. 1, and of most authors. Accipiter merillus Gerini, Orn. 17(37, i, p. 51, pis. xviii, xix.) This
well-known European and Asiatic Falcon, belonging to the subgenus ^salon, is recorded as
accidental at sea oft" Greenland. See Kumleix, Auk, Oct. 1887, p. 345; CouES, Key, 4th ed.
1890, p. 904; A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [358. 1.].
(/S^ft^enMs Tinnunculus: Kestrels.)
F. (T.) tinnun'culus. (Lat. a small kind of Hawk, perhaps this species.) European
Kestrel or Windhover. The type of this section of the genus, and in general resembling
our Sparrow Hawk as next described. Adult ^ : Above, slate-gray, including the tail, the
latter with a broad black subtermiual band and white tip, the head with dusky shaft-lines, the
back rufous, spotted with black ; quills dusky with light edgings ; below, fawn-colored fir buff,
more rufous on the ftanks and crissum, spotted on the belly and streaked on the breast with
dusky ; tail viewed from below grayish-white. Bill bluish ; cere, orbits, and feet yellow ;
claws black; iris brown. 9 ^^tid Jf'ung above reddish-brown, barred with black. ^ ^ :
Length about 12.50; wing 9.00; tail 6.50. This well-known bird of Europe and Asia has
been detected as a straggler in Massachusetts. See Cory, Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 110, and A]m\,
1888, p. 205; CouES,lvey, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [359. 1.].
F. (T.) sparve'rius. (Lat. SjMrvenus, a sparrower. Figs. 462, 463, 464.) American
Kestrel or Windhover. Rusty-crowxed Falcon. Sparrow Hawk. Smallest of our
Falconince; sexes unlike in color, but of nearly the same size, contrary to the rule in this fam-
ily. Tail rounded, at least f as long as the wing, usually
more. Wings pointed by 2d and 3d quills ; 1st about equal to
4th ; 1st and 2d emarginate on inner webs near end ; 2d and
3d sinuate on outer webs. Tarsus feathered but a little way
down in front, decidedly longer than middle toe without claw,
usually surpassing middle toe and claw. Young differing
less than usual from adults of their respective sexes. Adult
^ 9 • Crown ashy-blue, with a chestnut patch, sometimes
small or altogether wanting, sometimes occupying nearly all
the crown. Conspicuous black maxillary and auricular
patches which, with 3 others around nape, make 7 places in
all, usually evident, but some of them often obscure or wanting. Back cinnamon-rufous, or
chestnut, like the cnnvn-patch, in ^ with a few black spots or none, in 9 "'ith numerous black
bars. Wing-coverts of ^ fine ashy-blue, like crown, with or without black spots; of 9 cin-
namon-rufous and black-barred, like back. Quill feathers in ^ 9 blackish, usually with pale
edges and tips, and inner webs with numerous white indentations, or bars continuous along
inner webs, leaving black chiefly in a series of dentations proceeding from shafts ; ends of secon-
daries usually also slaty-blue like coverts. Tail bright chestnut, in ^ with white tip, broad
black subtermiual zone, and outer feathers mostly white with several black bars; in 9 whole
tail with numerous imperfect black bars. Under parts white, variously tinged with bufi" or
tawny, in ^ with a few black spots or none, in 9 with many dark brown streaks ; throat and
vent usually immaculate. Bill dark horn ; cere and feet yellow or orange. Length, either
sex, 10.00-11.00; extent 20.00-23.00; win^ 6.50-8.00; tail 4.50-6.00; tarsus 1.35; middle toe
Fio. 4G3. — Sparrow Hawk, nat. size.
(Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
FA L COXID.E — FAL COXING : FA L CONS.
675
without claw 1.00. The j'oung do not require to be separately described, as the species is a
strongly marked one, and as the young speedily acquire recDirnizable sexual characters. Tliey
may be distinguished when just from the
nest; their first covering is white down.
Temperate N. Am., very abundant.
Despite its great variation in niai'kiugs,
aside from the normal sexual differences,
tliis elegant little Falcon will be imme-
diately recognized by the subgeneric
characters of Imnunctihis, its small size,
and entirely peculiar coloration. Its
characteristic habit is to ho\er or ])oise
in the air over some object which seems
to promise a meal, and then pounce
down upon the prey; whence the name
" Windhover" for the corresponding Eu-
rojieaii species. Tlie birds are very
ivctive and noisy during the breeding sea-
son. They build no nest, but lay in
hollows of trees, often deserted Wood- i'^^- it-4.-Spanow Ua«k, Florida, uat. .ize. (L. A. Faerie..;
])eckers' hcdes, or similar nooks in rocks or about buildings, occasionally in a hole in the ground
of a cut bank, but very rarely occupy the open nest of some other bird. Eggs 3-7, mostly
4 or 5, nearly s]>heroidal, about 1.33 X 1.12; ground-c<dor usually buffy, or pale yellowish-
brown ; blotched all over witli dark brown, the splashes of which are usually largest and most
numerous toward the greater end, at or around whicli they may run into a crown or wreath.
Some eggs are pale brown, minutely dotted all ov(!r with dark brown ; some are white, with
pale brown spots; few are wliitish without any markings. They are laid from March to June
in different localities, and have even been found fresh in July and August.
Note. F. s. isabellinns, queried in the 2d-4th eds. of the Key, p. 5.'38, as "a middle
American form of the last, occurring in the Gulf States, and shading directly into sparcerius
l)roj)er," has been found untenable and dismissed from all further consideration. In its stead
we have now to admit two other subspecies ol sparverius which have secured the apjiroval of
tiie A. 0. U. Committee, but which may not impossibly hereafter follow isdbellinus into the
limbo of unidentifiable or unverifiable races of a single well-known species: see Auk, July,
1892, pp. 2.')2-270,
F. (T.) s. (leserti'eolus. (Lat. desertion, a desert, and colo, 1 iuliabit.) Desert Si'.vkkhw
Hawk. Larger than the average of sjyarverius proper, witli relatively longer tail ; paler, with
more rufous, and a larger crown patcli ; black bars on inner webs of the quills not crossing the
entire web, but forming serrations only: 9 witii tlie dark bars of the upper parts narrower,
and those of the tail more often incomph'te. Described as " a desert form from the treeless
regions of the Southwest." Meauxs, Auk, July, 181t2, ]). 2(i3; range given as "Western
T'. S., N. to eastern British Ccdnndjia and western Montana, S. to Mazatlan in nortliwestern
Mexico," in A. 0. IT. Li.st, 2d e<l. 18!)5, No. :iG{)a. It is a bird witli whidi I was fanuliar
thirty years ago in Arizona, but one which I did not suspect I should evi'r be callctl ui>on to
rrcognize by name.
F. (T.) s. peiiiii'sularis. (Lat. lu'ninsular. ) St. LfCAS Si'Ai;i;n\v Hawk. - A .lepaiiperate
insular [read peninsular] form, in which a diminution of the general size is accompanied by an
intrease in the size of the l)ill ; also charactcTized by jtallor of C(.Ioration. and decrease in the
extent of the black markings." Iris said to be ytdlow instead of hazel in thr 9 . Low.r Cali-
fornia. Meariis, /. c. ]>. '2(\7 : A. O. U. List. 2d .d. 18!).->, No. [m) b.
676 SYS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. —RAP TOR ES — AC CIPITRES.
F. (T.) dominicen'sis. (Lat. inhabiting the island of Dominique, or St. Domingo.) CUBAN
Sparrow Hawk. Closely related to F. sparverius, and generally similar, but apparently a
distinct species, in both of the two color-phases which it presents. Light phase (= F. domini-
censis proper). Adult <J: Above as in sparverius, but with little black spotting. CrovA'u usu-
ally without a rusty spot, being bluish like the wings; forehead broadly white; a conspicuous
white superciliary stripe ; maxillary stripes indistinct or obsolete ; under surfaces of quills white,
with dusky serrations in parts of tlieir extent only ; uuder parts white, unmarked, shaded with
pale rufous on the breast. Dark phase (= F. sparverioides) . Adult $ : Above, except tail
(which is as in sparverius), entirely dark plumbeous, with a blackish nuchal collar, and dusky
front and auriculars ; primaries and edges and subterminal portion of tail-feathers, black. Be-
neath, deep rufous (like the back of spiarverius) with a wash of plumbeous across jugulum ;
throat grayish-white. Inner webs of i^rimaries slaty, with transverse cloudings of darker. The
9 in either phase has the upper parts rufous brown, banded with blackish, the top of the head
bluish-gray or slate-gray, with or without a rufous patch ; the under parts ranging from pale
bufi", spotted or streaked with rusty brown, and white throat, to uniform chestnut-rufous, which
also colors the linings of the wings ; and dusky mottled inner webs of primaries. Cuba, Hayti
(Santo Domingo), and Porto Rico; casual in Florida. Previous editions of the Key have de-
scribed only the dark phase, which was supposed to be a different species from F. dominicensis
Gm., the light phase, which latter is also F. lencnphn/s Ridgway. The two are now united
under the earliest name. (A. 0. U. No. [361.]-)
(Subgenus Rhynchofalco.)
F. (R.) fuscicoerules'cens. (Lat. fiiscns, dark; cosrulescens , bluish.) Femoral Falcon.
Aplomado Falcon. Bill robust, with large cere; irregular scutellation of tarsus continuous
on the toes; tarsus a little longer than middle toe without claw ; 2cl and 3d quills longest ; 1st
about equal to 4th ; 1st and 2d emarginate on inner webs ; 2d and 3d sinuate on outer webs.
Size medium (among the smaller Falcons) ; form slender ; sexes alike. Adult ^ 9 • Above,
uniform plumbeous; tail with about 8 narrow white bars, and tipj)ed with white, as are the
secondaries; primaries with numerous narrow white bars on inner webs, mostly being isolated
transverse spots, reaching neithei' shaft nor inner edge of feathers; same pattern less definitely
continued on to secondaries. Side of head with a broad white or tawny postocular stripe, con-
tinuous wdth narrowly white forehead, shading into orange-brown on nape, where confluent
with its fellow; auriculais mostly white, set in black of side of head, but continuous with white
of throat, so that a black supra-auricular stripe meets a black mystacial stripe under eye.
Sides of body and a broad belly-band black, with or without numerous narrow white bars;
extent of this black very variable ; it usually leaves the breast white or tawny, but in younger
specimens the whole breast is streaked with black on a tawny ground. Throat usually white.
Lining of wings blacldsh, spotted with white, the border mostly white or tawny. Flanks,
flags, and crissum uniform tawny or orange-brown. Young sufliciently similar, but upper
parts rather dark brown than plumbeous. Lengtli J 5.00 or more; wing 10.00-11.00 ; tail
7.00-8.00; tarsus 1.75 ; middle toe without claw 1..50. A handsome Hawk, well-known and
wide-ranging in South and Central America, reaching over our Mexican border in southern
Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Nest in trees or bushes ; eggs usually 3 in our country,
1.80 X 1 30, white, finely dotted with light brown, overlaid with blotches of dark brown, very
variable in pattern, as usual in this genus, laid in April and May with us. {F.femoralis (Temm.
1823) of the orig. ed. of the Key.)
FA L CONID.E — POL YBORIN.E : CAR A CA RA S.
677
Subfamily POLYBORIN/E: Caracaras.
Anatomical characters of Falconitice proper, in the scapular arrangement by which a pro-
cess of coracoid reaches clavicle, central tubercle of extensively ossified nasal bones, anterior
keel of palate, and superurbital shield in a single piece ; external characters very unlike those
of i^rtZco«i>itf?, and general aspect vulturine. Bill toothless. Sternum single-notched on each
side behind. Three or more primaries sinuate-einarginate on inner webs; 3d or 4th longest;
1st shorter than 5th. A small but remarkable group, combining some of the essential charac-
ters of Falcons with others more Vulture-like; the species are chiefly terrestrial, rather slug-
gish, and feed much on carrion. Tlie genera are Fohjhorus, FhalcohcBnus, Senex, Milvago,
Ibi/cter, and Daptrius, all confined to America.
POLY'BOKUS. (Gr. rroXv^opos, polyhuros, very voracious. Fig. 4G5.) Cauacaras.
QuKLELis. Bill long, high, much compressed, little hooked, commissure nearly straight to
deflected end ; cere miv ', ij.
ending anteriorly in
a nearly straight
vertical line ; nostril
high in front upper
corner of cere, lin-
ear, obli(|ue, its pos-
terior end upper-
most, its tubercle
concealed. Chin and
sides of head bristly,
extensively denuded ;
a naked pectoral
area; an occijjital
crest. Tibia; shortly
flagged. Tarsus
nearly twice as long
as middle toe with-
out claw almost en- Fio. 465. — The Caracara, i nat. size. (Krom Brehm.)
tirely naked, chiefly reticulate, but in front broadly scutellate in single or doul)le row; lateral
toes of about equal lengths; hind toe much the sliortest; claws long and little curved. Wings
very hnig, with .'3d and 4tb (piills longest, 2d and 5th next, 1st shorter than Gth or 7th ; outer
4 or 5 emarginate. Tail rounded, about § as long as wing. Comprising three species of large
Vulture-like carrion Hawks, of terrestrial lialdts, and ambulatorial, not saltatorial, gait, of tlie
warmer ])arts of America.
P. che'riway. (Probably tlie South American native name.) Audubon's Caracara.
Adult ^ 9- General color blackish, throat, neck all around, and more or less of fore back and
breast whitish, spotted, and chiefly barred with blackish ; upjierand under tail-coverts and most
of tail white, the hitter very numerously barred with blackish, of which color is the broad ter-
minal zone ; shafts white alontr white portion of each feather. Basal portion of jirimaries like-
wise barred with whitish. Bill variously pale colored ; cere carmine ; iris lirowii ; feet yellow ;
daws black; soft ])arts drying to a dingy indefinable color. Yoinii; similar, but rather brown-
ish ; markings of body in lengthwise streaks, not cross-bars; tail, however, barred. Len^'th
(cither sex) 21.00-125.00; extent about 48.00; winir I4..")0-I(i.50; tail H.(M)-IO.(H) ; tarsus
about ;}.()(); middle toe without claw 2.00; ciilmen l.."{5. I desi-ribe the North American bird,
which is much less extcnsiv<'ly barnd than that of South America. (See Cassin, Pr. IMiilu.
.\cad. IHr)5. ]>. 2 ) The difl'erence in several sjx-cimens handled is striking, nearly the whole
678 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
body, wings, and tail of the South Aineriran bird being inuhitudinously rayed across, while in
Texas and Florida specimens the body and wing-coverts are mostly uniform, the barring being
restricted to neck and fore half of body, and to primaries and tail-feathers. The bird is cer-
tainly different from P. thariis. P- lutosus is barred throughout, and otherwise different again.
S. border of U. S., Florida to Lower California and southward, common, in some places abun-
dant, gregarious like a Turkey Buzzard where offal is exposed. Nest bulky, in trees and
bushes, as palmettos, yuccas, mesquites, cactuses, etc., of sticks and leaves; eggs commonly 2,
often 3, broadly oval or subspherical, heavily colored with blotches and clusters of rich reddish-
brown and smaller blackish over-spots, usually obscuring the creamy white ground-color; size
2.20 to 2.40 by about 1.85; with us laid mostly in March and April, sometimes in February,
The long neck and legs of this bird, its terrestrial habits and walking powers, give it peculiar
character, almost suggesting Gi/por/eramis. Like our Vultures, it is a constant feature of the
scene in some southerly localities. (F. cheriwai/ Jacquin, Beitr. 1784, p. 17, pi. 4. P. cheri-
way Cab. 1848; A. 0. U. No. 362. P. hrasiliensis Aud. folio pi. 161 and 8vo pi. 4 ; not ot
Gm. 1788. P. tharus Cass. B. Cal. i, 1854, p. 113, and in Bd. B. N. A. 1858, p. 45; not of
MoLiNE, 1782. P. auduboni Cass. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865, p. 2. P. tharus var. audubonii
CouKS, Key, 1872, p. 220. P. auduboni of 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 540.)
P. luto'sus. (Lat. lutosus, dirty, muddy; so called from the sordid coloration.) Guadalupe
Caracara. As stated in Key, 2d ed. p. 540, this species is quite distinct, nearly the whole
plumage being barred. " Scapulars plain dusky brown. Tibia? and flanks light isabella-color,
barred with dark brown. Wing-coverts (middle and greater) marked with wide bars of brown
and pale isabella-color, of equal width. Tail- coverts and rump with broad bars of light
isabella-color and grayish-brown. Tail with broad bars of pale isabella-color and grayish-
brown, separated by zigzag lines of dusky. Abdomen isabella-color, with small sagittate bars
of dark-brown." Wing 15.00-16.50; tail 10.50-11-50; bill 1.25-1.35; tarsus 3.50-3.75.
Guadalupe Island, Lower California. Ridgw. Bull. U. S. Geog. & Geol. Surv. 2d ser. No. 6,
Feb. 1876, p. 459; Man. 1887, p. 254; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 882, Lower California
and its islands having been meanwhile annexed ornithologically; A. 0. U. No. 363.
Subfamily BUTEONIN/E : Buzzards and Eagles.
Bill variable in size and shape, but without the toothing and notching of that of FalconincB
(with rare exceptions) ; cutting edge variously lobed or festooned, or simple. Nostrils not cir-
cular, nor with a central tubercle : nasal septum incompletely ossified. Superciliary shield
more or less prominent, usually consisting of two pieces. Scapular process of coracoid not
produced to meet clavicle. Wings and tail variable, but not pi-esenting special characters
noted under Falconince, nor relative lengths of those oi Accipitrince. Tarsus obviously shorter
than tibia, generally scutellate before and behind, sometimes feathered to toes. The Buzzards
form a large group, not easy to define except by exclusion ; though quite distinct from Falco-
ninte and Pohjborince, they grade into each of the (jther subfamilies here presented. They are
Hawks of medium and rather large size, heavy-bodied, of strong but measured flight, inferior
in spirit to the true Hawks and Falcons, and as a rule feed upon humble game, which they
rather snatch stealthily than capture in open piracy. The extensive genus Buteo with its sub-
divisions, and its companion Archibuteo, typify Buzzards; they include, however, a great
variety of forms. With them must be associated Eagles ; for popular estimate of these famous
great birds as something remarkably different from ordinary Hawks is not confirmed by exam-
ination of their structure, which is the same as that of other Buzzards. Altliough usually of
large size and powerful physique, they are far below the smallest Falcons in raptorial charac-
ter, prey like Buzzards, and ()ften stoop to carrion. The genus Aquila may stand as the type
of an Eagle ; its several species are confined to the Old World, with one exception. Haliaetus
FALCONID.E — BUTEOXIN.E: BUZZARDS. 679
represents a decided modification, in adaptation to maritime and piscivorous habits. TJudassa-
etiis pelugicus is the magniticeut sea Eagle of northeastern Asia, whose cuneate tail has 14 rec-
trices, contrary to the rule in Falconidce. A celebrated bird (if this group is the Harpy Eagle,
Thrasyaetus harpyia, with immense bill and feet, and one of the most powerful birds of the
whole family. There are several other genera in eacii liemisphere.
Analysis of Genera.
Tarsi feathered in front to the toes.
Buzzards not over 2 feet long Archilmieo
Eagles about 3 feet long Aquila
Tarsi naked and scutellate or reticulate below.
Crested. Eagles about 4 feet long • Thrasyaetus
Not crested. No basal webbing of toes. Eagles about 3 feet long Uatiaelus
A basal web between outer and middle toes. Buzzards not over two feet long.
Under parts of adult finely barred crosswise ; wings rounded Aslurina
— otherwise; wings more pointed Urtibitinr/n, Partibuteo, aud Buleo
PARABU'TKO. (Gr. napc'i, ])(()•<(, by, near, beside, alongside of, etc. and Lat. Biiteo, the
genus to which it is so nearly related tliat T have liitherto allowed it only subgenerie rank in
the Key.) Carrion Buzzards. In general nearly like Bitteo (which see), with some resem-
blance to Pohjhorus. Tail more than f as long as wing. Fice outer primaries emarginate on
inner webs. Bill high at base ; nostrils oval, with eccentric tubercle. Tarsi lengthened and
much denuded, not feathered ^ way down in front, thence with a i-ow of large scutella, difier-
ent from the small plates on the sides and behind. Loral region extensively denuded to the
eye, and beset with short radiating bristles. One species, American, with a subspecies over
our border. Antenor and Parahuteo Riogw. in Bo. Brew, and Kidgav. N. A. B. iii, lt*74,
]ip. 248 and '2.")(). Fri/fhrocnema Shakpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mas. i, 1874, p. 84.
P. uniciiic'tus har'risi. (Lat. tint-, once ; cinctufi, girdled. To Edw. Harris.) Harris'
Buzzard. y\dult ^ 9- General plumage blackish, more or less intense, sometimes rather
dark chocohite-brown, blackening on wings and tail, but in any case pretty uniform over wliole
body ; sides of head with some white touches. Lesser and part of middle wing-coverts, lining of
wings, and tibia>, brownish-red, or rich chestnut. Tail-coverts and base of tail broadly white,
thus girdling tlie wlude figure ; end of tail ahso white, 1.00 or more. ^ about 20.00 ; e.\tent
4L00-4ti.00 ; wing 12.50-13.50 ; tail 8..jO-i>..50 ; tarsus 3.()0-.'J.25 ; middle toe withnut claw 2.00.
9 larger; about 2.3.00; extent 43.00-47.00; wing 1.3.50-14..')0 ; tail !).50-lO..')0. Y.mng:
Less decidedly blackish, upper parts varied with rusty-bmwn, lower (piite tawny with dusky
spots or streaks, chestnut of wings not unbroken, white of tail less distinctly defined. Tibi;e
tawny-white, distinctly barred with chestnut. But in any plumage the species is unmistak-
able. Nestlings are covered with white and buif down. In some respects it resembles Pohj-
horus, being a slnggisli, carrion-feeding bird, usually found as.sociated with the Caracara,
Turkey Buzzard, and Black Vulture. It is a cuniUKin inhabitant nf the warmer parts of
America and over our Mexican border; abundant in snme parts of Texas, extending E. to
Louisiana, rarely to Mississippi, W. acro.ss New Mexico and Arizona to Low«'r California,
anil 8. to Panama. Nest in a tree or bush, very variable in size and finish in difi'erent cases ;
egys 2-4, connnonly 3, 2.00-2.10 X 1.05. white or whiti.sh, unmarked, or with faint browiiisli-
ycdliiw spots or stains, laid from the middle of February to early June in our country.
BU'TKO. {\ i\\i. hutco, -A IJuzzard-hawk.) Buzzards. Size medium and large; form heavy,
rolui.st. Itill of nioilerate size and ordinary shape. Wings rather long and pointed, exceedini;
tail to a variable extent; .3d to 5th quills loni:<'st, 1st to 4th emarginate on inner webs, 1st not
longer than Htli. Tail f)f uxiderate len>rth. probaldy averaging § of the wini:. a little roundi'ii.
Feet more or less robust; tarsi .scutellate in front at least, feathired in front for a varyiiii:
di.stance; tibia.' flagged. Tiiis is the central or typical i;enns of its subfamily, as i'«/fO is of
680 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
Falconina;, eaibmcing numerous species of nearly all parts of the world excepting Australia ;
about half of thein American. Tlie type is B. vulfjaris of Europe, to which the North Amer-
ican B. swainsoni is closely related. Four of our species {BB. borealis, swainsoni, Uneatus,
latissimus) are common '' Hen Hawks " or " Chicken Hawks" of the U. S., the first named
running into several varieties ; the others are little known (JBB. hariani, cooperi), or of very
partial distribution in North America {BB. sennetti, abbreviatus, brachyurus), or questionable
as a straggler from Europe (alleged B. buteo). In all cases, sexes alike or similar; 9 larger
than 1^; young different from adults ; and melanism frequent.
Analysis of Subgenera and Species.
Tail irfiile, with a broad black subterminal zone and numerous very narrow, zig-zag, or broken, blackish cross-
lines. Texas. (Type of subgenus Tachytriorcltis) albocaudatus sennetli
Four outer primaries emarginate or sinuate on inner webs.
Tail mostly rufous, ashy-clouded ; marked /engthtvise with darker ; and with dark subterminal zone ; under
parts mostly white. Gala., one specimen known ; dubious cooperi f
Tail mottled with dusky and white, and with subterminal blackish zone ; showing also reddish touches. Plu-
mage almost entirely blackish, with fleecy- white bases of feathers. Kas. to Tex., not well known, and status
questionable • ... hariani
Tail of adult chestnut-red, with black subterminal bar, and others or not ; no reddish on wing-coverts ; white
prevailing on under parts, especially breast. Tail of young closely barred with grajrish and blackish. Ro-
bust and largest ; wing usually t4.00 or more ; tarsus stout. N. Am., common borealis
Tail of adult black, crossed by about C white bars ; primaries spotted with white ; lesser wing-coverts reddish,
like under parts. Tail of youug dusky, numerously barred with whitish ; under parts whitish, streaked with
dusky. Less robust ; wing usually under 14.00 ; tarsus slender. N. Am., common Uneatus
Tail of adult black, with 3 broad white zones on inner webs only of the feathers, ashy on outer webs ; plumage
black, spotted or not with white. Tail of young dusky, inner webs mostly white, black-barred. Southwestern
U. S abbreviatus
Three outer primaries emarginate or sinuate on iiuier webs.
Tail numerously and narrowly cross-barred with lighter and darker. Plumage extremely variable, but not exten-
sively reddish underneath, nor cheeks with a dark mustache. Large ; wing usually over 13.00. Chiefly west-
ern U. S., common swainsoni
Tail of adult blackish witli about 3 light gray bands exposed ; under parts extensively rufous ; a dark mustache.
Small; wing under 12.00. Eastern U. S., common latusinms
Tall crossed with light and dark bars ; general color of upper parts fuliginous, little varied, frontlet more or
leas whitish. Southern U. S brachyurus
{Subgenus Tachytriorchis.)
B. albocauda'tus sen'netti. (Lat. albu-s, white; cauclatus, tailed. To Geo. B. Sennett.)
White-tailed Buzzard. Sennett's Buzzard. Three outer primaries cut on inner webs.
Wings very acute; tail short. Adult ^^: Tail and its coverts white, with a broad black
subteruiinal zcnie, and nunjerous very fine zig-zag or broken blackish cross-lines. Upper
parts (excepting rump, which is white like tail), definitely including sides of head and neck,
ash-color or plumbeous, lighter or darker in diff'(n-ent cases, the feathers fleecy-white at bases
so extensively as to show with the least disturbance of the plumage, and on scapulars tinged
with reddish. Most of the lesser wing-coverts (but not quite to bend of wing), chestnut, some-
what as in Harris' Buzzard. Entire under parts pure white, lightly touched with fine dusky
cross-bars on sides, lining of wings, and usually tibiae. On surface of wings plumbeous of
upper parts deepens to blackish of primaries, whftse inner Avebs are lighter and more brownish,
crossed with numerous darker bars, and toward base are cut, barred, or speckled with white,
which increases in regularity, firmness, and extent on secondaries. Shafts of wing-feathers
brown or black, those of tail white along wliite portion of the feathers. Bill mostly dark, in
part light; feet yellow; claws black. Length of $ 23.00; extent 48.00; wing 16.00; tail
7.00; chord of culmen, including cere, 1.40; tarsus about 3.2.5; feathered about 1.00 down in
front. 9 larger: length 24.00; extent 54.00; wing 17..50; tail 8.00, etc. (Described from
Sennett's and Merrill's Texas specimens.) Young: much darker than the adults; general
plumage blackish brown, on the under parts much varied with white and buff; but recogniz-
FA L CONID.E — B UTEONIN.E : B fJZZA RDS. 681
able by the hoary gray tail, darker toward the end, with nmneroiis obsolete dark bars, and
whitish or buff tip. Nestlings covered with sooty brown down, quite blackish on the head,
lighter on posterior upper parts, buffy white below. A tiiu! large Hawk of the warmer parts
of America, N. to Texas, and also known to breed in southern Arizona (Auk, Oct. 1899,
p. 352, and Oct. 1897, p. 403). It is very unlike any other of this country. It abounds in
the lower parts of Te.xas, where it breeds from February to July indifferently, placing the large
bulky nest of sticks and grasses on low trees and bushes ; eggs 2 or 3, about 2.35 X 1-90, dull
white, immaculate, or only very lightly marked with pale brownish and neutral lint, and thus
differing from ordinary Buzzard eggs; they are also large for the size of the bird. B. albocau-
datiis of 2d-4th eds. of the Key, p. 542; B. alhiccmdatm A. O. U. List, 1st ed. 1886; B. ulhi-
caudatns sennetti Allen, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist, v, 1893, p. 144 ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, No. 341. The species is type of tlie subgenus Tuclujtriorohis Kaup, 1844; but it is an
oversight in the arrangement of tlie A. 0. U. List to bring B. swainsoni and B. latissimus under
this subgenus, as they belong to Buteo jiroper. Sharjie raises Tachytriorchis to full generic
rank, and restricts it to alhocaudatiis and abbreviatus, in Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i, 1874, p. 101.
(Subgenus lirxEO.)
? B. buteo. CojiMOX EuROPEAX Buzzard. Puttock. Type of this subgenus, as of the
whole genus. A large species, having 4 primaries emarginate on the inner web, as in our
B. borealis but in plumage e.xtremely variable, most resembling B. sicainsoni as described
beyond, and sometimes almost identical in coloration with one of the dark ])hases of the latter.
Wing 15.50-ltJ.50 ; tail 8.00-9.00. Europe, etc. Said to have occurred once in Michigan.
We have the specimen, unquestionably of tliis species, but the alleged occurrence is open to
doubt. See the case as set forth at Icngtli iu Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, iS7G, \^\>. 4-<i, and
pp. 32-39. (Not heretofore allowed in tlie Key. A. O. U. No. [.33fi.].)
B. coo'peri? (To Dr. J. G. Cooper.) Cooper's JiuzzAiiu =s: Archibutco ferrugineus ?
Head, neck, and whole lower parts white; feathers of head and neck with medial longitudinal
streaks of black, the white prevailing on occiput and superciliary region, the black predomi-
nating over cheeks, forming a mustache; throat with fine lanceidate blackish streaks; sides
of breast with broader, more cuneate markings of the same ; flanks with narrow, lanceidate
stripes, these extending sparsely across abdomen ; tibife and lower tail-coverts immaculate,
inner face of the former with faint specks. Upper plumage in general dark plumbeous-brown,
inclining to black on back ; jjhunbeous clearest on primaries, whicli are uniformly of this
color, the inner ones inclining to fine cinereous. Scapulars and wing-coverts spattered with
white beneath the surface. Rump black ; uj»))er tail-coverts white, tinged with rufous, and
witli irregular, distant, transverse bars of blackish. Tail witli light rufous prevailing, but
this broken up by longitudinal daubs and washes of cinereous, and darker mottlings running
Inngitiidinally on both webs; basally, the ground-color approaches white; tip wiiiti', with a
di.stinct but very irregular subterminal bar of black, into which the longitudinal mottlings
melt; outer webs of lateral feathers entirely cinereous, and without the bhick band. T'nder
side of wing white, with a large black space on lining near edge ; under surfaces of ])rimaries
white anterior to their emargination, finely mottled with ashy atul with indistinct transverse
liands terminally. 4th quill longest; 3d shorter than 5th; 2d equal to (ith; 1st er|ual to 10th.
Wiiiir 15.75; tail 9 10; tarsus 3.25; middle toe 1.70. Santa Clara Co., California, one sp«ri-
nien known, ))nd)ably the last as well as the first; for I suppose tliis to be ArchibuU-o fcniigi-
veus (witli or without a mdaaUiaticc of Buteo borealis), with aluiormally ilemnled tar.^i. I have
carefully examined the type specimen, but condense Mr. Kidirway's description iu preference to
constructiiiiT a new one. (No new light has been thrown mi the case since tlie above wiia
peiiiie.l tor the 2cl ed. of the KeV ; meanwhile, the alleged .specit's h.us been relegati-d to tho
682
S YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — RA P TOR ES — A CCIPI TRES.
limbo of the A. 0. U. Hypothetical List as No. 14, " probably the light phase of J5. harlanV
See KiDGW. Auk, 1884, p. 253 ; 1885, j). 165.)
B. har'laiii. (To Dr. R. Harlan.) Harlan's Buzzard. '' Black Warrior." Form
strong and heavy, like horealis, but still more robust; tibial ]ilumes unusually developed,
long and loose, their ends reaching to or beyond base of toes ; lateral toes nearly equal. Four
outer primaries with inner webs cut. Wing 14.25-15.75; tail 8.8U-10.00: culmen r.OO ;
tarsus 2.75-3.25 ; middle toe 1.50-1.70. Nearly uniform black, varying from a sooty to a
carbonaceous tint, with more or less concealed pure white. Adult : Tail confusedly mottled
longitudinally with grayish, dusky, and white, often tinged or mi.xed with rufous, the diflereut
shades varying in relative amount in different individuals ; a subterminal band of black.
Young : Tail grayish-brown, crossed by about 9 very regular and sharply defined broad bands
of black about equal in width to gray ones. (Ridgway.) Louisiana and Texas to Kansas ; an
obscure species, variously interpreted by writers. DiflFerent " black hawks " have been called
" hai'lanif" such as the melanistic phases of both borealis and sivainsoni, and harlani has been
supposed to be not different from borealis. A few specimens in the Smithsonian Institution,
identified with Audubon's bird by Mr. Ridgway, agree suificiently with the plate and descrip-
tion, and the alleged species may contiime to stand upon its own demerits, as in former editions
of the Key. The latest theory on the subject extends the range of the bird from Pennsylvania
to Central America, and makes it out to be a subspecies of B. borealis, with ^^cooperi" for a
" light phase " of itself. B. harlani Aud. folio pi. S6, 1830, and of most authors ; A. 0. U.
List, 1st ed. 188(), No. 338. B. borealis harlani Ridgw. Auk, Apr. ]890, p. 205; A. 0. U.
List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 337 d.
B. borealis. (Lat. borealis, northern. Figs. 466, 467, 468.) Red-tailed Buzzard.
" Hen Hawk." Adult ^ 9 : Upper surface of tail rich chestnut, with white tip and usually a
black subterminal zone,
with or without other nar-
rower and more or less im-
perfect black bars ; some-
times barred throughout.
From below, the tail ap-
])ears pearly whitish with
a reddish tinge, eitlier
(juite uniform, or barred
throughout with whitish
and blackish. In general,
9 with most barred or
completely barred tail, ^
with uniform tail, only
subterminally once-zoned.
Upper parts blackish-
brown, with indetermi-
nate amount of light va-
riegation, gray, fulvous,
and whitish; feathers of liind head aud nape with cottony white bases, showing when dis-
turbed; those of hind neck usually with fulvous edging; of scapular region showing most
variegation with tawny or whitish, or both, the scapulars and adjoining feathers being largely
bai-red, and only blackish on their exposed portions ; upper tail-coverts showing much tavrny
and white. Ground color of under parts white, more or less buff- toned ; dark color of upper
parts reaching nearly or quite around throat, flanks and lower belly heavily marked with dark
brown or blackish, but a large pectoral area, with tibia^ and crissum, mostly free from mark-
Fig. 4(;i>. — Red-tailed Buzzard.
FALC ONIDjE — BUTE ONINjE : B UZZA RDS.
683
ings —but no description will cover tlie latitude of cidoration. Primaries blackening on ex-
posed portions, for the rest lighter grayish-l)ro\vu, dark-barred across botli webs, and extensively
white-areated on inner webs basally. $ 19.00-2:2.00; extent about 48.00; wing 13.50-16.50 ;
tail 8.50-10.00 ; tarsus 2.50-3.00, feathered half-way down in front. 9 larger, 21.00-24.00;
extent about 56.00 ; wing 14.50-17.50 ; tail 9.50-10.00. $ 9 , young : General character of
upper parts same as in adult, but less variegated, and that chiefly with whitish and buff, in-
stead of grayish and fulvous ; upper tail-coverts more regularly barred with dark and white.
Tail entirely different, without any shade of red; light gray, with numerous (6-10) regular
dark bars, and narrow white tips ; the gray gradually yields to the chestnut shade with reduc-
tion, interruption, or extinction of all these bars except last one. Under parts somewhat as in
adult, but, like the upper, without fulvous or rufous shades; usually white, unmarked in a
large pectoral area, with circlet of throat stripes, and pronounced abdominal zone of dark or
blackish markings; tibia? spotted or not; crissum immaculate. There should be no difficulty
in recognizing tliis Hawk among those of the eastern U. S. and British Provinces in any
Fig. 4('i7. — Red-tailed Buzzard, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
plumage ; the red tail of the adult is of course distinctive ; a weakly young ^ might raise a
doubt with reference to lineatus (which also has 4 primaries cut) ; iu that case, notice stout tarsi,
feathered about ^ <lowu ; decided wiiite pectoral area, free from spots, circumscribed by dark
markings, especially those of the abdominal zone ; and absence of any reddishuess on upper
jiarts or wing-coverts. Such is the ordinary "Hen Hawk" so abundant iu eivstern North
America, where it is subject to comp(ir(ttirchj little variation. In the West, however, where it
is e<iually numerous, it sports almost interminably in color, not always coufornuibly with geo-
graphical distribution. Several of these phases have received special naimcs, as given beyond.
The tendency is to melanism and erythrism, the extreme case of which '\^ cdUirus of C'assin.
A pure borealis, exactly matching the normal eastern type, is seldom seen in the West. Hut
in all its color- variation, the bird preserves its s})ecific characters of size and robust ])roportions,
being thus reatiily distinguishable from the smaller and weaker species, swdiiisotii, iu any of
the endless and soiiiewiiat paralhd variaticuis of tlie latter (which, moreover, has only 3 jirima-
ries cut). Tiie Hed-tail as a species is resident and lireeds tliroiii^'hoiit its rauu'e, hut there is
much luiirr.itinu of individuals to and tVoiii its extremes. The nest is usualiv I'uilt hit:l» in ;i
684 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. - RAPTORES - ACCIPITRES.
tree, a bulky mass of sticks and siiialler twigs, mixed toward the centre with grass, bark,
leaves, moss, or other soft material, and often some feathers. Eggs 2, 3, or 4, about 2.40 X
1.90, with a difference in length of fully 0.40, dull whitish, sometimes with only a few pale
Fig. 468. — Red-tailed Hawk.
markings, rarely none, oftenest blotched (sometimes richly) with shades of brown ; they are
laid March-June, but mostly April and May. The young are slow to acquire their perfect
FA L COXID.'E — B UTEONINM : B L'ZZA RDS. 685
plumage, being long full-grown before the red appears upon the tail, and this usually precedes
the fulvous of the under parts. The quarry of the great Rod-tail is humble, chiefly such small
mammals as mice, moles, j;hrews, gophers, squirrels, or rabbits, much less often birds of any
kind, or pf)ultry ; also many reptiles and batrachians, crustaceans, and a great variety of insects.
The bird is thus highly beneficial to the agriculturist, like other species of its genus.
B. b. kri'deri. (To John Krider.) Krider's Ked-tail. A light-colored form, pure white
below, or nearly so, with few markings or none on belly, and subtcrminal tail-bar reduced or
obliterated; tail light rufous above; much white in plumage of upper parts. Higli central
plains, U. S. and probably adjoining Hritish provinces, E. to Minnesota, Iowa, and even Illi-
nois, W. to Wyoming and the Black Hills of S. Dakota, where I liave found it well developed.
It is the opposite extreme from cah(rns.
B. b. calu'rus. (Gr. KaXoj, kalos, beautiful ; ovpa, oura, tail.) Western Red-tail.
Black Red-tail. The extreme case is chocolate- brovvu or even darker, quite unicolor, with
ri(di red tail crossed by sevoral black bars; from which erythro-melanisui grading insensibly
into ordinary borealis. The usual case is increas(^ over borealis of dark rufous and dusky
shades in bars and spots underneath, particularly on flanks, flags, and crissum, and presence
of other than the subterminal black bar on tail. One case is chocolate-brown, with a great
reddish blotch on breast corresponding in extent to the white area of borealis proper. Western
N. Am. at large, particularly U. S. from Rocky Mts. to the Pacific. This bird is Falco buteo
AuD. Orn. Biogr. iv, p. 508, as described in the text, but not his pi. 372, whicii is B. sicainsoni.
It is B. montanun Cass. IB.iG, and in Bd. B. N. A. 1858, ]>. 2G, but not of Nuttai.l, 1840.
It is B. swainsonii Cass. Hi. 1853, }>, 98, not of Bonaparte. The first tenable name is B.
calurus Cass. 1855 and 1858.
B. b. <' lucasa'nus." (Of Cape St. Lucas.) St. Lucas Red-tail. A light-cidored form,
like krideri, white below, tinged with rufous on the tibite, and no bhick subterminal bar on
the tail. Lower California. No second specimen, matching the type, has been found in this
region, whcvi^ calurus abounds; the alleged characters are an iu^lividual ])eculiarity, and the
bird should be dropped from our Lists.
B. linea'tus. (Lat. lineatus, striped.) Red-shouldered Blzzard. Wintkk Hawk.
" Chicken Hawk." "Hen Hawk." Adult ^ <^ : Feet and cere chrome yellow; anterior
tarsal scales tinged with greenish. General plumage of a rich fulvous cast. Above, reddish-
brown, the feathers with dark brown centres, giving the prevailing tone, and black shafts ; head,
neck, and entire under parts orange-brown, mostly with dark shaft-lines and wliite bars, espe-
cially on the lower parts anteriorly ; lesser wing-coverts rich orange-brown or chestnut, fonning
a conspicuous area on bend of wing. Quills and tail-feathers black, beautifully marked with
white ; primaries and secondaries with white spots or bars on both webs terminating on each edge
of the feather, the light bars which cross the feather, and the darker intervening spaces, being
Tnore or less touched with reddish. The same style of marking on wing-coverts ; tail crossed
with several iiaiinw white bars, an<l tip wliite. Young: Very difi"erent ; little or no fulvous
or orange-brown; above, plain dark brown ; wing-patch indicated or not; head, neck, and un-
der parts white or buffy-white, fully streaked or arrow-headed with dark brown. Tail brown,
crf)ssed with many lighter and darker bars, former mostly tawny on outer webs, wliitish on
inner wel)s; wing-([uills extensively variegated in similar pattern. Length of ^ IS.OO-'Jd.tM) ;
extent alnnit 40.00; wing 11.50-13.50; tail 7..")0-!t.00 ; tarsus 2 75-3.25; 9 20.00-22.(M» ;
extent about 45. (»0; winy 12.00-14.00; tail 8.50-10.00. There is much variation in size ;
Florida and (iulf specimens are very small. Nearly as hmg as borealis, but not nearly so
lieavy ; tarsi more cxtensivtdy denuded. The adult of this hand.sonie Hawk is unmistak-
alde; but the student may require to loidt dosidy after tlie young, in comparison with young
Ik'rd-tails: observe smaller size and slighter "build," slenderer and less feathered feet, more
extensive and regular streaking on the under parts, where tliere is no pectoral area free from
686 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
markings, and more pronounced spotting of wings on outer webs of primaries. Eastern N. Am.,
one of the commonest Hawks of the U. S.. especially in winter, when it has retired from the
extreme of its range in the adjoining British Provinces and along our nortliern border; S. into
Mexico ; breeds throughout range, from March to May, according to latitude ; food, general
habits, and nidification similar to those of B. horealis; eggs 2-6, oftenest 3, next oftenest 4,
next 2, rarely .5, most rarely 6, averaging in size 2.25 X 1-70, ranging from 2.05 to 2.35 in
length, and in breadth from 1.65 to 1.85 ; they have the usual wide variation in markings, and
are indistinguishable on the whole from those of horealis, though averaging smaller and more
heavily marked.
B. 1. al'leni. (To Dr. J. A. Allen.) Florida Red-shouldered Buzzard. As^tated
above, and in the Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 546, there is much variation in size, Florida and Gulf
specimens, and generally those from the S. Atlantic States, being very small. Such examples,
having the ^ wing 12..50 or less, tail 8.00 or )esr, etc., have received the above name. Breeds
early ; eggs laid in February and March, averaging 2.00 X 1-67. EiDCiw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus.
vii, Jan. 1885, p. 514, and Man. 1887, p. 235; CouES, Key, 3d and 4th eds. 1887-90, p. 882 ;
A. 0. U. Lists, 1886 and 1895, No. 339 a.
B. 1. e'legans. (Lat. elegans, choice.) Western Red-shouldered Buzzard. Red-
bellied or Red-breasted Hawk. The erythrism oflineatus. In extreme case, whole under
plumage rich dark reddish, almost obliterating the usual markings ; wings and tail, however,
still elegantly barred with white. Rocky Mts. to Pacific, British Columbia to N. Mexico; best
developed in coast region ; no appreciable difterence from Uneatus proper in habits, nest, or eggs.
B. abbrevia'tus. (Lat. ahbreviatus, shortened.) Band-tailed Buzzard. Zone-tailed
Hawk. Adult ^ 9 • Coal-black, glossy and uniform over whole body. Tail black ; viewed
above, it seems to be crossed with 3 zones of ashy-gray or slate-color, increasing in width and
firmness from proximal to distal one, and is narrowly tipped with white ; from below, there
appear 3 pure white zones, since the ashy is on outer webs only of the feathers (both webs of
middle pair, however), and the white is on inner webs. Plumage of head snowy-white at the
roots, and in some specimens, probably less mature, it is so extensive on head, neck, and
breast as to appear in spots on the least disturbance of the feathers. The wing-feathers appear
quite black in the fcdded wing, but their inner webs basally acquire the usual light and dark
spacing, with more or less whitish nebulation, or white areation. The feet appear to be yel-
low, bill mostly dark. Young recognizably similar; but tail more numerously and less regu-
larly banded, and the inner webs of the feathers mostly white. Length of (J 18.50-19.50;
extent 47.50; wing 1.5.00-16.00; tail 8.50-9.00 ; tarsus 2.50 ; middle toe without claw 1.60.
9 larger: Length about 21.00 ; extent 53.00; wing 16..50-17.50 ; tail 9.50-10.00 ; tarsus 2.75.
A peculiar Hawk, very unlike any other of the U. S., slightly built with long wings and tail;
it is one of the " light weights," yet has 4 priinai-ies cut on the inner webs. South and Central
America through Mexico to the U. S. border from Texas through New Mexico and Arizona to
southern and Lower California, being usually observed as a summer visitor ; first found within
our limits by Dr. J. G. Cooper, in southern California, Feb. 23, 1862, next by myself on the
Hassayampa River in Arizona, Sept. 24, 1864. Habits and food not peculiar ; nest bulky and
coarse, in a tree, often a cottonwood ; eggs 1-3, about 2.17 X 1-72, faintly bluish- white,
normally unmarked, occasionally spotted. (B. zonocercus ScL. P. Z. S. 1858, p. 130; Tr. Z. S.
1858, p. 263, pi. 59; Elliot, B. N. A. 1869, pi. 33; Coop. B. Cal. 1870, p. 479; Coues,
Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 217 ; Ridgw. Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 272. B. alhonotatus Gray,
1844. B. abhreviutus Cab. 1848; Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 546; Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 234; A. O. U. Lists, J886 and 1895, No. 340.)
B. swain'soni. (To Wm. Swainson.) CoMMON American Buzzard. Sw^ainson's Buz-
zard. A light-weight Hawk, with only 3 primaries cut — not 4, as in the foregoing species of
Buteo. Adult ^ 9 '• Upper parts dark brown, very variable in shade according to season or wear
FALCONIDM — BUTEONIX.E: BUZZARDS. 687
of feathers, varied with paler browu, or even reddish-hrowu edgings of feathers, but without the
clear fawn-color of the young ; feathers of crowu showing whitish when disturbed, and usually
sharp, dark shaft-lines; upper tail-coverts chestnut and white, with blackish bars. Quills and
tail-feathers as below described, but inner webs of former showing more decided dark cross-bars
upon a lighter marbled-whitish ground, and latter having broader and sharper, dark wavy
bars. These large quills, and particularly those of tail, vary mucli in shade according to wear,
new feathers being strongly slate-colored, old ones plain dark brown. The tail, however,
never shows any trace of the rich chestnut that obtains in adult borealis ; and neither wing
nor tail ever has anything Wkv the orange brown and pure white of B. Uneatits. Iris brown,
never yellow; feet, cere, gape, and base of under mandible ricli chrome-yellow; rest of bill and
claws bluish-black. Adult ^•. Under parts showing a broad pectoral area of bright chestnut,
usually with a glaucous cast, and sharp, black shaft-lines ; this area contrasting sharply with
])ure white throat. Other under parts white, more or less tinged and varied, in different speci-
mens, with light chestnut. In some ^ ^, this chestnut is diminished to traces, chiefly in flank-
liars and arrow-heads, and the white throat is immaculate; in others, the throat shows blackish
])cncilling, and the rest of the under parts are so much marked with chestnut, chiefly in cross-
bars, that this color predominates over white, and api)ears in direct continuation of the pectoral
area itself. Some featliers of this area are commonly dark brown. Length 19.00-20.00; ex-
tent about 49.00 ; wing 15.00 or a little more ; tail8..jO; tarsus 2.50; middle toe without claw
1.50. Adult 9= Much darker underneatli than J"; throat pure wliite, but other under parts
})r<)bably never wliitening decidedly. Pectoral area from rich dark chestnut or mahogauy-
C(d(ir, mi.xed with still darker feathers, to brownish-black; other under parts heavily marked
with chestnut, chiefly in cross-bars alternating with whitish, but on flanks, and sometimes
across belly, these markings quite; blacki.sh. The general tone of the under parts may be quite
as dark as the pectoral area of J', but lacks uniformity, and increased depth of color of pectoral
area in this sex suffices to preserve the strong contrast already mentioned- Length 20.00-
22.00 ; extent 50.0()-.')4.00 ; wing 15.00-10.50 ; tail 9.00. Changes of plumage with age affect
chiefly under parts; back, wings, and tail are more nearly alike at all times. In darkest
phase plumage of a sooty-brown. Young ^ 2- Entire upper parts dark brown, everywhere
varied with tawny edgings of individual feathers. The younger the bird, the more marked
is the variegation ; it corresponds in tints closely with color of under parts, being palest iu
very young examples. Under parts, including lining of wings, nearly uniform fawn-cidor
(pale dull yellowish-brown), thickly and sharply nuirked with blackish-brown. These large
dark spots, for tlie most part circular or guttiforin, crowd across forebreast, scatter on middle
belly, enlarge to cross-bars on flanks, become broad arrow-heads on lower belly and tibia;,
and are wanting on throat, which is only uuirked with a shar{), narrow, blackish pencilling
along the median line. Quills brownish-black, outer webs witli an ashy shade, inner webs
toward base grayish, paler, and marbled with white, and also showing obscure dark cross-
bars; their shafts black on top, nearly white underneath. Tail-feathers like quills, but more
decidedly shaded with ashy or slate-gray, and tipped with whitish; their numerous dark
cross-bars show more plainly tlian those of the (]uills, but are not .so evident as tliey are iu old
birds. Nestlings are covered with white flull'y down. Western X. Am., Mississippi Valh'y
to the Pacific, abundant; in many regions the commonest and most characteristic of the
large Hawks; occasionally E. tlirough tht; northern States to New England; N. to Hudson's
IJay and the Fur countries, incduding Alaska; S. to Central and Soutli America. Habits
nowi.se different from those of other large Hawks of this genus; food mainly small mammals,
reptiles, and insects, especially the gra.sshoppers and large crickets which abound in the We.st.
It is a resident bird in most localities, but migratory from extremes of its ranjre : the breeding
sea.son is mostly May and June, extended to July in uortlierly regions, but includes April and
j)art of March in southerly localities. Nests indifferently on the ground, cliffs, bushes, trees ;
688
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
iiost iudistinguisbable from that of other hirge Hawks ; eggs usually 2 — I have never found
more, sometimes only one, but there are many clutches of 3, and a few of 4 eggs; they are
about 2.25 X 1.75, resembling hen's eggs, being nearly colorless and unmarked, like those of
the Marsh Hawk; sometimes stained or obsoletely spotted M'ith rusty-brownish, or other dull
shades, but seldom marked all over or boldly Ijlotched anywhere. This Buzzard represents
the European B. vulgaris (tig. 4G9) in N. Am., being, in fact, little different in plumage,
though with only 3 instead of 4 primaries cut. (It is Falco buteo Aud. folio pi. 372, not of
his text, which describes the Western Red-tail; B. vulgaris Sw. F. B. A. pi. 27; AuD. 8vo
pi. 6, not of the text ; B. montanus Nutt. 1840, not of authors ; B. bairdi Hoy (young) ;
B. oxypterus Cass, (young) ; B. insignatus Cass. 111. pi. 31 (melanistic) ; B. gutturalis
Maxim. ; B. obsoletus Sharpe, 1874 (not Falco obsoletus Gm.).
B. latis'simus. (Lat. very broad or wide, superlative degree of latus, wide ; referring to the
expanse of the win<,'s.) Broad-winged Buzzard. Adult ^ ^ : Above, dark brown, the
feathers with blackish shaft-lines, and pale grayish-brown
or even lighter edgings, those of hind head and nape cot-
tony-white basally ; usually also some feathers with ful-
vous edgings, especially on hind neck ; upper tail-coverts
barred or spotted with white. Primaries and secondaries
blackish on outer webs and at ends, most of the inner
webs white in large area, more or less perfectly barred
with dusky ; concealed parts of scapulars thus barred on
both webs. Exposed portion of tail with three blackish
zones, terminal one broadest, alternating narrower pale
gray or grayish-white zones, one of these terminal; from
below these zones appear whitish, but from above gray-
ish. Under parts mixed white and fulvous-brown, or dull
chestnut, the latter nearly as pronounced as in lineatus,
the pattern being rather that of Accipiter fuscus or A.
cooperi; fulvous in excess anteriorly, white prevailing
posteriorly aud nearly or quite immaculate on crissum ;
nuddle regions with white in oval paired spots or incom-
plete bars on each feather, flanks and tibia? pretty regu-
larly barred with the two colors; most of the feathers
black-shafted, producing a fine pencilling, this black in-
creasing to decided streaking on white throat, and forming
noticeable maxillary patches. Lining of wings mostly
white, l)ut with some reddish aud blackish spotting. Bill
\|^HH^^^^^^^p^ \^ "3j^ mostly dark ; feet yellow ; claws black. Length of $
\^Bii|||||||Pi^^^^g^ . about 14.00; extent 33.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail
G. 50-7. 00; tarsus 2.30; middle toe witliout claw 1.20.
9 larger; length up to 18.00; wing 11.00-11.50; tail
7.00-8.00. Young: Differs as usual in the genus, in
lacking special colt)ratiou and pattern of under parts,
tail-pattern ditlerent, wing-pattern much the same. Upper parts blackish-brown, highly
variegated with fulvous, tawny, or whitish edgings of all the featliers, on head and neck the
light and darli colors in streaks about balancing each other. Under parts white, more or
less buff-toned, with more or fewer linear or clubbed fuscous markings on breast and sides,
changing to arrow-heads on flanks and sides, the amount of this marking wholly indeterminate.
Tail crossed with numerous light and dark bars (six or eight of each exposed), on both webs
of middle feathers and outer webs of the others; those on inner webs largely white, with con-
FlG. 469. — Jiuteo vuJynris ot Europe,
J nat. size ; not distinguishable in tlie cut
from one of the plumages of B. swainsoni.
(From Brehm.)
FALCONID.E — BUTEONIN^: BUZZARDS. 689
sequently better pronounced dark bars; all the feathers tipped with white; dark moustaches
much as in the adults. Eastern N. Am., N. to New Brunswick on the coast, to the regif»n of the
Saskatchewan in the interior, W. to the Great Plains of the U. S., S. in winter through Middle
America and in some of tlie West Indies in winter ; common on the whole, especially in wood-
land, but irregularly distributed; migratory from the extremes of its range. A small but stout
Bideo, with ample wings and tail, with only 3 primaries cut, very different from any of the
foregoing, easily recognized by size and proportions, aside from color. A large 9 resembles a
small $ lineatus in some respects, but the difference is too great to require detailed comparison.
The breeding range is coincident with the distribution of the bird in N. Am. ; the season for
eggs is May in most latitudes, but begins early in April at the South, and extends into June at
the North. Nest in a tree, nowise peculiar iu situation or construction ; eggs 2-5, oftenest 2 or
3, averaging 1.95 X 1-55, grayish or faintly greenish white, heavily marked with browns as a
rule, sometimes obsoletely spotted with neutral tints, rarely almost immaculate. {B. ijennayl-
vanicus of former eds. of the Key, as of most authors ; but Wilson had given this specific name
to Accipiter fuscus when he applied it also to this Biiteo, and we therefore now take latissimus,
given by his editor, Ord, in later copies of his work.)
(Subgenus Buteola.)
B. brachyu'rus. (Gr. ^paxvs, brachus, short; ovpd, oura, tail.) Short-tailed Buzzard,
iu melanistic plumage called the FULIGTNOUS Buzzard and Little Black Hawk. Of
small size, not over 16 00; wing under 13.50. Point of primaries extending beyond seconda-
ries less than ^ the length of wing; 3d, 4th, and 5th quills longest; 1st shorter than 8th ;
1st, 2d, and 3d primaries einarginate on inner web ; 4th with inner web sinuate. Tarsi bare in
flout fur a less distance than length of middle toe without claw. Occurs in two phases, light
and dark. Light phase: Ad. $ 9 • Above, blackish-brown ; ctmcealed bases of occipital featii-
ers pure white; forehead and most of sides of head, white; below, entirely white, except some
dark markings on each side of the breast, in the form of a rufous (jr grayisli-brown patch, with
or witliout dusky shaft-lines. Tail with black bands mostly broader than the grayish or
brownish interspaces, which are 5 to 7 in number, and narrowly tipped with white. Bill black
with bluish base; cere and feet yellow; iris brown ^, wing 10.50-12.00; tail G. 00-7. 00 ;
bill 0.70; tarsus 2.25; middle toe without claw 1.35. 9, wing 11.50-13.00; tail 7.00 or
more. Young $ 9- Above, grayish-brown, most of the feathers margined with tawny; sides
of head and neck streaked with the same ; whole of under parts tinged with tawny, immacu-
late, or streaked with brown, but no definite patches on sides of breast. Tail with bars nmre
numerous and less firm than in the adult. Dark 2)hase : Adult 9- Resembling ahhreviatus iu
being blackish or fuliginous all over, but entirely another bird, belonging to a different section
of the genus. Ctdor fuliginous, or dark umber-brown, nearly uniform, but barred on under
wing- and tail-coverts with white ; feathers of hind head and nape fleecy-white at base ; the
cdliir blackening on exposed surfaces of primaries, inner webs of which are extensively whi-
teneil, with tlie usual dark bars; little wliite, however, on secondaries, excepting inner ones,
most of them being simply spaced gray or light brown between their dark bars. Tail-pattern
as usual in young Hawks of this genus, there being numerous (6 or 8 exj)osed) blackish and
lighter grayish bars alternating, subterminal one of each broadest, whide tail tipped with
grayish-white ; inner webs of all the feathers excepting central pair whitening in the spaces
between the dark bars. Length 10.00; wing 1300; tail 7.00; tarsus 2.00. (Descrilu'd fnnn
\o. 12,117, Mus. Smiths. Inst., from Mazatlan, Mexico, agreeing with B. fuliginosus ScL.
I'. Z. S. 1858, p. 35(5; Tr. Z. S. 18.58, )). 2(17, \A. Ixii ; a bird once supposed to be the ijoung
of the same is B. oxgjiterus Cass. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1855, p. 283; both are treated as one vari-
ety of B. swriinsoni by HiDOW. Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 2(i(i. See Ibis, Oct. 187(5, p. 477 :
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Oct. 1881, p. 207 ; I'r. V. S. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, p. 75; Auk, Jan.
44
690 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
1890, p. 90. Mexican border, Florida, and southward through Central and most of South
America ; not known to occur in the West Indies. Breeds regularly in Florida, nesting in
trees in March and April; eggs 1-3, 2.15 X I.H5, greenish white, moderately spotted witli rich
brown.
AKCHIBU'TEO. (Lat. archi-, from Gr. apxos, archos, a leader, chief; buteo, a buzzard.)
Hare-footed Buzzards. Characters of Buteo proper, but tarsi featliered in front to toes,
naked and reticulate along a strip behind. Wings very long; 3d and 4th quills longest; 1st
shorter than 7tli ; 4 or 5 emarginate on inner webs. A small group, well marked by character
of feet. Tlie species are among the largest of the Buzzard-hawks, but are rather dull heavy
birds, preying upon humble quarry, especially small quadrupeds, reptiles, and insects.
Anali/sis of Species.
Below, white, variously dark-marked, and often with a broad black abdominal zone, but generally no ferruginous ;
in melanotic state, whole plumage nearly uniform blackish. (Aechibuteo proper.) . . lugopus sancti-johiinnis
Below, pure white, scarcely or not marked, excepting that the legs are rich rufous with black bars, in marked con-
trast ; above, varied with dark brown, chestnut, and white ; quills brown, vdth much white : tail silvery-ash and
white, clouded with brown or rulbus. {Subgenus Brewsteria.) Jerrugineus
(Subgenus Archibuteo : Rough-legs.)
A. lago'pus sancti-johan'nis. (Gr. AaywTrovs, lagopoiis, hare-footed ; Lat. sancti-johannis,
of St. John, Newfoundland. Figs. 470, 471, 472.) American Rough-legged Buzzard.
" Black Hawk." Adult ^ 9 • '-Too variable in plumage to be concisely described. In gen-
eral, whole plumage with dark brown or blackish and light
brown, gray, or whitish, the lighter colors edging or barring
the individual feathers ; tendency to excess of whitish on
head, and to formation of a dark abdominal zone or area
M'liich may or may not include tibipe ; usually a blackish
anteorbital and maxillary area. Lining of wings exten-
sively blackish. Tail usually white from base for some
distance, then with dark and light barring. Inner webs
of flight-feathers extensively white from base, usually with
little if any of the dark barring so prevalent among bu-
teonine Hawks. From such a light and variegated plu-
mage as this, the bird varies to more or less nearly uniform
blackish, in which case the tail is usually barred several
times with white. Our lighter-colored birds are not fairly
separable from normal European lagopus ; but our birds
Fig. 470. — American Rough-legged average darker, and their frequent melanism does not ap-
Buzzard. (L. A. Fuertes.) pgj^j. ^^ often befall the European stock. But in any plu-
mage the Eough-leg is known at a glance from nuy Buteo by feathered shanks; while the
peculiar coloration of ferrugineus is highly distinctive of the latter. Length of 9 ? 22.00 ; ex-
tent 54.00; wing 17.50; tail 9.00; iris light brown; bill mostly blackish-blue; cere pale
greenish-yellow; feet dull yellow; claws blue-black. ^ averages smaller; length 20.00-
22.00; wing 16.00-17.00. The name adopted, it must be observed, is not intended to discrimi-
nate tlie black from the ordinary plumage, but to separate the American bird subspecifically
from tlie European. (The latter has been supposed to occur in its typical form in Alaska,
and is carried in both editions of the A. O. U. List, 1886 and 1895, as No. [347.] ; but I can-
not admit it to the Key upon any such evidence as that which has been adduced.) N. Am.,
at large, common, especially in fertile, well-watered regions, as those of the Atlantic seaboard ;
a large, heavy, and somewhat sluggish Hav/k, haunting meadows and marshes, to some ex-
FALCONID.E — B UTEONIN.E : B UZZA R DS.
691
Ki.i. 171. — Itliiik Hinvk. (From Tlip OHpn-y.)
692
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES - A CCIPITRES.
tent crepuscular in habits, of low, easy, and almost noiseless fliglit ; preying upon insignifi-
cant quarry, particularly small rodent and insectivorous mammals, reptiles, batrachians, and
insects. With us it is only a migrant in spring and fall, and a winter resident, breeding almost
entirely north of the U. S. (excepting Alaska); but doubtless nests near our northern border as
it does rarely on it, as in North Dakota. Nest usually in trees, but frequently on a ledge of
V^^^^^^_^
Fio. 472. — Rough-legged Buzzard, J nat. size. (From Brehm.)
rocks or the edge of a cut-bank; a bulky mass of interlaced sticks, with softer matted material
of miscellaneous kinds; eggs 2-5, ordinarily 3 or 4, laid late in May and in June, 2.05-2.45
X 1.65-1.85, averaging 2.25 X 1.80; varying in color from dingy whitish with scarcely any
marking, or but faint clouding, to creamy-white boldly variegated with blotches and washes
of dark brown on the surface, with neutral-tiut markings in the substance of the shell.
{Subgenus Brewstekia.)
A. ferrugi'neus. (Lat. ferrngo, iron-rust.) Ferruginous Rough-legged Buzzard.
" California Squirrel Hawk." " Eagle Hawk." Adult $ 9 : Below, pure white from
bill to end of tail; legs rich rufous or bright chestnut barred with black, in marked contrast ;
usually a few chestnut bars or arrow-heads on belly and flanks, and breast with sharp shaft
lines of black. The older the bird tlie purer white below, with more perfect contrast of chest-
FALCONIDM — BUTEONIN^: BUZZARDS. 693
uut legs; 9 rotaiuing marks of immaturity longer than $\ these consisting in extension of
black -barred chestnut markings on to belly, flanks, and even more of the under parts, and
spreading of fine shaft-lines ou breast into ordinary streaks. Tail silvery-white below, above
white at base and extreme tip, iu most of its' extent clouiled with silvery-ash and more or less
tinged with fei-ruginous. Back, rump, and wing-coverts mixed blackish and bright chestnut
in varying but about equal amounts, the foraier color making central markings on the exposed
portion of each feather, the chestnut yielding tt) white at bases of the feathers. Top, back,
and sides of head streaked with blackish and white iu about equal amounts, the feathers being
cottony-white, with djirk streaks or spaces ou their exposed portions. Primaries blackish,
with a glaucous bloom on outer webs, their shafts almost entirely white ; several outer ones
with extensive pure white areation on inner webs; inner primaries and secondaries continuing
this pattern, but with more or less evident ashy spacing between blackish bars, as usual in
buteonine Hawks. Length of ^, 22.50; extent 54.50 ; wing 16.75; tail 9.25; tarsus 2.75;
length of 9 , 2-J..50 ; extent 56.50 ; wing 17.25 ; tail 9.75. Iris pale brownish to light yellow;
cere and feet bright yellow ; bill dark bluish horn-color, very stt)Ut ; mouth purplish tiesh-
color, and very capacious, measuring from corner to corner of the gape about J. 80; this is the
chief character of the subgenus Brewsteria (iu the common Rough-leg the same measurement
is only about 1.40). Third and 4th quills subequal and longest ; 2d between 5th and 6th ; 1st
about equal to 8th ; lst-4th abruinly emarginate on inner webs; 2d-5th sinuate on outer webs.
The foregoing is from a fine pair I procured in Arizona in 1864. Young : less rufous above,
and almost entirely wliite below, the fiags scarcely variegated or contrasted; upper parts
brownish-gray, with rusty or tawny edgings of the feathers ; tail the same in ground color,
but whitening toward the base and on the inner webs, and with several infirm dark bands.
There is a melanistic or rather erythrisinal pliase, in which tlie bird becomes, except on the tail,
chocolate-brown, more or less variegated with rusty-brown. In perfect plumage this is one
of tlie largest, handsomest, and most distinctively marked Hawks of North America, somewhat
recalling Biiteo albocaudatns ; common in the West, from the region of the Red River of the
North and of the Saskatchewan to Texas and into Mexico, and from the Plains to the Pacific;
sometimes even E. of the Mississippi, as in Illinois : resident as a species iu most of its range,
and breeding, but migratory to some extent. Nesting and habits nowise peculiar, as com-
pared with those of other large Ilawlcs ; nest in trees, or on ledges and cut-banks, composed of
sticks, with matted linhig of various softer materials, and sometimes acquiring immense size,
like those of the Osprey; eggs 2-5, oftener 3 or 4, averaging 2.55 X 1.95, thus larger than
those of the other species, but indistinguishable and equally variable in markings ; they are
mostly laid from the middle of April to that of May.
ASTURl'NA. (Modified from Lat. astiir, a hawk.) Star Btzzauds. General characters
of Biiteu, in ])n)portions, l)Ut system of coloration as iu Astitr : sexes alike; adults ashy, with
black, white-barred tail; under parts closely barred crosswise witli ashy and white; young
diii'erent, under parts marked lengthwise with blackish on a whitish ground. Wings short for
this subfamily; 3d, 4th, and 5th quills longest, 1st very short; outer 4 emarginate ou inner
webs; 2d-5th cut on outer webs. Tail even, long, about f the wing. Legs longer than usual
iu Bntconince, more nearly as in Accipitrincc ; feet stout; tarsus scutellate before and half-way
np behind, shortly feathered above in front, elsewhere strongly reticulate. A small group of
handsome under-sized Hawks, peculiar to America.
A. pliiKisi'ta. (Lat plagata, striped.) GuAV Stau l?fz/.AKD. Mexican Gosiiawk.
Adult (J 9 • Upi)er j)arts nearly uniform cinereous, or light jjlumbeous, tiie feathers dark-shafted,
and with nearly obsolete undulations of lighter ash; upjier tail-coverts in part white. Tail
black, with .several white zones, sonu'tiuu'S broken, and white or whitish tip. Under parts, in-
I'luding tibia', white, beautifully and clo.sely cross-barred with dark ash, except upon throat and
crissum; some of the feathers al.-n dark-shafted. Lining of wings white, less closely barred
694 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
with ashy. Primaries darkoniug from cok)r of back, tlieir inner webs spaced lighter and darker,
and with extensive white areation, which characters increase on secondaries. Iris brown ; cere
and feet bright yellow; bill and claws blue-black. Wing of $ 10.00; tail 7.00; tarsus 2.75;
middle toe without claw 1.50. Length, 16.00-18.00. Wing of 9 11.00; tail 8.00. Young:
Blackish-brown above, much variegated with reddish -buff ; white upper tail- coverts spotted
with blackish; below, whitish, dashed witli large blackish marks; Hags barred; tail dark
brown, with numerous narrow blackisli bars. Central America and Mexico, regularly into
southwestern U. S., said to straggle up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois, but only ascertained
to breed over our border in Arizona and New Mexico, though it doubtless does so in some parts
of Texas ; it is only known as a summer visitor, arriving in March or April, breeding in May
and June, leaving late in the fall. Nest usually in high trees, not peculiar ; eggs 2-3, 2.00 X
1.60, colorless or with a few faint spots.
URUBITIN'GA. (South American nruhu, a vulture ; thiga. bright.) Anthracite Buz-
zards. General characters of Bideo, but system of coloration jieculiar, the adults being chiefly
black and white, the tail typically broadly zoned. The limits of the genus vary with different
writers; it contains several species, confined to America, one of them reaching our border. In
this the tail is about § as long as wing, emarginate or nearly even ; wing with 3d-5th quills
longest, 2d about equal to 6th, 1st very short; outer 4 sinuate on inner webs; point of folded
wing reaching but little beyond the longest secondaries; bill lengthened and rather weak ; tomia
of upper mandible strongly festooned or almost h)bated back of the hook ; gonys convex; nostrils
large, subcircular; lores extensively denuded; tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw,
feathered but a little way down in front, scutellate before and behind, reticulated laterally like
bases of toes, which in the rest of their length are broadly scutellate.
U. anthraci'na. (Lat. arithr<(cinus, carbuncular; in this case coal-black.) Anthracite
Buzzard. Mexican Black Hawk. Adult J*?- Coal-ldack; feathers of head and neck
with concealed white bases ; tail white at extreme base and tip, and crossed about the middle
with a broad white zone ; tips of its coverts white ; quills of wing more or less mottled with
rusty-brown ; cere, rictus, base of bill, and feet, yellow ; bill and claws blackish. Length
21.00-23.00; wing 13.00-15.00; tail 8.00-10.00; tarsus 3.25; 9 larger than ^; wing up to
16.00, etc. Young : Extensively varied with rusty or buff, which is gradually obliterated as
the bird matures ; tail numerously barred witli black and white — 6-9 such bars, mostly brolceu
or otherwise irregular. Whole under parts white, more or less tinged with buff, pencilled on
throat, heavily striped on breast and sides, closely barred across on tibiae and crissum, with
blackish. Feathers of liead, nape, and fore back largely white or whitish, appearing in streaks
among the overlying blackish of the ends of the feathers. Exposed portions of primaries black-
ish, obsoletely crossed with lighter; these feathers liglitening basally and internally, where
narrow blackish bars alternate with wider spaces of white tinged with brown and fulvous.
Secondaries and larger coverts brown with narrow dark bars, their inner webs also indented
with whitish and tawny. The younger the bird the more whitish or buff prevails over dark
colors. The contrast between cross-barred tibije and lengthwise-striped breast and sides is
always notable. The tail varies from rounded through square to emarginate. A remarkable
Hawk of Central America, West Indies, and Mexico, N. to Arizoua, New Mexico, and the
Lower Rio Grande valley of Texas, apparently not common over our border, and not resident ;
breeds; nest in trees; eggs 1-3, 2.30 X 1-85, greenish-white, moderately spotted with light
and dark browns, laid April-June.
Note. — Omjchotes gruberi Ridow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada. Dec. 1870, p. 149; B. P.. and R. Hist. N. A. Birds,
iii, 1874, p. 254 ; RiDGw. Rod and Gun, May 1, 1875, p. 65; Bull. U S. Geol. Surv. Terr, ii, Apr. 1876, p. 134; admitted in
the Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 219, and 2d ed. 1884, p. 553, is not Nortli American : see Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. Apr. 1885, p. 30,
and Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 883. It is a Sandwich Island Fish Hawk, originally described as Buteo soUtarius by T. R. Peale,
U. S. Expl. Exped. 1848, p. 62, and figured as such by Sclater, Challenger Reps. Birds, 1881, p. 90, pi. 21 ; Pandion
solilarius Cassin, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, p. 97, pi. 4 : Polioaetus soUtarius Shaepb, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i, 1874, p. 452
Its original ascription to " California " was simply a mistake.
FALCONID.E — BUTEONIN.E : EAGLES. 695
THRASAE'TUS. (Gr. Bpacrvs, tJtrasus, bold ; deros, aetos, an ea_£;le.) Harpy Eagles. A
genus contaiuing one species of eiioruuuis size, the most powerful raptorial bird of America, it
not of the entire sub-order. Head with a broad flowing occipital crest. Bill of great length
and depth, much compressed, S(j hooked that the curve of tlie cuhnen is about a quadrant of a
circle; commissure about straiglit, tomia festooned but not toothed ; cere extensive, with nearly
vortical fore-edge, close to which are the narrowly oval nostrils, about midway betvA^een tomia
and cuhnen ; lores extensively naked and bristly ; superciliary shield prominent ; feet and tal-
ons of immense strength ; tarsus feathered a little way down iu front; feet reticulate, excepting
a few scales on top of toes ; lateral toes much shorter than middle; inner claw much larger
than middle; hinder much the largest of all. Wings rather short, very ample; secondaries
entirely covering primaries when folded ; wing as a whole much vaulted, outer quills strongly
bowed. Tail long, | the wing, fan-shaped, vaulted.
T. harpyi'a. (Gr. ap-rrvia, harjmia, a harpy.) Harpy Eagle. The largest and finest
specimen before me I judge to have been nearly or about 4 feet long; wing about 2 feet ; the
tail 18 inclies ; chord of cuhnen, including cere, 2.75 inches; depth of bill 1.50; tarsus over
4.00; chord of hind claw nearly .'].00. Head and entire under parts dull white, more or less
obscured with ashy or dusky, particularly on crest, across throat, and on tibiae, which latter are
in some cases regularly barred with blackish. Upper parts at large ashy-gray, intimately but
irregularly barred with glossy black, especially on wing-coverts. Flight-feathers mostly
blackish, but witli more or less ashy nebulation, to which wliitish variegation is added on
inner webs. Tail pretty regularly barred with black and ash, in other cases irregularly nebu-
lated with light and dark ash. The bill appears to have been blackish, the feet of some yel-
lowish color. Young birds are much darker. Central and South America and Mexico, a well-
known and most formidable bird of prey, reaching the Texas border of the Lower Rio Grande;
also, Louisiana?
A'QUILA. (Lat. aquiln, an eagle.) Goldex Eagles. Of great size, robust form, and
jxiwcrful pliysique, but in technical characters near Buteo and especially Arckibuteo. Tibia
extensively flagged. Tarsus closely feathered all around to the toes; toes mostly reticulate on
top, margined, outer and middle webbed at base. Hill large, long, very robust ; tomia lobed ;
nostrils oval, oblique; superciliary shield prominent. Wings long, pointed by 3d-5th quills,
2d sul)equal to (ith, 1st very short, 5 or (i emarginate on inner webs; 2d to 0th or 7th sinuate
on outer webs. Tail moderate, rounded, or graduated. Feathers of occiput and nape lanceolate,
acute, discrete, like a Raven's throat-plumes. Sexes alike ; clianges of plumage not great.
Tliis extensive genus includes Eagles properly so called, of which there are numerous Old
World species, but only one American.
A. chrysae'tus. (Gr. ;(puyafrof, chrusaetos, golden eagle. Fig. 473.) GoLUEX Eagle.
Rin(;-taili:i> Eagle. Black Eagle. Mountain Eagle. Adult (J 9 = Dark brown, with
jiurplish gloss, lighter on coverts of wings and tail and on flags or tarsi; the cowl of lanceolate
fcatlicrs g(dden-hrown. Quills and tail-feathers blackish, but basally more or less variegated or
areatcd witli liglit brown, gray, or whitish; at maturity these markings extensive and definite.
Young birds blacker than adults, wliich " grow gray," witli age, and are "ring-tailed," — that
is, basal portion and finally most of tail white, offset by a broad black terminal zone. Length
aljout .'ncct (or more); extent (i or 7 feet; wing 2 feet (^) or more (9); t:ii' 14.00-J5.00
incii('s((^) or more ( 9 ) ; bill, without cere, J. 50-1. 75; tarsus 3.50-4.00. This great bird
inhabits North America at large, as well as Europe, Asia, etc. ; in this country rather nortlicrly,
S. onhuarily to about 35°. The American is not fairly distinguished from the European, but on
the whole is a larger and " better" bird, like several others of the present family, as well as
of the goose and duck tribes. This I suppose to bo owing t«> tlie fact that there is more room
for them, more food, less persecution, and altogether less competition in tlie struggle for exist-
ence. It breeds chieliy in njoiiutaiuous or boreal regions, tlie eyrie being usually upon a crag,
696
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — A CCIPITRES.
Fig. 473.-
H. W. Elliott.
- The Eyrie of the Golden Eagle. (Designed by
sometimes iu a tree, the nest a platform of sticks, etc., sometimes acquiring enormous dimen-
sions, by repair and addition year after year. The eggs are subspherical and equal-ended ;
five selected specimens measure : 2.05 X 2.15, 2.90 X 2.40, 3.00 X 2.35, 3.10 X 2.25, 3-25 X
2.55 ; average of many more, 3.00 X
2.30 ; in 12 oases, only one is white like
a Bald Eagle's; the rest are whitish,
wholly indeterminately spotted, splashed
and smirched with rich sienna, umber,
and bistre browns, with neutral-tint shell-
markings; 2 or 3 are laid, at times vary-
ing with latitude from midwinter to June.
The prowess of this Eagle is such that it
can prey upon fawns and lambs; but its
habitual (juarry is much more liumble.
HALIAE'TUS. (Gr. akidfros, Jialiaetos,
a sea-eagle; i. e., the osprey.) Sea
Eagi,es. Fishing Eagles. General
characters of Aquila, but tarsi only feath-
ered about Jdown, and no webbing between
outer and middle toes. This nakedness of
shank is an infallible character : among
the several different "kinds" of Eagles
popularly attributed to North America,
only two species have been found on this
continent : the one with feathered shanks
is Aquila chrysnetus ; the one with scaly shanks is Haltaetiis leucocejjhalus, whatever its size
or color. The reader of popular periodical literature about birds who comes across startling
statements of Eagles six feet long and ten feet broad may safely set them down to the credit
of journalistic enterprise, ah)ng with monkey-faced Owls, four-winged Quelelis, flying wolves,
two-headed snakes, and other fishy fairy tales. The scutellation of the tarsus varies in this
species; there is normally a short row of scales in fnnit, discontinued about the bases of the
toes, where are granular reticulations, the scutellation being resumed farther on the toes.
Wings pointed by 3d-5th quills ; 2d nearly equal to 6th; 1st longer than 9th; 5 to 6 einar-
giuate on inner webs. Tail rounded, of 12 rectrices. Feathers of neck all ai'ound lance-
acute, discrete. About 8 species of this genus are recognized ; one of them is appropriate to
this continent ; another occurs in Greenland.
Analysis of Species.
Adult with head and tail white leucocephalus
Adult with tail only white albicilla
H. albicilla. (Lat. albicilla, white-tailed.) White-tailed Sea Eagle. Erne. Adult
^ 9 : Dark brown, blackening on prunaries ; head and neck gray ; tail white. Bill and feet
yellow. Young with tail not white, and otherwise ditfta-ent, the whole plumage much varied
with light and dark browns. Lengtli of (J nearly or about 3 feet ; wiug 2 feet ; tail a foot ;
tarsus 3.50 inches ; bill 2.00 or more ; 9 larger : length up to 3J feet ; wing 2^ feet, etc.
Europe, etc., only North American as occurring in Greenland, where it breeds, making its
eyrie on cliffs; eggs 1-.3, usually 2, averaging abont 3.10 X 2. 25, white.
H. leucoceph'alus. (Gr. XfVKos, leucos, white ; K€(f)a\fi, Tcephale, head. Fig. 474.) White-
headed Sea Eagle. "Bald Eagle." "Bird of Washington " (the young). Adult
^9: Dark brown: quills black; head and tail white; bill, eyes, and feet yellow. Length
FALCONIDJE — BUTEONINM: EAGLES.
697
about 3 feet (or more) ; extent 6 or 7 feet ; wing 2 feet ( 9 ) or less {$); tail a foot, more ( 9 )
or less {$). Three years are required to perfect the white head and tail of the " hald " Eagle.
Fig. 474. — Bald Eagle. (From Tenney, after Wilson.)
The fii'st year, tlie young are "black" Eagles : very dark colored, with fleecy white bases of
the feathers showing here and there ; bill black ; iris brown ; feet yellow. Next year, they are
Fio. 47.''>. — Alaskan Wliito-lipa.U>>l EacU'. (L A. Fiiprtes.)
"gray" Eagles, usually larger than nld liirds, tlic lar-ri'st luiuwii .•^pcciinens being of this age.
Young in down are sooty-gray. Nortii Anicrica anywhere, eonunon — for an Eagle ; pisciv-
698 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES.
orous ; a piratical parasite of the Osprey : otherwise notorious as the emblem of the republic.
There is a sort of jingoism about this bird which tickles the fancy of the average American
patriot, who imagines that it can be heard around the world when it rumples up its feathers
and screeches, making as much noise as a liritish lion with its tail twisted. It sometimes
fishes for itself, at others stoops to carrion like a vulture, and also preys upon water fowl and
mammals of considerable size. The nest is bulky, finally acquiring huge dimension by
annual accretions, generally placed high in a tail tree, often also on a clifi", bluff, or cut-
bank, rarely on level ground; eggs usually two, of whicli one is larger than the other, probably
hatching opposite sexes, sometimes 3, or only one ; average size 2.90 X 2.25, with extremes
of 3.05 X 2.35 and 2.45 X 2.00; color white, normally unmarked, rarely with a few spots.
Tliey are laid from November all through the winter on our southern border, all through the
spring in most latitudes, ov not till early summer in the far North.
H. 1. alasea'uus. (Lat. Alaskan. Fig. 475.) Alaskan Bald Eagle. Averaging some-
what larger. Wing 24.00-24.50; taU 11.50-12.00 ; tarsus 4.00 ; bill 2.50, its depth at base
1.50: thus at extremes of size for this species. Alaska; type from Unalaska Island. C. H.
TowNSEND, Pr. Biol. Soc Wasli. xi, June 9, 1897, p. 145 ; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan.
1899, p. 109, No. 352 a.
Obs. Thalassaetus pelagicus. (Gr. 6aKacr(Ta, Thalassa, the sea, ocean; Lat. pelagicuSy
pelagic, oceanic, marine.) White-shouldeked !Sea Eagle. Kamtschatkan Sea Eagle.
This most magnificent of the Eagles is found on the Commander Islands in Bering's Sea, as
well as on the Asiatic mainland, and no doubt sometimes files across to the neighboring Aleu-
tian islands, as our Bald Eagle easily makes the same fiiglit in the opposite direction, thus
figuring as a bird of Asia. A fair exchange would be no robbery, but we have no authentic
data for introducing the genus and species formally in the Key. Adult $ 9 • Dark brown ;
forehead, most of the wing-coverts, tail, rump, and thighs, pure white ; bill and feet chrome-
yellow ; iris pale yellow. Length of $ over 3 feet ; extent 7\ feet ; wing nearly 2 feet ; tail 14
inches, cuneate, graduated 4.00, with 14 feathers ; bill 2.50. 9 larger ; length nearly 4^ feet;
extent nearly 8 feet ; wing 2 feet or more. The great white area on the wings, involving the
lesser and middle coverts, is very conspicuous. Young birds are darker than the adults,
have the white parts more or less mixed with dusky, according to age, and the bill is not
bright yellow.
Family PANDIONID^ : Fish Hawks ; Ospreys.
See page 619. Plumage i)eculiar, close and firm, imbricated, oily, lacking after- sh afts ;
head densely feathered to eyes ; occipital feathers lengthened ; legs closely feathered, with-
out any sign of a fiag ; quills of wings and tail acuminate, stiff and hard; primary coverts of
similar character. Feet immensely hirge and strong, rouglily granular-reticulate ; tarsi little
featliered above in front ; toes all free to the base, the outer versatile. Claws very large, all
of equal lengths, subcylindric or tapering terete, not scoo[)ed out underneath, but all com-
pressed, and middle one sharply grooved on inner face. Bill toothless, contracted at cere, else-
where inriated, with very large hook ; gonys convex, ascending ; nostrils oval, oblique, without
tubercle, in edge of cere. The peculiarities of the plumage and of the feet are in evident
adaptation to the semi-aquatic piscivorous habits of these '' fishing hawks," which require a
water-proof covering, and great talons to grasp their slippery quarry- The structural char-
acters are rather those of buteonine than falconine birds of prey, in the coracoid arrangement,
etc. The tarso-metatarsus has a bony canal for the passage of the common extensor of the toes,
as in most Owls. The synqielmous condition of the flexor tendons occurs as in Falconidce,
but with the modification tluit while the flexor perforans has 3 tendinis for the 2d-4th toes the
flexor hallucis splits into four, which thus also supply the same 2d-4th toes as well as the 1st.
PANinONIDM: FISH HAWKS, OSPREYS.
699
The supraorbital shield is ruditnentary, leaving eye flush with side of head. The fomily con-
sists of a single genus, and probably but one cosmopolitan species, the well-l^nown Osprey,
Pandion haliaetus. It is made type of a suborder Pandiones by Sharpe, and reduced to a
subfamily of Falconidre by the A. O. U.
PANDION. (Gr. JJavdiuu, Lat. Pandion, nom. propr. Fig. 47G.) Ospreys. To the fore-
going add: Wings very long, pointed; 2d and 3d primaries longest; 1st between 3d and
5th ; 3 outer ones abruptly emarginate on inner webs, and 2d to 4th sinuate on outer webs.
Tail short, scarcely or not half as long as wing. Sexes alike; 9 larger. Young similar.
P. haliae'tiis carolinerisis. (See Haliaiitus.) Amehican Osprey. Fisil Hawk. Adult
^ 9 • Above, dark vaiidyki'-brown, blackcniiiLT "ti <|Mill-- ; fcat!ici-s of iippr-r purts more or less
completely edged witli
paler color — the older
the bird, the less con-
spicuous the white
markings except on
tlie head. Tail dark-
brown witli dusky
bars, white tip and
sliafts, and inner welis
of all but middle })air
of feathers regularly
barred with white and
dark, but these mark-
ings tending to obso-
lescence with increas-
ing age. Head, neck,
and under parts white ;
crown more or less ex-
tensively streaked with
blackish, and a heavy
b 1 a c k 1 s h j)Ostocular
stri[»e to nape ; breast
more ( 9 ) <>i" h'ss ( J )
spotted with dusky
brown ; the white more
or less tinged with
tawny in some places, especially under the wings and on the head, except in old birds. Colora-
tion very variable in relative amounts of dark and white colors, always irrespective of sex ; gen-
eral tendency with age to uniformity of dark tones on the back, wings, and tail, and purity of
wliite on the head and under parts. Bill blackish, bluing at ba.se and on cere; feet grayish-
blue; claws black; iris yellow or red. Length 2 feet or rather less ; extent about 5 feet;
wing 17..')0-21..j0; tail S.-W-IO.SO ; tar.sus 2.25 ; middle toe without claw 1.75 ; chord of cul-
mcn without cere 1.30 ; chord of claws nearly the same. Young: darker above than the old
birds, but the up{)er parts more mottled with white or buff edgings of the featiiers, and the
tail more regularly barred. Downy young much variegated with dusky, rusty, and whitish on
a gray ground. J^ntire temperate North America, over inland waters and especially along
sea-coasts, migratory, abundant. Few birds are better known than this indu.strious fisherman,
so often purveyor perforce of the IJald Eagle. Ikeeds anywiiere in its range; nest bulky,
finally acrpiiring enormous dimensions by yearly repairs and additions, placed usually in u tree
or stnut busli, sometimes on rocks or the ground; sometimes hundreds togetlier. Eggs laid
-Viler J. Woli.)
700 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — RAP TORES — CA THA R TIDES.
in May in most latitudes, through June in the North, and from Fehruary to April in the South,
2 or usually 3, seldom 4, in number, very variable in size, say 2.50 X 1-85 on an average,
ranging frt)m 2.75 X 2.00 to 2.25 X 1.05, running through all the variations in color common
to Hawks' eggs, from a white to creamy, tawny or reddish ground, from few brownish mark-
ings to heaviest blotching with sienna, unibre, bistre, and sepia ; coloration usually richly red-
dish or mahogany. Some nests grow to be 6 or 8 feet in diameter, and as much in depth, and
smaller birds, such as Grackles, frequently build theirs in the interstices of the mass without
molestation from the bird of prey. This certainly proves the amiability of the Osprey ; and
the same association of birds raptorial and non-raptorial is witnessed in the West in the case
of Swainson's Buzzard, in the same tree with the nest of which, even in the substance of the
nest itself, have various small birds, such as the Arkansas Flycatcher, Hooded Oriole, and
Burion, been observed domiciled.
Suborder CATHARTIDES: American Vultures.
(Or SARCORHAMPHI.)
As already stated (page 618), the characters of this group, for which I proposed the above
name (New England Bird Life, vol. ii, p. 135), are of more than family value. The same
subordinal rank is recognized by the name of Sarcorhamphi in the A. 0. U. List. In no
event have these birds anything to do with Old World Vultures, which scarcely form a sub-
family apart from other FalconidcR. In a certain sense they represent the gallinaceous type
of structure ; our species of Cathartes, for instance, bears a curious superficial resemblance to
a Turkey. They lack the strength and spirit of typical Raptores, and rarely attack animala
capable of offering resistance ; they are voracious and indiscriminate gormandizers of carrion
and animal refuse of all sorts — efficient and almost indispensable scavengers in warm coun-
tries where they abound. They are uncleanly in their mode of feeding ; the nature of their
food renders them ill-scented, and when disturbed they eject the foetid contents of the crop.
Although not truly gregarious, they assemble in multitudes where food is plentiful, and some
species breed in communities. When gorged, they appear heavy and indisposed to exertion,
usually passing the period of digestion motionless, in a listless attitude, with wings half-spread.
But they spend umch time on wing, circling high in the air ; their flight is easy and graceful
in the extreme, capable of being indefinitely protracted. On the ground they habitually M^alk
instead of progressing by leaps. Possessing no vocal apparatus, these Vultures are almost
mute, emitting only a weak hissing sound.
Family CATHARTID^ : American Vultures.
(Or SARCORHAMPHID^.)
See page 618. Head and part of neck more or less completely bare of feathers, sometimes
caruncular ; eyes flush with side of head, not overshadowed by a superciliary siiield ; ears small
and simple. Bill lengthened, contracted toward base, moderately hooked and comparatively
weak. Nostrils very large, completely perforated, through lack of bony septum. Wings very
long, ample, and strong ; tail moderate. Anterior toes long for this order, webbed at base ;
hind toe elevated, very short ; claws comparatively lengthened, obtuse, little curved and weak.
To these external characters, which distinguish our Vultures, I may add that there are nu-
merous osteological peculiarities. No lower larynx is developed ; the capacious gullet dilates
into an immense crop ; coeca wanting ; carotids double. The feathers lack aftershafts ; plu-
mage sombre and unvaried, its changes slight ; sexes alike in plumage ; 9 "ot larger than $.
The famous Condor of the Andes, Sarcorliamphus gryphus ; the King Vulture, Gypagus or
CATHARTW.E—CArHARTIXyE: AMERICAX VULTURES. 701
Gyparchus papa, which probably occurs in Arizona, and species of three North American
genera, compose tlie family. It is divisible into two subfamilies, mainly according to the
presence or absence of caruncular excrescences on the head.
Subfamily SARCORHAMPHIN/E : Condors and King Vultures.
A Heshy comb or crest surmounting the base of the beak, or also arising from the fore-
head, with or witliout an additional fleshy wattle or dewlap. Bill very stout, with short cere.
In the $ Condor, the comb runs up on the head from the bill, and the throat is dewlapped,
something like the domestic Turkey's; these appendages arc wanting in the 9. The size
is great, though hardly surpassing that of Psei(do(/ri/])lii(s californianus ; the neck is collared
with white cottony down where the leathers begin; and the point of tlie primaries overreaches
the secondaries in the closed wing.
CiYPA'GUS. (Gr. yv^, fji^ps, a vulture; and ay6s. agos, a leader, ruler, chief. Tlie word is
well enough, and need not have been altered to Gijparchiis by Glogeu in 1842.) Kixo \v\,-
TURES. Comb small, confined to the short cere of the stout bill; no wattle or dewlaji. Wings
short ; secondaries reaching ends of primaries when closed. Size medium for the family ;
small for this subfamily ; sexes alike. One species.
G. pa'pa. (Lat. papa, father, the pope.) KiN(> VuLTURE. COZCACOAUHTL. Head and
upper neck naked of true feathers, the skin much wrinkled, on the hind head pinched up into
a sort of comb and extensively beset witli black bristles ; the fleshy excrescence on the bill
tumid, erected from a contracted base, like a polypus ; no cottony white collar on the neck, the
plumage there beginning in a rufl" of ordinary feathers, of a blackish ctdor ; a bare area on the
chest, over the crop. General [)lumage cream-colored or pale buff above, below white, with a
creamy or tawny tinge ; rump and whole tail, with its coverts, and most of the wings, black.
I)ill and naked parts of head and neck curiously variegated with black, blue, red, orange and
yellow ; iris white. Young, simply sooty brown, lacking also the harlerpiin visage of tlie old
birds. Length about 2| feet; wing 19.50 inches ; tail 10.00. Eggs white, about 3.70 X 2.G5.
Tropical continental America, X. probably over the border of Arizona. The supposed occur-
rence rests upon my own evidence, and is not conclusive ; but I have never doubted that I saw
a ]iiiir of these birds on the San Francisco (Verde) River, July 1.3, 1865 : see CouES, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1866, p. 49, and Bull. Nutt. Club, Oct. 1881, p. 248 ; compare also the Sacred Vulture
ascribed to Florida by Bartram, Trav. 1791, p. 150; Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoiil. ii.
1^71, p. 313. I now first take the species into the K<'y, as it lias been placed on tlie A. <>. I'.
List, Hypothetical No. 12.
Subfamily CATHARTIN/E: Turkey Vultures.
No Heshy excrescences on the head in eitlier sex. Bill leiiirtheiied and comparatively
weak, with the cere longer than tlie rest of the iip[)cr niiiniliblr.
Anali/sis of Generti.
Head ami neck entirely naked ; tail Br|iiare ■"
Head and uiipcr piirt of neck naked ; tail rounded '.«
Head naked, l)ut featliers runuiug up to it behind ; tail iw|uaro ' '•»
I'SKUDOGRYTHUS. (Gr. "iTfvdos, p><eiuIos, false; Lat. //n/y*//*/*-, a gritlin ) Caliiokniax
CoNUOR. Size immense, about ecpialliiig that of the Andean Cond<ir. Head and neck entirely
bare, smooth, without caruncular appendages. No cervical nitr of snowy, downy featiiers;
plumage beginning over siioulders with loo.sc laiice-liiiear feathers, and that of under parts
generally of similar character. Frontal region de|tressed below h'Vt-l of iiitlateil cere, but gen-
eral profile straiglitish from hook of bill to hind head. Bill wide and de«'p, comparatively little
702
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES — CATHARTIDES.
hooked. Nasal passage much more contracted than nasal fossa. Wings of great amplitude,
folding to or beyond end of square tail ; ends of primaries uncovered by secondaries ; 4th or 5th
quills longest. Tarsus about as long as middle toe. One species.
P. california'nus. (Of California. Fig. 477.) Californian Condor. Queleli. Adult
(J 9 : Blackish, the feathers with bnjwner tips or edges, quite gray or even whitish on wing-
coverts and inner quills ; pri-
maries and tail-feathers black;
axillars and lining of M'ings
white ; bill yellowish, redden-
ing on cere, and skin of head
orange or reddish ; iris said by
some to be brown, by others
carmine. Length 4-4^ feet;
extent about 9|- feet ; said to
be sometimes "nearly 11 feet ; "
wing 2^-3 feet ; tail 1^-1 ^ feet ;
tarsus 4.50-5.00 inches ; mid-
dle toe without claw 4.00-4.50 ;
middle claw 1.90; hind claw
1.50; chord of culmen without
cere about ].50, but whole bill
about 4.00, whole head about
7.00 ; cere on top nearly 3.00 ;
weight 20-25 lbs. Young with
bill and naked parts dusky, and
more or less downy ; plumage
wathout white. Nestlings cov-
ered with whitish down. This
great creature rivals the South
American Condor in size, and
like it is powerful enougli to
destroy young or otherwise
lielpiess animals as large as
itself, though its usual food is
carrion. It formerly inhabited
the whole of the Pacific coast region from British Columbia to Lower California, E. to Ari-
zona, w^iere I saw it at Fort Yuma (mouth of the Gila) in 1865, and probably to some little
portion of Utah ; now much decreased in numbers, only locally distributed in Oregon and Cali-
fornia, and restricted in the breeding season to California W. of the Sierras Nevadas S. of lat.
37°, including some parts of Lower California; known to have occurred in Arizona (Auk,
July, 1899, p. 272). Casual in Alberta (Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 189). Early in this century it
abounded on the Columbia river, as we learn from the accounts of Lewis and Clark, and
others, who had diflSculty in keeping large game they had killed from the attacks of these for-
midable birds of prey. They are still common in certain localities, and not likely to be soon
exterminated, by poison or otherwise, as they are shy and sensible enough to betake themselves
to the roughest country to breed in inaccessible places. The nidification is like that of the
Turkey Buzzard ; but eggs whitisli, unmarked, narrowly elliptical, about 4.50 X 2.50. The
general habits appear to be the same as those of the Turkey Buzzard ; the flight is similar.
CATHAR'TES. (Gr. KadapTrji, kathartes, a purifier.) Turkey Buzzards. Of medium
size ; body slender. Whole head and upper part of neck naked, the plumage beginning as a
Fig. 477. — Californian Condor. (From Tenney, after Audubon. )
CATHARTID.E—CATHARTIX.E: AMERICAN VULTURES.
703
circlet of ordinary feathers all around neck in C. aura, but mounting the neck behind in
C. hurrorianus ; the naked skin corrugated and sparsely beset with bristles, especially a
patch before eye, where it is also caruncular or papillose. Bill long, moderately stout and
hooked; nostrils large, elliptical, with a raised rim completely pervious; cere contracted op-
posite them. Wings extremely long, not particularly broad, pointed, folding beyond tail,
which is short and rounded. Point of wing formed by 3d or 4th quill ; 2d and 5th nearly as
long ; 1st much shorter ; outer 4 or 5 emarginate on inner webs. Tarsus about as long as mid-
dle toe without claw. Of Cathartes as restricted several species are described, but only one is
established as North American. They are noted for their extraordinary powers of sailing flight.
Analysis of Species.
Plumage brownish, not peaked on the nape. Large : wing 20.00 or more. N. Am aura
Plumage black, peaked on the nape. Small: wing about 18.00. S. W. border? burrovinntis
C. au'ra. (Vox barb., name of the bird. Figs. 478, 479.) Common Turkey Vulture.
Turkey Buzzard. Adult $ 9= Bhickish-browu, grayer on wing-coverts; quills black,
ashy-gray on under
surface ; tail black,
with pale b r o w n
shafts. Head red,
from livid crimson to
pale carmine, with
whitish specks usu-
ally ; bill dead white ;
feet tiesh-colored ; iris
brown. Length 2;^
2i feet ; extent about
6 feet ; wing 2 feet or
less ; tail a foot or
less; tarsus 2.25
inches ; middle toe
without claw rather
more ; outer toe 1.50 ;
inner 1.25; hind 0.75;
chord of culmen with-
out cere 1.00. Weiglit
4-5 pounds. Young
darker than adults ;
bill and skin of head
<lark, latter downy.
Nestlings covered
with wliiti.sli down,
which extends upon
back of neck and head, but leaves the front and sides ban-: .-^kiii black. V. S. and British
provinces, S. througli Central and S. Am.; N. in Saskatchewan to about 55^; resi.ienl N. to
about 40° on the Atlantic side, and a few degrees farther on I'acitic coast, beyond which
migratory, being starved out in winter; casual in New England; breeds in most of ranjre.
Nests ordinarily on or near ground, in ludlow stumps or logs, generally in communities ; but
sometimes in hollows of dea.l tree-tops at a great height, or again on rocky ledges; in some
iiKstances the old nest of another bird, as a Hawk or Heron, is used. Kggs comnionly 2.
Fig. 47^. — Turkrv l'.u//..ir.l,
il'TMin I'.r. 1.1.
704
S YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — RAP TORES — CA THA R TIDES.
IPBP
H'lJL'JMItH-'! '
■•■ S'TIS-T'"
, ^
'^raP^Hi^^H^^^lK
"^Hh
-'tW^^Z^^^^^^^^^^Btk
H^S
■4
HB^^B
9
V
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B i
'^n^^^^l
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hf
'a^^^^^l
.y^
riOk
■ Jm^
i
'■■^i
^^^K;
^^wH
i
I^^K
~ni8
Fig. 479. —Turkey Vulture.
sometimes 1, rarely 3, from 2.75 X 1-85 to 3.15 X 1-95, white or creamy, variously spotted
and blotched with diU'ereut bruwus, aod with laveuder or purplish-drab shell-markiugs, only
exceptionally immaculate ; they are laid
from the middle of February on our south-
ern border, to June in the highest lati-
tudes frequented by the bird. The young
are fed with filtli, by regm-gitation, like
s(iuabs and various altricial water-birds.
This Vulture has a curious habit of "play-
ing possum," by simulating death when
wounded and captured ; the feint is admi-
rably executed and often long protracted.
C. burrovia'nus. (To Dr. Burroughs.)
BuRROUGii's Turkey Vulture. A
small species, strictly of the form of C.
aura in proportions of wings and tail,
cliaracter of nostrils, etc., but with plu-
mage peaked on uape to occiput, as in
Catharista unihu. Adult ^ 9 '■ Black, with white shafts of primaries ; head blue and orange :
bill flesh color ; iris red. Length 24.00 or less ; wing under 20.00, and other parts corre-
spondingly less than those of C. aura, from w-hich quite distinct. Trf)pical and subtropical
America, attributed to California by Gambel (Journ. Acad. Piiila. i, p. 20), and to Texas by
Dresser (Ibis, 18G5, p. 322). Cassin, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1845, p. 212; 111. 1853, p. 59; B.
N. A. 1858, p. G, originally described from Vera Cruz and Mazatlau ; Elliot, B. N. A. 1866,
pi. 26, type figured. Not taken up in former editions of the Key. A. 0. U. Hypothetical
List, No. 13.
CATHARIS'TA. (Gr. Ka6api(oi, hifharizo, I purify.) Carrion-crows. Of medium size;
body stout. Head naked, and generally as in Cathartes, but feathers of neck running up be-
hind to a point on oc-
ciput; outline of plu-
mage thus very differ-
ent from that of C.
aura. Cere contracted ;
nostrils narrow, less
openly pervious than
in Cathartes. Wings
shorter and relatively
broader than in Ca-
thartes, not folding to
end of tail, which is
short, only about ^ the
wing, even or emar-
giuate; 4th and 5th
quills longest- The
difference in size and
shape between Ca-
thartes and Catharista ^'«- l^^O. -Black Vulture, I nat. size. (From Brehm.)
is strikingly displayed when the birds are seen flying together ; there is also a decided difier-
ence in mode of flight, as Catharista never sails for any distance without interrupting that
easy motion by flapping the wings.
COLUMB.E: COLUMBINE BIRDS.
705
C. urubu. (South American name of some bird of this family. Figs. 480, 481.) Carriox-
CROW. Black Vulture. Adult $ 9 : Entire plumage, including skin of head, and bill,
blackish ; shafts of primaries white, their
bases paling to gray or whitish. Tip of bill
and feet grayish-yellow; iris brown; claws
black. Smaller than C. aura, in linear di-
mensions, but a heavier bird ; length about
2 feet ; e.Ktent only about 4^ feet ; wing 17.00
inches; tail 8.00; tarsus ,S.OO; middle toe
rather less ; chord of culmen without cere
1.00 or less. Nesting like that of C. aura ;
eggs similar, but averaging larger, or at any
rate longer, being usually a little over ;3.00 X
2.00, though ranging from 3.3') X 2.:2() down
to 2.75 X 1-85 ; they are also tinged witli i)ale
greenish or bluisli ratlier than creamy in the
ground color, but in markings are indistin-
guishable from those of the other species ; the number is 2 as a rule, rarely 1 or 3, and the
period of dejiositiou runs from March to May. Chiefly S. Atlantic and Gulf States, especially
in maritime regions, there very numerous, outnumbering Turkey-Buzzards, and semi-domesti-
cated in the towns, where their good offices are appreciated ; N. regularly to North Carolina,
thence straggling to Massachusetts and even Maine; and up the Mississipjii Valley to Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, and casually South Dakota; not authenticated as occur-
ring on Pacific side, but of general distribution in Central and South America. C. alrata
(Bartram, 1791) of all former eds. of the Key, and of A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-9'): C. urubu
COUE.S, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 84; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 108.
Via. 481. — Black Vulture. (L. A. Fuertes.)
No one can fail to observe with interest the great difference in the form and general appearance of the Turkey-
buzzard and Carrion-crow when he compares them sitting side by side sunning themselves upon chimney or house-top ;
and especially the discrepancy in their mode of flight as they wheel together overhead in endless inosculating circles.
The Turkey-buzzards look larger as they fly, though really they are lighter weights ; they seem dingy-brown, with a
gray space underneath the wing ; the tail is long ; the fore-border of the wing is bent at a salient angle, and there is a
corresponding re-entrance in its hind outline ; the tips of the longest quills spread apart and bend upward ; and one may
watch these splendid tlyers for hours without perceiving a movement of the pinions. Comparing now the Carrion-crows,
they are seen to be more thick-set, with less sweep of wing and shorter and more rounded tail, beyond which the feet
may project ; the front edge of the wing is almost straight, and the back border sweeps around in a regular curve to meet
it at an obtuse point, where the ends of the quills are neither spread apart nor bent upward. The birds show almost block
insteixd of brown ; in pl.ice of a large gray area under the wing, there is a smaller paler gray spot at the jKjint of the wing.
And, finally, the Carrion-crows flap their wings five or six times in rapid succession, then sail a few momeuts ; their flight
appears heavy, and even laborious, beside the stately motion of their relatives.
Order COLUMB^ : Columbine Birds.
An essential character of birds typical of this group is found in structure of bill, which is
horny and ccmvex at tip, somewhat contracted in continuity, furnished at base with a tumid
membrane in which the nostrils open. Toes 4 ; 3 anterior, generally cleft to base, but ooca-
siniially witii slight webbing ; one behind, with few exceptions perfectly insistent or not obvi-
ously elevate(l. Feet desmopelmous in the ordinary way, never much lengthened; tarsus is
commonly shorter than toes, either scutellato or extensively feathered, reticulate on sides and
behind ; envidop rather membranous than corne<ius. (One North American genus, Staruirttas,
has entirely reticidate tarsus and elevated hallux.) On the whole, the feet are in.se.'<.sori«l, not
rasorial ; the habit is arboreal, not terrestrial ; but there are many irroiind pigeons, sonic quite
fowl-like; ;ind jirogression is always gradient, never saltatory. The wings and tail do uol
45
706 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — COL UMBuE — PERISTER^.
afford ordinal characters; but the rectrices are usually 12 or 14 instead of the higher numbers
usual in gallinaceous birds, but run up to ]6 in Goura and some species of Phaps, even to 20 in
Otidiphaps ; and the wings are usually long and tlat, not short and vaulted. Plumage desti-
tute of aftershafts (qu. Didus f). Syrinx with one pair of intrinsic muscles and asymmetrical
extrinsic muscles. Oil-gland nude, when present (small in Treron, etc. ; wanting in Goura,
Starncenas) ; gall-bladder generally absent (present exceptionally in some true Pigeons) ;
coeca absent, or present, but small ; two carotids ; gizzard muscular, sometimes in part horny
or even osseous ; a well-developed oesophageal crop ; intestine varying from very short to ex-
tremely long (7 feet long in Didunculus !). There are many good osteological characters;
palate schizognathous ; nasal bones schizorhinal ; basipterygoids present (except in Didus) ;
sternum doubly notched, or notched and fenestrate, on each side ; pectoral ridge of humerus
salient and acute, and does not receive the insertion of the 2d pectoral muscle ; ambiens nor-
mally present, the birds being unquestionably homalogonatous, but sometimes lost ; femoro-
caudal, accessory femoro-caudal, semitendinosus, and accessory semitendinosus present ; the
fourth glutseal muscle, which in other schizorhinal birds covers the femur-head, is undeveloped
(Garrod).
Some ornithologists, like Liljeborg, enlarge the Columbine order, under name of Pullas-
tra, to receive the American Curassows (Cracida — see beyond) and Old World Big-feet, or
Mound-birds {Megcqwdidce) ; mainly on account, it would appear, of the low position of the
hallux in these families. But the balance of characters favors their reference to the gallina-
ceous series, where they are relegated by Huxley. While there is no question that Columbine
birds are very closely related to Galline, in fact inosculating therewith, it seems best to draw
the line, if one must be drawn, so as to leave the CracidcE and 31egapodidce with Gallince.
The Sand-grouse (better Sand-})igeons), or Pterodetes, represent the inosculation of the
two series. They are terrestrial Columbines, modified for a grouse-like life ; the digestive sys-
tem is fowl-like (coeca several inches long, etc.) ; but the pterylosis, the sternum and humerus,
the cranial and many other characters, are pigeon-like. The skull is schizognathous and
holorhinal, with basipterygoids ; cervical vertel)rfe 15 or IG. The ambiens and other classifi-
catory muscles of the legs (A B X Y) are present, together with the biceps slip and expansor
of the secondaries. The intrinsic syringeal muscles are highly developed. There are two
carotids, a nude oil-gland, and gall-bladder. The plumage is aftershafted, and covers the feet
to the claws ; the wings are aquintocubital. The young hatch downy. Of the two genera,
Pterocles is 4-toed, Syrrhap)tes 3-toed. The only alternative to reference of Pterodetes to the
Columbine series is their elevation to independent ordinal rank, as proposed by Huxley, and
as now generally agreed upon by ornithologists. I accordingly modify some expressions used
in former editions of the Key, in order to characterize the Columbce more strictly, by exclu-
sion of Pterodetes therefrom.
The Columhce, as above indicated, are exactly conformable to Huxley's Peristeromorphce.
Assuming the imperfectly known extinct Dodo, Didus ineptiis, and such of its kindred as the
Solitaire, Pezophaps solitarius, to have been modified Columbines, the order may be separated
into two suborders, Diui and Perister.e. The Peristerce alone are American.
Suborder PERISTERiE : True Columbine Birds.
(Equivalent to Coliimhce proper of most authors, Peristeromorphce of Huxley; Gemitores
of Macgillivray, or Gyraiites of Bona])arte plus Didunculus ; Columbce of Garrod minus Ptero-
detes ; Pullastrce of Liljeborg minus CracidcB and Megnpodidcc.) Skull schizognathous,
schizorhinal ; basipterygoids prominent (they are absent from Dldi) ; angle of mandible not
produced but abruptly truncate ; rostrum externally as abovesaid. Dorsal vertebrje hetero-
coelous. Sternum double-notched, or notched and fenestrate, on each side, rarely single-notched
PERISTEILE: TRUE COLUMBINE BIRDS. 707
{Geopliaps). When there are a pair of notches on each side, the outer processes are short, as
in Gallince. Furculutn well developed and complete (it is reduced in the flightless Didi) ;
pectoral crest of humerus, salient, acute. Carotids two. Syringeal muscles one pair. Coeca
coli small, rudimentary, or wanting; gizzard muscular; crop developed; gall-bladder generally
absent (present in Carpophaga, etc.). Fourth glutaeal muscle undeveloped; second pectoral
specially inserted ; ambiens normally present, or wanting ; deep plantar tendons desmopel-
mous, that of the hallux alone supplying its own digit. Oil-gland nude, small, or wanting.
Plumage without aftershafts, or with only very small ones; wings aquintocubital ; spinal
pteryla well defined, forked over the shoulders. Feet insessorial ; hallux normally insistent,
in some terrestrial genera somewhat elevated and shortened ; tarsus normally scutellate in
front, reticulate on the sides and behind, rarely entirely reticulate (Gouridfe). Rectrices nor-
mally 12 or 14, exceptionally IG or 20. Primaries 11. Altricial; psilopaedic ; monogamous;
nidificant ; eggs ordinarily one pair, white.
The PeristercB will be immediately recognized by their likeness to the familiar inmates of
the dove-cot. One seemingly trivial circumstance is so constant as to become a good clue to
these birds : the frontal feathers do not form antife by extension on either side of culmen, but
sweep across base of bill with a strongly convex outline projected on culmen, thence rapidly
retreating to the commissural point. The plumuleless plumage is generally com])act, with
thickened, spongy rhachis, the insertion of which will seem loose to one who skins a bird of
this suborder. The head is remarkably small ; nock moderate ; body full, especially in the
pectoral region. The wings are strong, generally lengthened and pointed, conferring a rapid,
powerful, whistling flight ; the peculiar aerial evolutions that these birds are wont to perform
have furnished the synonym Gyrantes. The tail varies in shape, from square to graduate, but
is never forked ; as a rule tliere are 12 rectrices, frequently increased to 14, as in nearly all the
Treronidfe, rarely to 16 in the genera Thoracotreron, Phaps, and whole family Gouridcc, ex-
ceptionally to 20 in the genus Otidiphaps ; all the North American genera have 12, excepting
Zenaidura, with 14. The feet show considerable modification, when strictly arboricole are
compared with more terrestrial species ; their general character has been indicated above. The
gizzard is large and muscular, particularly in species that feed on seeds and other hard fruits ;
tlie gullet dilates to form a capacious circumscribed crcqi, divided into lateral halves, or tend-
ing to that state. This organ at times secretes a peculiar milky fluid, which, mixed with
macerated food, is poured by regurgitation directly into the mouth of the young; thus the
fabled " pigeon's milk" has a strong spice of fact, and in this remarkable circumstance we see
probably the nearest approach, among birds, to the characteristic function of mammals. " The
voice of the turtle is heard in the land " as a plaintive cooing, so characteristic as to have
afforded another name for the suborder, Gemitores. Pigeons are altricial, i)silopa;dic, and mo-
nogamous — doubly monogamous, as is said when both sexes incubate and care for the young ;
this is a strong trait, compared with the pryecocial, ptilopajdic, and often polygamous nature
of rasorial birds. They are amorous birds, whose passion generally results in a tender and
constant devotion, edifying to contemphito, but is often marked by high irascibility and jnig-
nacity — traits at variance with the amiable meekness which Doves are supposed to symbolize.
Tlicir bliinduess is supposed to be due to absence of tiie gall-bladder. The nest, as a rule, is
a rude, frail, flat structure of twigs; the eggs are usually 2 in number, sometimes 1, wliite ;
when 2, supposed to contain the germs of opposite sexes ; the period of incubation is usually
between 2 and 3 weeks.
" The entire number of Pigeons known to exi.^^t is about 300 ; of these tin- Malay Archi-
pelago already counts 118, while oidy 28 are found iu India, 23 in Australia, less tlian 40 in
Africa, and not more than 80 iu the whole of America." (The total number of species now
known is about 475, but this increase over fortnerly known ones does not materially atfect tlie
relative proportions of the figures here said.) Tliey focus in the small district of whicli New
708 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— COLUMBjE — PERISTERjE.
Guinea is the centre, where more than a fourth of the species occur. Mr. Wallace accounts for
this by the absence of fruit-eating forest mammals, sucli as monkeys and squirrels ; and finds
in the converse the reason why Pigeons are so scarce in the Amazon valley, and there chiefly
represented by species feeding much on the ground and breeding in the bushes lower than
monkeys habitually descend. " In the Malay countries, also, there are no great families of
fruit-eating Passeres, and their place seems to be taken by the true Fruit-Pigeons, which, un-
checked by rivals or enemies, often form with the Psittaci the prominent and characteristic
features of the Avifauna." {Newton.)
There are several prominent groups of Pigeons ; but authors are far from agreed upon
subdivisions of the family. It is not probable that Garrod's tliree subfamilies, based upon
characters of ambiens, coeca, gall-bladder, and oil-gland, will stand without great modification,
and I cannot adopt his arrangement. Sclater divided the suborder Columhce as above defined
into two families, ColnmhidcB and CarpophariidcB, to which he afterward added Gowidce, and
probably Didunculidce. Bonaparte made five families, Didunculid(e, Treronidce, Columbidce,
Caloenadidce, and Gouridce (three of them upon single genera), with 12 subfamilies. This is a
pretty good scheme, the main features of which are reflected in the classification adopted by the
latest monographer. Thus, Salvadori has also five families, as follows : 1. Treronid^, with
subfamilies Treronina;, Ptilopodince, and Cariwpliagince. 2. ColumbidvE, with subfamilies
Colmnbinoe, Macropyfiiincc, and Ectopistincc. 3. Peristerid^, with subfamilies Zenaidina,
Turturince, Geopeliince, Peristerincc, Phahince, Geotrygonina;, and Ccdocnadincc. 4. Gouridje,
one genus. 5. Didunculid^, one genus. From this number of families I would not dissent,
but propose to raise Caloenadince to the rank of a family, and unite Salvadori's Peristeridce with
his Columhidce, thus reverting to the Bonapartian evaluation of the five major groups, whose
characters may be thus indicated : —
1. The extraordinary Tooth-billed Pigeon of the Samoan Islands, Diduncidus striyirostris,
alone represents a family, with its stout, compressed, hooked, and toothed beak, and many
other peculiarities. The length of intestine is excessive, being 7 feet instead of about 2, as
usual in Columbidce. Ambiens present; oil-gland and gall-bladder absent; 14 tail-feathers.
(DlDUNCULID^E.)
2. The singular genus Goura, with six Papuan species like G. coronata, is outwardly dis-
tinguished by its immense umbrella-like crest of feathers whose webs are decomposed, and
possesses anatomical peculiarities which entitle it to stand alone as type of another family.
Tarsi entirely reticulate ; 16 rectrices ; coeca, gall-bladder, oil-gland, * and ambiens wanting ;
intestines 4-5 feet long ; the pterylosis is galline rather than columbine, and the period of incu-
bation is greatly protracted (4 weeks) (Gourid.e.)
3. The single Malaysian genus Ccdcenas, with two species, C. nicobarica and C pele-
wensis, has a very tumid bill, and acuminate, lengthened, pendulous feathers of neck like those
of the domestic cock and hen ; 12 rectrices, as in ordinary Pigeons, and the anatomy is con-
formable to a usual type, except that the lining of the gizzard is ossified. (Calcenadid^.)
4. The Old World genera Treron, Ptilopus, and Carpophaga are leading representatives
of a large group of fruit-eating, arboricole species, with a short, stout beak, short, soft, broad-
soled, and extensively feathered feet, normally 14 rectrices (very exceptionally 12 or 16), and
soft, lustreless plumage, of which green is the characteristic color; " 54 species are confined
to the Austro-Malayan, while 28 inhabit the Indo-Malayan, subregion ; in India 14, and
in Africa a species are found ; 30 inhabit the Pacific Islands, and 8 occur in Australia or
New Zealand, while New Guinea has 14 species'' {Wallace). (Family Treronid^, di-
vided by Salvadori into : Treronince, 7 genera, 43 species ; Ptilopodin^, 5 genera (one
of them, Ptilopus, M-ith 12 subgenera), 88 living species ; and Carpophagincs, 7 genera (one
* Beddard has, p. 314, "with " these organs, by evident slip for "without," as he marks them all absent in his
table on p. 312.
columbid^—columbinjE: arboreal pigeons. 709
of them, Carpophaga, with 6 subgenera), 59 living species. All are commonly called " Fruit
Pigeons.")
5. All remaining members of the suborder Peristerce may reasonably be held to consti-
tute the single
Family COLUMBID^: True Pigeons or Doves.
Keadily recognized by exclusion of the characters of the four families above indicated. These
birds are Columbidce plus Peristeridce and minus Caloenadince, of 8alvadori. Broadly speaking
they fall in two series, corresponding to these two Salvadorian families ; but the nicer sub-
divisions are less easily determined, in view of their various interrelationships, (a) We may
confidently begin by setting aside in a subfamily ColumbincB a certain group of arboreal Pig-
eons with short feet, at least partly feathered and scutellate tarsi, always 12-feathered tail, 2
ccBca, an oil-gland, an ainbiens, and no gall-bladder. Tlie leading genera of this subfamily
are the square-tailed Columba, of both Old and New Worlds, tlie wedge-tailed Macropygia of
the Old W(jrld, and its representative in the New, the wedge-tailed Ectopistes. (6) All
other Columbidce are of more or less terrestrial habits, and have lengthened tarsi more or less
completely bare of feathers. Most of them agree in possessing an ambiens and oil-gland, but
no cojca and no gall-bladder. These Ground Doves are exemplified by such genera as Peristera
and Melopelia witli 12 rectrices, and Zenaidura\\\i\\ 14, of America ; by Lojjholcemiis with J 2,
Geopelia, Phlogcenas, and Oci/phaps with 14, and Pimps with 16, of the Old World. They
are the Zenaidincc and Phapince of Bonaparte; the Zenaidince, Turturince, GeopeliincB, Peris-
ierince, Phabincc, and Geotrygonince of Salvador!; and they correspond to the Phapinae of
Garrod. I doubt that so many as six subfamilies can be established upon any structural char-
acters, and also believe that those just named should be reconstructed with more regard to
geographical distribution. The Bonapartiau Zenaidince would seem to cover all the American
Ground Doves, with the probable exception of the genus Starnoenas, which diflfers from the
rest more notably than authors, excepting Garrod, seem to have appreciated, though it is con-
nected with the others by the genus Geotrygon; it is a pullet-like Ground Pigeon with long
reticulate tarsus, short and somewhat elevated hind toe, two coeca, and no oil-gland nor ambi-
<'ns — the reverse of the rule in Zenaidince. On these accounts I made it the type of a sub-
family StarncenadincB in the second edition of the Key, 1884.
Of the several groups thus indicated, 3 are North American. They may readily be dis-
tinguished as follows :
Analysis of North American Subfamilies of Columbidce.
Tarsi scutellate, feathered Columhince
Tarsi scutellate, naked Zenaidincc
Tarsi reticulate, naked Slarnoenadinct
Subfamily COLUMBIN>E : Arboreal Pigeons.
Feet and l>ill small ; tarsus short, not Ioniser tlian lateral toes, scutellate in front, feath-
ered above. Wing pointed. Tail variable in shape, of 12 rectrices.
Analysis of Genera.
Tail nearly even, much shorter tlian the wing, with broad obtuse feathers Cotumlta
Tail long, cuncate, equal to wiugs, with narrow tapering feathers Kctoyistrs
C'OLUM'BA. (Lat. columba, a piijfon.) Bill short and comparatively stout, about half as
liiiii,' as head. Wiiiirs pointed, 2d and '-V\ quills longest. No black spots on scapulars. Lat-
eral toes of about eijual lengths, witli claws about as long as middle toe without; hind too
710 SYSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — COL UMB.E — PERISTER.E.
and claw about as long as lateral without. Coutaiiis the domestic Pigeon, C. livia ; Stock
Dove, C. anas; Ring Dove, C. palumbus, and numerous other species of both hemi-
spheres.
Analysis of Species.
A white band on nape ; metallic scales of nape without borders. Tail with light terminal and dark subterminal bars ;
bill and feet yellow, former black-tipped fasciata
No white on head ; no metallic scales on nape ; tail not banded ; bill and feet not yellow flavirostris
Top of head white ; tail not banded ; metallic feathers of nape black-bordered leucocep/iala
See description, below, for squamosa
C. fascia'ta. (Lat. fasciata, banded ; alluding to the bars on the tail.) Band-tailed
Pigeon. White-collared Pigeon. Adult ^ : Head, neck, and under parts purplish
wine-red, fading to white on belly and crissum; nape with a distinct white half-collar; cervix
with a patch of metallic, scaly, bronze-green feathers. Rump, upper tail-coverts, lining of
wings, and sides i>f body, slaty-blue. Back and scapulars dark greenish-brown, with consid-
erable lustre, changing on wing-coverts to slaty-blue, these feathers with light edging. Quills
blackish-brown, with pale edging along sinuous portion of outer webs. Tail bluish-ash, paler
beyond the middle on top and much paler below, crossed at the middle by a black bar. Bill
yellow, tipped with black; feet yellow, claws black ; a red ring round eye — these colors con-
spicuous in life. A large stout species: length 16.00; extent about 27.00 ; wing 8.00-8.50,
pointed; tail 5.50-6.00, square; bill 0.75, stout for a Pigeon ; tarsus 1.00, feathered half-way
down in front ; middle toe and claw 1.67. Adult 9 '• Back, wings, and tail, as in ^; metallic
scales and white collar obscure or wanting. Head and under parts much less purplish, the rich
hue replaced by a rusty-brown wash on an ashy ground ; yellow of feet and bill obscured ;
smaller; wing 7.50; tail 4.75. Young ^: Resembling 9 hi dulness of coloration, but the feath-
ers of most parts with indistinct light edgings; no sign of a clean collar, under parts dull gray,
browner on the breast. Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, U. S. and British Columbia, S. to Guate-
mala, common and of general but irregular distribution, chiefly in woodland, and especially
where acorns, upon which it largely subsists, can be procured ; sometimes in flocks of great
extent. Nest very slight and frail, in trees and bushes, rarely on the ground ; eggs 2, on our
southern border only one as a rule, equal-ended, Avhite, glistening, averaging 1.60 X 1-15,
ranging from 1.75 X 1-20 down to 1.45 X 1-10, laid in almost every month of the year, and
said to be sometimes carried about by the 9 •
C. f . vios'cae. (To Mr. Viosca, U. S. Consul, La Paz, Lower California.) Viosca's
Pigeon. Similar to C fasciata, but with the tail-band wanting or only ftiintly indicated,
the general coloration lighter and more uniform, the vinaceous tints, especially, being nnjre or
less replaced by bluish-ash. Lower California. Brewst. Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 86 ; CouES,
Key, 4th ed, 1890, p. 904 ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 312 a.
C. flaviros'tris. (Lat. flavirostris, yellow-billed; Jlavus, yellow; rostrum, beak.) Red-
billed Pigeon. Adult ^i Head, neck, and breast dark purplish wine-red, with a slight
glaucous overcast, like the bloom on a grape ; no metallic scales on neck. Middle wing-
coverts like the head. Middle of back, and some inner wing-quills, dark olive-brown with a
bronze-green gloss. Greater wing-coverts, lining of wings, sides of body, belly, crissum, and
rump, slate-colored, sometimes quite sooty, sometimes more bluish; tail like rump, but more
blackish, quite uniform, having no lighter or darker bands. Quills of wing dark slate with
narrow pale edging. Bill pink for basal half, rest pale horn-color; feet purplish-red, with
pale claws; eye-ring red; iris orange. Bill and feet drying an undefinable color. Bill re-
markable for forward extension of feathers on culmen, to within 0.50 of tip, covering nasal scale.
Length 13.50-14.50; extent 23.00-25.00; wing 7.50-8.00; tail 5.00-5.50; tarsus 0.87;
middle toe and claw 1.50. 9 '^"d yr>ung similar, duller, and more dilute in color, the wine-red
and slate-color more ashy. Central America, Mexico, Lower California, N. to Texas, New
columbidjE—columbin.E: arboreal pigeons.
711
Mexico, and Arizona ; a dark, riclily colored Pigeon, common in the valley of the Lower Rio
Grande during most of the year. Nest in trees and bushes, of twigs, grasses, and roots, well-
formed for a Pigeon's ; egg single, in all instances observed in the U. S., equal-ended, glisten-
ing white; averaging 1.55 X 1-10; laid mostly in April, May, but also irregularly in other
months. (C. erythrina of previous editiims of the Key — a name I used to avoid saying
" fiavirostris " for a bird whose bill is not yellow, though the red may fade to a dingy yellow-
isli in dried skins.)
C. leucoce'phala. (Gr. Xfv/co'j, leucos, white; Kecf)a\rj. }:ephale, Iiead.) White-crowked
Pigeon. Adult $ 9 • D'H"'^ slaty, paler below, the quills and tail-feathers darkest. Whole
top of head pure white ; hind neck above ricli maroon-brown, lower down and laterally metallic
golden-green, each feather black-edged, giving the appearance of scales. Bill and feet dark
carmine or lake red, tip of former bluish-white; bill drying dusky with yellowish tip, feet
dingy yellowish. Iris yellow or white. Length 13.00-14.00; e.\'tent 23.00; wiog7.50; tail
5.75. 9 *'"ly duller than $. West Indies aud Florida Keys. Nest in trees and bushes, of
twigs, roots, and grasses; eggs 2, wliite, 1.45 X 1-05.
C. squamo'sa. (Lat. squamosa, scaly ; squama, a scale.) SQUAMOUS PiGEOX. Adult ^:
Head, neck, and breast rich viuous ; no white on head ; sides of neck metallic violet, each
feather distinctly edged with velvety maroon ; general pliniiage dark plumbeous, scarcely
paler below; quills with narrow light edgings; tail dark slate; bill lake red, tipped with yel-
lowish white; bare skin round eyes dull red with a yellowish bloom; iris with scarlet inner
and golden outer ring ; feet lake red ; claws dark horn color. Length about 14.00 ; wing 8.50;
tail 6.00; bill 0.62; tarsus 1.08. 9 similar, rather smaller and duller. Young: brown, with
rufus chestnut tips of the feathers. West Indies, except Jamaica and Bahamas ; casual at
Key West, Florida, one specimen, adult 9, Oct. 24, 1898 (Auk, July, 1899, p. 272).
C. corensis, Temm. 1813, nee Jacq. 1784. C squamosa, Bonn. Tabl. Ency. Meth. i, 1790,
p. 234.
ECTOPIS'TKS. (Gr. eKTonicTrrj^, ektopistes, a wanderer; very appropriate.) PASSENGER
I'lcEONS. Tail long, eijuul to wini,^s, ('uiieate, of 12 tnpering acuminate featliers, ])arti-colored.
AVing acutely pointed
by first 3 primaries,
with bhick spots on
coverts. Bill small,
with culmeu less than
half the head, short
gonys, feathered far
forward between the
rami. Tarsi short,
feathered part way
down in front, where
scutelhite, but not in
one regular row of
scales. Lateral toes
unequal. Sexes un-
like.
K. Ill injrato'rius.
(Lilt. i>ii[iratorius, mi-
gratory. Fig. 482.) Passenger Pigeon. W^ild Pigeon. Adult (;J: Upper parts, includ-
ing iiead all around, slaty-blue, bright and pure on liead and rump, shaded with olivaceous-
gray ou back and wings; back and sides of neck glittering witli golden and violet iritlescence ;
wing-coverts with velvety-black spots. Below, from throat, light purplish-chestuut, paler
Fio. 482. — Passenger Pigeon. (From Tenney, after Wilson.)
712 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — COL UMBM — PERISTERjE.
behind ami fading into white on lower belly and crissum. Tibise, sides of body, and lining
of wings like upper parts. Quills blackish, with rufous-white edging. Two middle tail-feath-
ers blackish ; others fading from pearly-bluish into white, their extreme bases with black and
chestnut spots. Bill black; feet lake red, drying an undefinable color; iris orange; skin about
eye red. Length about 17.00, but very variable, according to development of tail ; extent
23.00-25.00; wing 8.00-8.50; tail about the same, the lateral feathers graduated rather more
than half its length; bill 0.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw, 1.25. Adult 9- Upper
parts, wings, and tail, as in $; below, brownish-gray, fading posteriorly. Young: Like 9»
but still duller ; little or no clear slaty except on rump ; plumage varied with white crescentic
edges of the feathers, especially on back and wings ; quills edged about with rufous; most of
the lateral tail-feathers gray. " Wanders continually in search of food throughout all parts of
North America ; wonderfully abundant at times in particular districts ; " chiefly, however,
woodland of North America, E. of the Rocky Mountains, casually only W. of them. We do not
now have the millions that the earlier writers speak of in the Eastern United States ; and no
contract for service has for many years included a clause that the hireling should not be fed too
often on wild Pigeons or salmon ; but I remember one great flight over Washington, D. C,
when I was a boy, about 1858, and I witnessed in 1873 another, of countless thousands, on
the Red River of the North ; the greatest roosts and flights we now (1897) hear of are in the
upper Mississippi Valley, though some of the birds may still breed in various wooded places
all along our northern border and northward to Hudson's Bay. The Wild Pigeon seems now
a passenger to happier hunting-grounds than it or the Indian has ever found in this country,
in the wake of the bison and the fur seal ; it has been often subjected to merciless and almost
wanton destruction by hundreds of thousands at a single roost in a single season ; and if it is
not entirely exterminated soon, it will be only because there are too few left to pay for perse-
cution. Nest in trees and bushes, usually a slight frail platform of twigs, so open as to leave
the egg visible from below. Eggs 1 or 2, equal-ended, 1.45 X 1-05.
Subfamily ZENAIDIN>E: Ground Doves.
Feet larger than in Columbince. Tarsus lengthened to exceed lateral toes, entirely naked
and scutellate in front (scarcely feathered in Scarda fella) . Tail-feathers normally 12, rarely
14 or more (Zenaiclura the only North American Pigeon with more than 12). Seven North
American genera, each (excepting Geotrygon) of a single species in this country. (The name
of the subfamily may preferably be changed to Peristerince, for the reason that the generic
name Perisiera antedates Zenaida.)
Analysis of Genera.
Tail of 14 feathers, long and wedge-shaped Zenaidura
Tail of 12 feathers.
Outer primary attenuate, bistoury-like Engyptila
Outer primary normal.
Tail longer than wing, double-rounded Scardafella
Tail about equal to wing. Tar.sus not shorter than middle toe and claw Geotrygon
Tail shorter than wing Tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw.
No blue-black spot nor metallic lustre on head or neck Coluiuhignllina
A blue-black spot and metallic lustre on head or neck.
Black spots and no white patch on wing Zenaida
White patch and no black spots on wing Melopelia
ENGYP'TILA. (Gr. iyyvs, efjfjus, narrow, straitened ; tttiXoi/, 2)tilo)i, feather ; alluding to the
outer primary.) PiN-wiNG DoVES. First primary abruptly emarginate, attenuate and linear
near tlie end. Wings of moderate length ; 3d and 4th primaries longest ; 1st shorter than 7th.
Tail much shorter than wings, rounded, of 12 broad feathers. Tarsus entirely naked, equalling
COLUMBID.E — ZENAIDIN^: GROUND DOVES.
713
or rather exceeding middle toe and c-law. Lateral toes nearly equal, ends of their claws reach-
ing about opposite base of middle claw. Hind toe shortest of all, but perfectly incumbent.
]}ill small and slender, much shorter tlian liead. A considerable naked space about eye, thence
extending in a narrow line to bill. Si/e medium or rather small. Body full and stout. Color-
ation subdued, but hind-head and neck iridescent. No metallic spots on wing or head. Lining
of wings chestnut. (Only North American genus with attenuate outer primary.) (Leptotilu I
Sw. 1837, correctly Leptoptila G. 11. Guay, 1841, antedated by Leptoptilos Less. 1831, a
genus of Storks; the fact that Swaiuscm niisspelled it docs not justify its use by the A. 0. U.
for this genus of Pigeons, for it is just as much preoccupied in its wrong form as it is in its
right form, in either case being identically the same word as Leptoptilos. Engijptila Sund.
Tent. 1873, p. 156, and of 2d-4th editions of the Key; I had overlooked this name when I
jiroposed JJ'^.chmoptiJa in 1878. Homopiila Salvad. 1871.)
E. fulviveiitris brachyptera. (Lat. fulnis, fulvous ; venter, belly. Gr. I3paxvs, brachus,
short; TTTfpoV, p)teron, wing. Fig. 483.) White-fronteu Dove. Adult ^•. Upper parts
U^
Fio. 48.3. — Details of EngyptUa /ulvivenlris brachyptern ; head and foot nat. size: wing and tail
reduced. (Ad. nat. del. R. Ridgway.)
browiiisli-olive, with silky lustre (mucli as in Coccijzhs americanus, for example). Hind-head,
nape, and back and sides of neck with coppery-pur[)li.s]i iridescence. Top of liead of a bluish
or glaucous '* bloom," fading to creamy-wiiite on forehead. Under parts dull white or whitish,
more or less sliaded with olive-brnwn on sides, deepening on fore-breast and jugulum to pale
vinaceous ; belly, crissum, and chin quite }iurely white. Wing-coverts and inner quills like
back, and without metallic spots ; other large remiges slaty-l)lackish, with very narrow pale
edging toward the end. Under wing-coverts and axillaries bright chestnut. Two middle tail-
feathers like back; others slaty-black, tipped with white in decreasing amount from the outer
ones inward, the largest white tips about O.oO in extent. Hill black. Feet carmine-red. Iris
yellow. Bare skin around eye red and livid blue. Length l:2.()()-12.r)() ; extent 1D.01)-1!» ..lO ;
wing (i.()()-(>..3(); tail 4.t>.")-4..")(); bill ().(;(M>.7U ; tarsus l.'.25-1.3.") ; middle toe ami claw rather
liss. 9 similar, duller everywhere, and especially less iriilesceut on the neck. Central
-Vmerica and Mexico to the Lower Ivio Grande of Texas, where it is found during most of the
year, and is known to Imcd. Xr.-t in a liiish, large for a Pigeon's, of slick.s, twigs, and weed-
vstrips ; eggs 2, creamy or pale bully wiiite, 1.122 X ••.72. This bird was ailded to our fauna by
714 ^' YS 2 'EMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — COL UMB.E — PERIS TER^.
Sennett (Coues, Bull. Nutt. Club, July, 1877, p. 82). It has au extremely unfortunate synony-
matic record. Besides all the trouble with the generic name (see above), it bears the follovvin<'- :
Peristera hmchi/ptera G. R. GtUAY, 185(3, a bare name having no standing till used as Leptoptila
hraclujptera by Salvadori, in 18'J3, for the stock species. Leptoptila ulbifrons, of authors,
not of Bp., whose bird turns out to be another species, ^chmoptila ulbifrons Coues, 1878.
Engyptila albifrons Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 567; Riugw. Man. 1887, p. 214;
A. 0. U. List, 1886, No, 318. Leptoptila falHcentris Lawr. 1882, and Engyjjtila fitlfiventris
Lawr. 1885, being the earliest names given with a description to the stock form from Yuca-
tan, and our bird being a subspecies of that, it becomes fulviventris hracliyptera ; and this
phrase, coupled with the misspelled generic name that Swainson gave these birds in 1837, pro-
duces the strictly canonical miracle of Leptotila fulviventris hracliyptera (Salvad.), A. 0. U.
List, 2d cd. 1895, No 318.
ZENAIDU'RA. (Zenaida, nom. propr., and ovpd, onra, tail.) Pin-tail Doves. Tail long,
about equalling wings, cuneate, of 14 narrow, tapering, obtuse-ended feathers (unique among
North American Columhidcc). Wings pointed; 2d primary rather longest, 1st and 3d about
equal and scarcely shorter. Tarsus naked, scutellate in front, in length intermediate between
middle and lateral toes ; latter of unequal lengths, outer shortest. Bill much shorter than head,
slender and weak, the feathers running out far between the rami. A bare circumorbital space.
Velvety black spots on head and wings. Lining of wings not rufous. Sexes unlike. There
is a curious mimicry oi Edopistes in form and even in color ; but the technical characters are
widely different.
Z. macrura. (Gr. fiaKpov, makros, long, and ovpd, oura, tail. Fig. 484.) Carolina Dove.
Mourning Dove. Turtle Dove. Wild Dove. Adult ^: Upper parts, including middle
tail-feathers, grayish-blue shaded with brown-
ish-olive; head and neck ochrey-brown overlaid
with glaucous blue ; sides of neck glittering
with golden and ruby iridescence ; a violet-
black spot under ear-coverts. Under parts
glaucous - purplish, changing gradually to
ochraceous on belly and crissum, to bluish on
sides and under wings, to whitish on chin ;
the purplish tint spreading up on sides and
front of head to blend with the glaucous-blue.
Fig. 484. -Carolina Dove, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.) gj.^^j^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^,f ^j^^ SCapulars and
wing-coverts, most of which are c(dored to correspond with back, the larger ones being rather
bluish-plumbeous. Lateral tail-feathers plumbeous-bluish, crossed with a black bar, the outer
4 on each side broadly ended with white. Bill black ; angle of mouth carmine ; iris brown ;
bare skin around eye livid bluish ; feet lake-red, drying dull yellowish. Length about 12.50;
extent about 18.00; wing 5.75; tail the same, the feathers graduated for ^ its length ; cuhnen
0.60; tarsus 0.80; middle toe and claw 1 .00. Adult 9= A little smaller, not purplLsh below,
the rich color replaced by grayish-brown, like back but paler; head and neck with little glau-
cous blue shade, and less iridescent. Young: Like 9; l»ut at an early age the velvety-black
spots and iridescence are wanting, and the general tone is quite gray ; many feathers with
whitish edging, as in the Wild Pigeon, with which not only the colors but the sexual and
juvenile differences are thus closely correspondent. Temperate N. Am., N. to southern British
provinces, most widely diffused of its tribe, abundant in most localities, in st)me swarming —
" millions" in Arizona, for example. S. to the West Indies and Panama. Irregularly migra-
tory, imperfectly gregarious; great numbers may be together, but scarcely in compact Hocks;
breeds throughout its North American range. Terrestrial rather than arboreal, almost always
feeding on the ground ; where very numerous, they become familiar, like Blackbirds in the
columbidjE — zenaidinxE: ground doves. 715
West. Nest in trees (usually low tlown), cactus or bushes, or on ihe ground or a cliff. Eggs
2, or only 1, white, equal-ended, averaging 1.12 X 0.82; 2 or even 3 broods in the South.
During the mating season, where these birds are numerous, their cooing resounds on every
hand. (Z. carolinensis of former editions of the Key, as of most authors, after Columba caro-
linensi!^ Lixx. 17G(), based on Catesbv, pi. 24, 1754; C. mun/inata Lkw. 17(J(i, based on
Edwards, pi. lo, 1750; C. macroura Lixx. 1758, in so far as based on Edwards.)
ZENAI'DA. (A proper name, that of Zeuaide, cousin and wife of Prince C. L. Bonaparte.)
Love Doves. Tail rounded, shorter than wings, of 12 feathers. "Wings long, pointed by 2d
and 3d quills; 1st little shorter. Bill short, slender, black. Feet as in other ZenaiVZin^ ; tarsus
intermediate in length between middle and lateral toes ; those of unequal length, inner a little
the longer. Circumorbital space little bare. Metallic iridescence on neck ; blue-black ear-
spot, and others on wings. Sexes similar. (West Indian and Tropical American.)
Z. zeiiai'da. Zenaida Dove. Adult $ ? : Olive-gray with a reddish tinge ; crown and
nnder parts vinaceous-red ; sides and a.xillars bluish ; a velvety-black subauricular spot, and
others on wing-coverts and tcrtiaries ; secondaries tii)pc(l with white; neck with purplish
metallic lustre; middle tail-feathers like back, others bluisli with whiter tips, a black band
intervening ; bill black with crimson corners of mouth ; iris brown ; feet red ; claws black.
Length 10.00- II. 00; wing 6.00; tail 4.00. West Indies, Yucatan, and Florida Keys, the
latter irregularly, and only as a rare summer visitor, but breeding. Nest usually on the
ground; eggs 2. white, 1.25 X 0.95. (Z. amabilis of former editions of the Key, as of most
authors; Columba zenaida Bp. 1825. According to Sharpe, II. L. 1808, p. 7G, this is C.
meridionalis Lath. 1801, wrongly ascribed to " New Holland."' Cf. Salvad. Br. Mus. Cat.
x.\-i, 180.3, ].. ()4I ; Forbes & Robins., Bull. Liverp. Mus. i, p. 3G.)
3IKLOPKLI'A. ((jlr. ^eXos, melos, melody; rriXfia, i^eleia, a dove.) Wiiite-wixged Doves.
Tail rounded, shorter tlian wing, of 12 broad, rounded feathers. Wings pointed ; 1st, 2d, and
3d primaries nearly e(jual and longest. Bill slender and lengthened, equalling tarsus, black.
A large bare circumorbital space. A blue-black spot below auriculars, but none on wings ;
neck with metallic lustre. A great white space on wing. Feet as in other Zenaiditue. Sexes
similar.
31. leucop'tera. (Gr. \evK6s, leiicos, white; irrepov, pteron, wing.) White- wiXGED Dove.
SiXGiX(r Dove. Adult ^: Wing with a broad white bar oblique from carpal joint to ends of
longest coverts, continued by white edging at and near ends of outer webs of secondaries ; very
conspicuou-s recognizable at gun-shot range. Lower back and rump, some of the middle cov-
erts, lining of wings, and entire under parts from breast, fine lii^ht bluish-ash. Primaries
blackish with narrow white edging. Tail, excepting two middle feathers, slaty-blue, becoming
gradually slaty-black, then broadly and squarely tipped with ashy-white. General color of
back, lesser wing-coverts, inner quills, and middle tail-feathers, olive-bn)wn with some lustre;
tail-feathers browner ; top of head and back of neck purplish-vinous with a slight glaucous
sliade ; sides of neck iridescent with golden-green ; a vi(det or steel-blue spot below auriculars.
r.ill black, very slender. Length U.25-12.25; extent 10.00-20.00; wing (;.(MMi..-)0 ; tail
4.()0-4..')0 ; bill 0.87; tarsus 0.87; middle toe and claw 1.25. 9 scarcely distinguishalile,
tlmugli duller. In tiic youngest, the white wing-bar appears, though there is little or no pur-
plish, or iridescence, or blue-black below ears. Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and
Lower C'alifurnia, and southward to Central America, and the West Indies; sometimes X. to
(''>lnrado (CouEs), breeding anywhere along our stiutliern border, and abundant in suitabli*
luciilities. In the breeding .season, March-June, the sonorous coning of this PtilmiKi cuntadnr,
as the Mexicans call it, is incessant. Nest in bushes and low trees, slight ant! frail, uf sticks
Mild weeds ; eggs 2, rarely 1, white or creamy, averaging 1.18 X 0.88, or a trille more.
<'<)l.l>II{KiALH'NA. ( L.it. cohtinha, a dove, ])igeon, and galliun, a hen : tfallits, n cock.)
DwAKi' Doves. Verv siiiaii. Wings short and broad, with elonuali'd inner secondaries,
iu>!uly ovciTcavliiug piiiujirit-s in the t'oUU'tl wiiii;-. Tail still shurttT tli.iu wing, uoarly even,
o( rj broad tcatlu'is. Uill sliMulcr. ahoiil half as long as lu>ail, mostly yellow. FiH't largely
/enaidino ; tarsus as long as luidillc loc wiiliout elaw. No iridcsoMK-c nor bluc-lilaek spot on
head ; sneh spots on wings. Sexes nidiUe, I'ul A roitles <iinho. {^('lt(ti)htpt'litt ot" nmst writers,
and in all pr«>vions i-ditions of ihe ivey ; l>nl iiuforiiiualely the niiseralde word ('oliinihiijallina
Hoik. Isis, 1S',*(). y. V77 . is foreed npon us by tlie law of priority, in spite .if tlie faet that the
original " I'oluinbigalline " of the nuMidaeious Le \'aillaut was a fictitious Afriean bird,
made up of a tan\e pi>;-eon arlilieially fuied with earuneles, later type of tht> bogus ueinis IVr-
nilid : (;/'. SiNi>. T.Mit. IS?."?, p. 1»S. and (."oii'.s. Auk. IS!>7. p. •,'!.').)
C piisstM'l'na torrcs'trls. {^\ji\\. paaseriint, sparrow-like; from the pyguiy stature; l.at. /<v-
irstris, terrt>strial. of the ground; icrra, the earth, land. Fig. -ISo.) (.Jkoinu Dovi'.. Adult
(jf: (.»rayish-oliv(>. glosst>d with blue on hind liead and neeU. most feathers of fon>-parts with
darker ediii>s. those of breast with dusky I'entrt-s. Foreliead. sides of head and ueek, lesst>r
wiug-eoverts and under parts purplish-red of variable iniiMisity. pal(M- or grayish on belly and
crissuiu; vnider snrfaee of wings orange-brown or ehestnui. this eolor snlfiisiug quills to a great
oxtent; upper surface of wings sprinkled with lustrous steel-blu(> spots. Middle tail-feathers
like baek. others plumbeous, blaekeniug toward ends, with pal(>r tips. Feet yellow; bill y(>l-
low with dark tip. Pimiiuitive : length t;..')()-7.(K) ; extent 10.00-11.00; wing l{..")0, with inner
seeoudari<'s mvuly as long as primarit>s ; tail "J.?."), rounded: bill 0 1."): tarsus O.tw ; middle too
and elaw 0.7.">. 9 and young ditfer as those o{ thi> Wild Pigeon and Carolina l>ove do, tho
jnu'plish tints being re|)lae(Hl by gray or "ashes of roses," the very young bird having wliitish
skirtiuii' of the feathers. South .\tlantie and Ciulf States, breeding from S. Carolina to TiOU-
isiana. ehietly coastwise; N. accidentally to Washington, D. C., and Now York; also West
Indies and north(>rn South America : commo\i on its V . S. range. Xost on tho ground or
in bushes iiuiilf.-rently ; eg^s '-. white. 0.S7 ,\ 0 t)-"?. mostly laid March to ,)nne, in sonu' cases
through the summer and early autumn. {Cli(iiiii(iH-li(i ixinscrinn of all foruuM'ods. of the Key.)
V. p. pallosooiis. (Lat. pdllcuct'ns, bleaching.') Mi'.XUWN Gkouno Povk. Scarcely dilferent;
described as palor. Cajio St. Lucas, 1>.VHU>, 1S,")!> ; range since extended to iiududo tho M(>xi-
can border of tht> U. S. from Lower California to Texas, and S. coastwise in Mexico to Central
America. This form, which 1 have kept in all (>ditions of the Key, I87xJ-l)5. was ignored by
mo.st writers for many years, but has lately been recogniz»>d as l\iliii)ihi(jaUi)ia ]Hisst'ri)ia pal-
lmrn!i : A. 0. V. List.',M ed. ISD."), No. :V20 a : see Key, -1th o.l. ISDO. p. WA.
SC.\K1>.\KK1V1..\.. (Italian, signalizing tho scaly appearance of the feathers, duo to their
color.) Siii'.i.l, Dovi's. Tail of pin-uliar shape, double-rounded, median and lateral feathers
both shorter than intermediate ones; all narrow and tapering- : i'J in number. Wings as in
Coliti>ihi(iiiUiii(t. TmU very slender, rather long, black. Fet>t not typically zenaidine: tarsus
very short, slightly feathered above. Xo blue-black spots on head or wings; no iridesconco
on nock. Size very small. Sexes similar. Uemarkable genus, of 0 tropical American si>o-
oios, one reaching our border.
iS, ill ei». t^Inca or i/ucas, a IVruvian title.) Inca Dove. Sc.\lki> Dove. Adult ^ ^ :
Above, iiravisb-brown with the usual olive shade, anteriorly also with a slight " aslu^s of
roses" hue; below, pale ashydilac. changin<;- to i>chracei)us on belly and crissum — nearly all
tho plumage marked with black crescentic edges of the feathers, producing tho shelly or scaly
a[ipearance, which becomes indistinct on tho breast. Primaries and their coverts chestnut,
with blackish ends; lining of wings black and chestnut ; outer secondaries blackish with chest-
nut central areas, gradually din>inishing till tho inner secondaries assimilate with color of back.
Middle tail-featbors like back: ;? lateral ones basally plumbeous, then black, thou broadly
tipped with white — tho black rui\ning out into tho white as u sh.ift-line. Iris reddish : foot
pale pink. Young similar, but with little or uo ashy-rosy, and sprinkled with white on upper
parts. Lent;th ;ibont S.OO ; wiusi' o.7."> : tail more: bill 0. l."> : tarsus O.TiO ; middle toe and
COIJ'MI'.IhA-: ZENAlhlS/i:-. ClUXJNh DOVIIS.
717
cIjivv 0.H7. A v<iy pnMly liltl*' I)<.vr, vvilli ifi;tli<.!/;itiy wirigM U[»liolMf.<;rwl in M}i<-ll-fiK"irwl axlwH-
of-roncH velvet,; a eurioijH rriitii;it mm- '.f iIm- r;iiolwi,i ho-.i- in r.,Mii. f ! n,.t< rn.il.i :iiirl Mexifjo to
'i exaM, New Mexieo, Arizriiia, aii<l Lower ( '.iliti-i lii.i, in tlic L, S. rlii. lly aluhi; li.i l<(,r(ler,
whoro (;oiriiiiori in Horiie |tia(:eH, Imt irremilarly <li)*tril»iite<l, breeding May-SeptetuWr. Next
in hiiHfieH, fairly well built ; eg«« 2, wliite, O.fM) / 0.70 to O.H.'i / O.O.'i.
718
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSFS. — COLUMB^— PERISTER^.
GEOTRY'GON. (Gr. yea, gea, the earth; rpvyav, trugon, a cooer.) Lustre Doves. Tail
about as long as wings, little rounded, of 12 broad rounded feathers, with curved shafts.
Wings short, rounded ; 3d and 4th quills longest, 2d and 4th little shorter, 1st much shorter.
Feet strongly zenaidine ; tarsus not shorter than middle toe and clavA^ ; still, scutellate in front,
and hind toe more than half as long as the middle, jjerfectly insistent. Bill rather long and
stout; frontal feathers obtuse on culmen. Head and wings without blue-black spots; whole
upper parts highly lustrous. Medium size ; form stocky, somewhat quail-like, but tail long.
Sexes similar. Approaching Starnoenas, but at a distance. West Indian and Tropical
American.
G. chry'sia. (Gr. ;^pvcrioi', chrusion, a piece of gold.) Key West Dove. Bridled Dove.
Adult (^ 9 • Above, vinaceous-red with highly iridescent lustre of various tints, amethystine on
the back, but greenish on the nape; below, pale purplish fading to creamy; Avings and tail
mostly cinnamon; a white infra-ocular stripe, and below this a dark malar stripe, bill red;
feet pink; iris brown. Length 11.00;
wing about 6.00 ; tail about 5.00. Cuba,
Haiti, the Bahamas, and Key West,
Florida, where only once observed of late
(Sept. 15, 1889. See Scott, Auk, Jan.
1890, p. 90), though seeming to have
been common in Audubon's time. Nest-
ing as described, not peculiar ; eggs 2,
pale buff, 1.25 X 0.95, laid Feb.-July
(in Cuba). G. martinica of former edi-
tions of the Key, as of most authors ; A.
0. U. Check List, 1st ed. 1886, No. [322.] ;
but the bird which visits Cuba proves to
be the somewhat different G. clirysia Bp.
Consp. ii, 1854, p. 72 ; Salvad. Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxi, 1893, p. 571 ; A. 0. U.
Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 126,
No. [322.].
G. inouta'ua. (Lat. , inhabiting moun-
tains.) Buddy Dove. Mountain
Dove. Adult $ 9 '■ Closely resembling
G. clirysia (and G. martinica) ; less bril-
liantly amethystine, and of nearly or
quite uniform tint over all tlie upper ])arts, wliich may be called purplish-rufous ; under parts
similar, n(»t paling to creamy or white on the throat and vent, but to tawny buff; no white
infra-ocular bar, but two poorly defined dark stripes on each side of the throat and head. Young
dark brown with an olive cast above, and usually some rusty markings, more rufous and buffy
on the lower parts ; quills more extensively dusky than in the adults. Smaller than clirysia
and martinica: wing under 6.00; tail under 4.00. Eggs 1.10 X 0.85, rounded oval, pale
creamy or salmon buff. A long and well-kuown inhabitant of tropical and subtropical America,
including the West Indies, N. to E. Mexico and Cuba, taken at Key West, Florida, Dec. 8,
1888 : see Scott, Auk, April, 1889, p. 160, and July, 1889, p. 246. Columha montana,
Linn. 1758; Geotrygon Montana, Bp. Consp. Av. II, 1854, p. 72; COUES, Key, 4th ed.
1890, p. 904; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [322. 1.].
Fig. 48G. — Blue-headed Quail D^
IJrehm.)
GALLIN.E: GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 719
Subfamily STARNCENADIN/E : Quail Doves.
See p. 709. Hallux not porft'ctly iusistout ; short, only about \ as long as middle toe and
claw. Feet large and stout ; tarsus longer than middle toe, entirely bare of feathers even on
the joint, completely covered with small hexagonal scales. With cueca, but without oil-gland
or ambiens muscle, the reverse of Zenaidince, of wliich it is a remarkable outlying form, grad-
ing toward gallinaceous birds in structure and habits ; like some Partridges, even to the special
head-markings. Including one isolated American genus and species, not referable to any
established Old World group.
STARXCE'XAS. {Starna, name of a genus of partridges ; Gr. olvds, rmas, a dove.) Quail
Doves. In addition to the foregoing: Bill short, stout; frontal feathers projected in a point
on culmen. Wings short, broad, vaulted and much rounded ; 1st primary reduced. Tail
short, broad, nearly even. Size medium ; whole form and appearance quail-like. West
Indian.
S. oyanoce'phala. (Gr. Kvauos, Jcxanos, blue; KfcfyaXrj, kephale, head. Fig. 486.) Blue-
headed Quail Dove. Crown ricli blue bounded by black ; a white stripe under eye, meeting
its fellow on chin ; throat black, bordered with white. General color olivaceous-chocolate
above, purplish-red below, lighter centrally. Length 11.00; wing 5.50 ; tail 4.50. Cuba;
Florida Keys, rare or casual, and not observed there of late years ; apparently also decreasing
in Cuba. Nest in bushes, April and May ; eggs 2, white or bufl'y, 1.40 X 1-05.
Order GALLING : Gallinaceous Birds ; Fowls.
Equivalent to the old order Rasores, exclusive of Pigeons — this name being derived from
the characteristic habit of scratching the ground in search of food ; connecting the lower ter-
restrial Pigeons with the higher members of the great Plover-Snipe group. On the one hand,
it .shades into the Columhce so perfectly that Huxley has projio-sed to call the two together the
" Gallo-colnmbine series ;" on the other hand, some of its genera show a strong plover-ward
tendency, and have even been placed in Limicolee. I have already (p. 70G) noted the inoscu-
lation of Gallina; with Columhce by means of the grouse-like Pigeons, Pierocletes ; it remains
to indicate the limits of Gallince in other directions, by referring to two remarkable groups, one
represented by Opisthocomus alone, the other consisting of Hemipods or Turnices. Both of
tliese have usually been wrongly referred to Gallina;.
1. The wonderful Hoatzin of Guiana, Ojnsthocomus cristatus, is one of the most isolated
and ])uzzling forms in ornithology, sometimes placed near MHSophcujida', but assigned by
maturer judgment to the neighborhood of the fowls, which it resembles in many respects, as an
independent order Opisthocomi, sole relict of an ancestral type. The sternum and shoulder-
girdle are anomalous ; the keel is cut away in front; tiie furcula anchylose with the coracoids
(very rare) and with the manubrium of the sternum (unique); the digestive system is scarcely
less singular; the clawed digits persi,st separate for some time; and other characters are re-
markable. On the vvhcde, this bird suggests the Jurassic Ardueopteri/x, and some have hinted
at a primary division of living Aves for its sole accommodation.
2. The Bush-quails or Button-quails of the Old World, Titrnieidcr, differ widely from
G(dlinfr, resembling Grouse-pigeons and Tinamous in some respects, and related to Plovers in
others. A singular cliaracter is a lack of the exten.sive vertebral anchyloses usual in birds, all
the vertebrae remaining distinct. Tlie palatal structure is curiously like that of Passeies
(a^githognathous). The crop is said to be wanting in some ; as is also the hind toe (except in
Prdloiiomus), and one carotid. Tiic nature is ptilopa^dic ami prajcocial ; eggs J3-5, spotted.
720 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLING — PERISTEROPODES.
There are some 20 species of the wide-ranging principal genus, Tiirnix, and the single Austra-
lian Pedionomus torquatus. The singular Ortyxelus meiffreni is ranged here by some authors,
by others referred to the Limicolce. Late studies of the group have resulted in the view that it
should represent a distinct order, Hemipodii or Turnices.
Elimination of these non-conformable elements renders the Gallince susceptible of much
better definition, as follows : —
Bill generally short, stout, convex, with obtuse vaulted tip, not constricted in continuity,
wholly hard and corneous except in the nasal fossa. Toinia of upper mandible overlapping
lower ; culmen high on forehead, the frontal feathers there forming a re-entrance, with more
or less salience on both sides. Nostrils scaled or feathered, in a short abrupt fossa. Legs
usually feathered to suffrago, often to toes, sometimes to claws. Hallux never absent, elevated
(except in Cracidce and Megapodidce), normally shorter tlian anterior toes. Tarsus generally
broadly scutellate, when \wi feathered. Front toes commonly webbed at base. Claws blunt,
little curved. Wings short, strong, vaulted. Kectrices commonly more than 12 (not moi'e in
Cracidce). Head and brain small in proportion to body, as in Pigeons. Plumage with after-
shafts. Wings quintocubital. Oil-gland tufted, nude, or absent. Carotids two (except in
Megapodidce). No intrinsic syringeal muscles as a rule. Sternum generally deeply doubly-
notched, external xiphoid process flaring out over the ribs, its end expanded ; furculum witli a
hypoeleidium. Palate schizognathous. Nasal bones holorhinal. True basipterygoid proc-
esses absent, but represented by sessile facets situated fiir forward on the basisphenoidal ros-
trum. Angle of mandible produced into a recurved process. Cervical vertebrae 16. Pectoral
muscles 3 ; the 2d extensive : fetnorocaudal variable ; accessory femorocaudal, semitendinosus,
accessory semitendinosus, ambiens and expansor of the secondaries present. Feet desmopelmous
in the usual way. Intestinal coeca extensive ; gizzard muscular ; crop large ; gall bladder
present. Nature prsecocial and ptilopsedic, typically polygamous ; eggs numerous. Chiefly
terrestrial.
The order thus defined is equivalent to Alectoromorphce of Huxley (1867), minus Ptero-
cletes and Hemipodii. The birds composing it fall into two series or suborders, according to
structure of feet and more essential characters.
Suborder PERISTEROPODES : Pigeon-toed Fowls.
(Suborder Penelopes, A. 0. U.)
Framed to accommodate Old World Megapodidce, or Mound-birds, and American Cracidce^
or Curassows.
The Mound-birds, Megapodidce, as the name implies, have large feet, with lirtle-curved
claws, and lengthened insistent hallux. They share this last feature with Cracidce (beyond) ;
and the osseous structure of these two families, except as regards pneumaticity, is strikingly
similar. Both show a modification of the sternum, tlie inner erne of the two notches being less
instead of more than lialf as deep as the sternum is long, as in typical Gallince. The oil-gland
is nude (tufted in Cracidce). The wing is aquintocubital (contrary to the rule in Gcdlincc).
Megapods do not incubate, but bury their eggs in the ground ; the young pass through the
downy stage in the egg, hatching with true feathers and able to fly almost immediately
(p. 2.32). They are confined to Australia, Oceania, and the East Indies ; Megapodius is the
principal genus, of 12 or more species ; others are Leipoa ocellata of Australia ; Tcdegcdlus
cuvieri and other Papuan species ; Catlieturus lathami of Australia ; the Papuan J^jji/podim
bruijni and ^. arfakianus ; with MegacejjJialon mcdeo, the mallee-bird of Celebes.
CRACIDjE — PENELOPIN.E: GUANS. 721
Family CRACID^: Curassows, Guans, etc.
This type is peculiar to America, where it may be considered to represent Megapodidce,
though differing so much in habit and general appearance. The affinities of the two have been
indicated, and some essential characters noted ; they are contrasted by Beddard in the char-
acters of the shorter hind toe, tufted dil-gland, two carotids, generally coiled trachea and
absence of biceps slip, in Cracidce. According to latest authorities on the family, it is divisible
into three subfamilies: Craeina;, Curassows and Hoccos, with 4 genera, Crax, Nothocrax,
Mitua, and Pauxis, whereof the first named has 10 species, the second one, the third three,
and the fourth one, or 15 altogether; Oreophasince, with a single genus and species, Oreophasis
derbianus, and the
Subfamily PENELOPIN/E : Cuans,
with 6 or 7 genera and many species, one of wliich reaches our border. None of the Penelo-
pime are helmeted, or have other hard outgrowths or curly feiithers on the head, but they are
mostly wattled, with more or less of the throat bare ; in all, the inner web of the 1st primary is
more or less emarginate. Extralimitul genera are Penelope, Penelopina, Pipile, Ahurria, and
Chanucpctes.
OU'TALIS. (Gr. opraXis, ortalis, a pullet.) GuANS. Head crested; its sides, and strips
on chin, naked, but no median wattle. Tarsi naked, scutellate before and behind, with small
scales between the scutellar rows. Hind toe insistent, about ^ the middle toe. Tail o-radu-
ated, ample, fan-shaped, longer than the much rounded wings, of 12 broad, obtuse feathers.
Wings short, concavo-conve.^, with abbreviated outer primaries ; .secondaries reaching about
to ends of longest primaries when the wing is folded. Bill slender for a gallinaceous bird,
without decided frontal antiae. Coloration greenisli. Sexes alike. In some points of size,
shape, and general aspect, there. is a curious superficial resemblance between this genus and
Geococci/x, though the two genera belong to different orders of birds.
O. ve'tula inacoal'li. (Lat. vetula, a little old woman. To Geo. A. McCall.) Tf..\.\.n
GuAN. CllACHALACA. Dark glossy olivaceous, paler and tinged with brownish-yellow be-
low, plumbeous on head ; tail lustrous green, tipped witli grayi,sli-white except on middle pair
(if feathers; bill and feet plumbeous; iris brown. Length 22.00-24.00 ; extent 24.00-28.00 ;
wing 7.50-9.00 ; tail 9.00-11.00 ; tarsus 2.00 or more ; middle toe and claw about the same.
9 similar. Downy young : Above, mixed brown, ashy and tawny, with a black central stripe
from l)ill to tail ; below white, ashy on jugulum. Mexico to Texas in the Lower Kio Grande
Valley, abounding in some localities. A notable bird, unlike anything else in this country.
Easily domesticated, said to be used as a game fowl. Very noisy in the breeding season,
April-June, reiterating the syllables cha-cha-lac in a loud hoarse tone. Nest in bushes, a
slight structuie ; eggs 3-4, rarely 5, with a thick, granular, and very hard shell, like a Guinea
Fowl's, obl(jng-oval, buff-colored or creamy-wliite, large for the bird, averaging 2.85 X l.(>5.
Suborder ALECTOROPODES : True Fowls.
{Suborder Piiasiani, A. 0. U.)
Tlie birds of this suborder are more or less perfectly terrestrial; legs of mean length, and
stout ; toes 4, 3 in front, generally ccmuccted by basal webbing but sometimes free, and one
behind, alw;iys short and elevated. Tibife rarely naked below; tarsi often featliered, as the
toes also sometimes are ; but ordinarily both these are naked, scutellate and reticulate, ami
often deveh)ping processes (spurs) of horny substance with a bony core, like liorns of cattle.
Bill as a rule short, stout, convex, obtu.se; never cered, nor extensively membranous; the base
(if culmcn jiarts prominent antiae, which frequently fill the na.sal foss«> ; when naked the nos-
tiils siiow a superincumbent .scale. The head is frequently naked, wholly or partly, and often
722 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
develops remarkable fleshy processes. Tlie quintociibital wings are short, stout, and concavo-
convex, conferring power of rapid, whirring, but unprotracted tlight. The tail varies ex-
tremely ; it is very small in some genera, enormously developed in others ; the rectrices vary
in number, but are commonly more than 12. The sternum sliows a peculiar conformation ;
the posterior notches seen in most birds are inordinately enlarged, so that the bone, viewed
vertically, seems in most of its extent to be simply a narrow central projection or keel, the
lophosteon, with two long processes on each side, the inner one of which is simply directed
backward, but the other is flaring and hammer-shaped. There are other distinctive osteologi-
cal characters, as already noted. The digestive system presents an ample special crop, a highly
muscular gizzard, and large coeca. The inferior larynx is always devoid of intrinsic muscles ;
the structure of the trachea varies with the genera, presenting some curious modifications.
Tliere are after-shafts, and a circlet around the oil-gland. Alectoropodes are praecocial and
ptiioptedic. A part of them are polygamous — a circumstance shown in its perfection by the
sultan of the dung-hill with his disciplined harem; and in all such, the sexes are conspicuously
dissimilar. The rest are monogamous, and the sexes of these are as a rule nearly or quite
alike. The eggs are very numerous, usually laid on the ground, in a rude nest, or none. The
suborder is cosmopolitan; but most of its groups have a special geographical distribution. Its
great economic importance is perceived in all forms of domestic poultry, and principal game-
birds of various countries ; and it is unsurpassed in beauty — some of these birds offer the most
gorgeous coloring of the class.
Genetically, Fowls are nearer than most birds to a generalized, old-fashioned type. They
have relations in the curiously ostrich-like Tinamous of South America {Tinamidcc or Cryp-
turi), the Hoatzin (Opisthoco)ims), and other antique relicts. Notice a (juarter-grown Turkey
with tliis idea in mind, and you will hardly fail to see that it looks like an Ostrich in
miniature.
Leading types of existing Alectoropod GallincE are : (1) tlie Quail or Partridge; (2) the
Grouse ; (3) the Domestic Cock ; (4) the Turkey ; (5) the Guinea Fowl ; respectively tlie
bases of the families (1) Perdicidce, (2) Tetraonidce^ (3) Phasianidcs, (4) Mcleagrididcie, (5)
NunndidfC. Quail or Partridges, and Grouse, are indigenous to both hemispheres; the
Pheasant family is confined to the Old World, but some species have been introduced and
naturalized in the United States ; Turkeys are peculiar to America. Guinea Fowl or Pintados
are an African and Madagascarian family, of which one species, Numida meleagris, is com-
monly seen in domestication. There are 6 species of this genus, in some of which the trachea
is convoluted in an appendage of the furculum ; the frontal bone develops a process to support
a fleshy process on the head, which is naked, wrinkled, and bristly ; the very short tail has 36
feathers, and is carried downward ; there are wattles, but no spurs. Gnttera is the genus of
crested Pintados, spurless, with 16 rectrices ; there are 4 species, as G. cristata. Phasidus
niger is the Black Guinea Fowl, with 14 rectrices, the ^ with blunt spurs. Agelastes melea-
grides has also spurs and 14 rectrices. In the remarkable Acryllium vulturinus the tarsi of
the ^ bear several knobs, the long cuneate tail has 16 rectrices, and the feathers of the neck
resemble the hackles of the Domestic Cock. The Pintado family is chai'acterized by a pecul-
iarity of the principal metacarpal bone, which has no backward process, and by the outward
Inclination of the costal processes ; it is thought by some to furnish a link between Peristero-
podes and Alectoropodes. The oiher four families are fully treated beyond.
Family PHASIANID^: Pheasants, etc.
The most magnificent fiimily of typical Gallintc, of wliich the Domestic Cock is a charac-
teristic example. The tarsi and toes, the nasal fossae, and usually some of the head, if not the
whole, are naked, and often furnished with fleshy outgrowths, as combs, wattles, horns, ear-
PIIA SI A N1D.E — PIIA SI A NINjE : PIIEA SA NTS. 7 23
lappets, dewlaps, etc. ; some of these caruncular formations are of fixed size and shape; others
are of a soft erectile tissue, which varies in dimensions with sexual excitement; in some cases
there is a special bony support of such protuberance. The head is often crested with feathers
of ordinary character, or again of special shape or texture. The tarsi commonly develop spurs,
especially in the $, sometimes also in the 9; these spurs are as a rule one on each foot, but
may be two, three, or more. The feet are never feathered below the suflfraco, ex('ei)tiiig in
some artificial varieties of the Domestic Cock. The claws are always fairly developed (that
of the hallux is sometimes rudimentary or defective in Perdicidcc), and the most characteri.stic
lial)it of these birds, as of other Gallincc, is to scratch the ground for food ; they are thus
rasorial. The general plumage, though so often extremely brilliant, is rather dry and hard ;
the birds do not wasli in water, but take sand-baths; whence Pulveratores as a name of th(.-ir
order. The wings are of moderately variable sliape, only presenting an extraordinary figure
in tlic Argus Pheasants, whicli have the secondaries enormously elongated. Excepting in the
genus Phaminns itself, the 1st primary is short — shorter than the 10th ; and this seemingly
trivial character is pi'obably the most satisfactory one that can be found to separate the Fhasi-
armhe as a family from the Perdictdce (see beyond under bead of the latter family). The most
variable member in Phasianidce is the tail, which, taken either with or without its cctverts,
lias an extraordinary development in many of the genera. Thus, in the Peaccjck, Paro cris-
tatiis, the tail-coverts firm a superb train, capable of being erected and spread into a disc, the
most gorgeous object in ornithology ; in the Argus Pheasants the middle rectrices are ex-
tremely elongate; in the Reeves' Pheasant the length of the tail is very great. The com-
pressed or folded tail of domestic poultry is familiar, yet it is a rare formation, except in the
present family. The number of rectrices is more variable than in any other family of birds,
and even difiers in ojtposite sexes of some species. These feathers run from 12 to 20 in most
genera, but there are only 10 in Ophnjsia (if really belonging here), while in Lobiophasift there
are 28 9~'^~ S- ^" general the P/uisianid(e are polygamous ; the outward marks of sex are
strong, as a rule, the female lacking any extraordinary development of plumage, the spurs,
etc. ; but in some cases the sexes are (piite similar.
Phusiunidce belong exclusively to the Old World, and are specially numerous and diversi-
fied in Asia; the number of si)ecies now known is nearly lOU, usually referred to about 45
genera.
Subfamily PHASIANIN/E: Pheasants,
including the Pea-fowl, the Domestic Cock, and all tlie birds to which the name Pheasant is
pro]ierly applicable. It is only of late years that the richness ot this group has been devel-
()ped by the discovery of strange types in the interior tif Asia and elsewhere. The subfamily
has not hitherto figured in the Key; but more than one species of Phnsiauuft has of late been
introduced and naturalized in the United States; and in giving tliis genus :i place I may note
some of the leading types of the subfamily. At the head of the series, at least io size and
sliowiness, stands the Peacock, Pavo cristutus, native of India, now domesticated all over the
worhl. The true rectrices are only 20, the coverts forming the voluminous train of the ^.
P. mnticKs is the only other well-established species of I'avu. Argnsifniits is the genus of
Argus Pheasants of two or three .species from the Malay countries, etc., with the inordinately
long secondaries and middle tail-feathers of the (J, and much of the plumage eyed. Jihein-
hdrdtius occUatus of Toukiu s!i;ires the Innir tail of the last named, but not the exat:i:erated
.secondaries; in both, the rcctiiccs arc 12. The several species of I'oh/jilectnm, vviih-Iy dis-
tributed in the Orient, have two <ir three sjiurs ou each foot hi the <J, and ocellat'-d tail-feathers,
20-24 in number; P. cliinqnis und P. hiailmrntum are examples. The genus (VuilcKnis, of one
Sumatran species, is related to these, but lacks ocelli, Jind the tail is very lontr, as in ordinary
IMieasants. The genus <i,iUii< in.lnd.s the .lungh'-fowl, tVom wliich tlic familiar ctn-k and
724
5 YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — GA LL IN.E — ALEC TOR OP ODES.
hen of the poultry yard have been developed in all their astonishing variation under artificial
conditions. Were these normal, they would constitute several good genera. The teclmical
generic characters are the peculiarly folded tail of 14-16 feathers, the hackles of the neck and
rump, the spurs, wattles, and comb. The established wild species are 4 : G. gallus, hankiva,
or ferrugineus, G. lafai/etiei, G. sonnerati, and G. varius ; they are wide ranging in Asia and
many of its islands, and the first named is supposed to be the main origin of
our poultry. The Macartneys are several species of the genus Lophura, with
the 16-feathered tail compressed as in Gallus, a peculiar crest, and spurs ;
the plumage is extremely brilliant, as in the fire-backed Pheasant, L. ignita.
This is the genus oftener called Euplocomus ; one of its species, L. diardi, is
till- t_\{ic (if Diardigallus. The Painted or Golden and Amherstian Pheas-
ants, Chrysolophus pictus and C amherstite, are singularly beau-
tiful birds, even among their showy kind, having a long vaulted
tail of 18 feathers, and in the ^ a full crest, a peculiar
erectile cape or frill on the neck, and a pair of spurs ;
they are often seen in confinement, far from their Tibe-
tan and Chinese homes. The Pucras are six or more
Asiatic species of the genus Pucrasia, as P. macrolopha
with long cuueate tail of 10 feathers, and in
the $ a long crest, besides peculiar ear-tufts,
and a pair of spurs. Pucrasia nipalensis is
the type of a genus Gallophasis, and one of
several species which share with some of the
members of Gennceus the name of Ka-
leege or Kalij Pheasant. The genus
■ Genntsus, usually called Nyctliemerus,
includes the Silver Pheasant G. nyctlie-
merus, mostly white above and black be-
low, with a pair of spurs, a crest,
and long compressed tail of 16
feathers ; others are the white-
crested G. albocristatus ; the Ne-
paul Pheasant, G. leucomelanns ;
Sylhet Pheasant, G. horsfieldi ;
Pheasant related to these, if not
The Cheer or Wallich's Pheasant
related to Phasianus proper. In
is peculiarly long and loose, with
and full rounded tail of 20-24
5, C. tibetanum, C. leiicurum, C.
habit high mountains, and are
of all Pheasants is the lately dis-
FiG. 487. — English Pheasant, PhasUtmis colchicus.
(From Dixon.)
the Chittygong Pheasant, G- muthura ; tlie
the Lineated, G. lineatus, etc A Formosan
of the same genus, is Hieroj^hasis swinhoei.
is Catreus wullichi, of the Himalayas, closely
the genus Crossoptilon of interior Asia the plumage
curly feathers on the head, ear-tufts, a pair of spurs,
feathers ; of these Eared Pheasants the species are
mantchuricum, C. auritum, and C. harmani ; all in-
called Snow Pheasants. One of the most remarkable
covered Lobiophasis bidweri of Borneo, the ^ of which has three pairs of fleshy lappets on the
head, a pair of spurs, and 32 rectrices — 28 in the 9 • I" the three species of Acomus, the short
compressed tail has 14 rectrices, and there are spurs in both sexes; A. erythrophtludimis is IMa-
layan, A. jiyronotus inhabits Borneo, and A. inornatus is Sumatran. The refulgent Impeyans
or Monauls constitute the genus Loj)liophorus, with a moderate rounded tail of 18 feathers,
and a slender aigrette on the head, like a Peacock's ; such are L. impeyanus of Cashmere,
L. refulgens of the Himalayas from Bhotan to Afghanistan, L. Vhuysi of Szechuen and Koko-
uor, and finally L. (Chalcophasis) sclateri of Assam. In tlie curious Satyrs, constituting the
PHASIANIDyE — PHASTANIX.E: PHEASANTS. 725
genus Tragopan, the ^ has a pair of fleshy horns and a large dewlap ; the tail is 18-feathered.
These horned l*iieasants inhabit India, China, etc. ; there are 5 species, T. satyra, T. melano-
cephalus, T. temmincJci, T. blytJd, and 'T. caboti. In tlie Sanguine or Blood Pheasant, Itha-
genes cnientus, the plumage is varied with crimson, black, white, green, etc.; the tail is 14-
feathered, and the ^ has two or three pairs of spurs. This species inhabits Nepaul, Sikkim,
Bhotan, and Thibet; the others of the genus are I. geoffroyi and I. sinensis. This rapid
glance at Plmsianince omits a few forms on the boundary of the subfamily, where it inosculates
with tlie Partridges, and is exclusive of the largest central genus, as follows: —
PHASIA'NUS. (Gr. (Paaiavos. 2)h(tsia>ios, hai. jihasianus, a pheasant, i.e. the Phasian bird,
so called from the Phasis, a river in Colchis now called the Rioui.) PHEASANTS. Tail long
or very long, cuneate, of J 8, seldom 16, feathers, of whicli the middle pair are long-cxserted ;
tail as a whole straight or a little drooping, but not completely folded. Wings moderate, with
1st primary excepticnially long in this subfamily, about equalling the 8th. Sides of head more
or less naked about the eyes, and with a tuft over each ear, but no crest on the crown. ^
single-spurred. 9 smaller than ^, and much less elegantly attired. The largest genus of
Plmsianince, of about iJO species, ranging in a state of nature from southeastern Europe across
Asia and in Formosa. There are several subgenera or sections. In P. ellioti, type of Calophasis,
tiie rectrices are only 10. This species, in which the plumage is in part black and white, in-
liabits some portions of China. The related P. humifC, also with 16 tail-feathers, is found in
Burmah. The other species all have 18 rectrices. The tail attains its maximum length in
P. recvesi of China, type of the genus Sgrmaticus ; in this the total length of the ^ may reach
6^ feet, of which the tail may be about 5 feet ; and the plumage is extremely beautiful.
Scemniering's Pheasant (see below) is type of Graphophasianiis. The remaining species
form a compact grotip, fairly well represented by the following species iutroiluced and to some
extent naturalized in our country :
Analysis of Species ((f).
A pair of occipital plumicorns. Neck burnished blue. {Subge/ius Phasianus.)
Breast coppery chestnut, with black scallops. No white collar colchicus
A white collar torquntus
Breast rich dark green versicolor
No occipital plinnicorns. (Subgenus Graphophasianus.)
Neck coppery chestnut scrmmeringi
P. col'chicus. (Lat. of Colcliis. Fig. 487.) Common Pheasant. English Piikasant.
Adult J : Head and neck burnished blue with green, bronze, or purplish reflections ; no white
collar. Back orange-brown, witli dark greenish scallops and otlier variegation ; rump and upper
tail-coverts rufous, with black and reddish variegation. Breast coppery-chestnut, with pur-
plisli edgings of tlie feathers, and some greenish gloss. Tail olive-brown, edged with purplish-
rufous, and cros.sed with remote black bars of increasing width fn>ni ba.se to tip. Bare skin of
head scarlet. Length very variable, according to development of the tail, but up to 3 feet :
tail 21.00 or less ; wing 10.00. Adult 9 much smaller and less richly colored ; length about
2 feet ; tail a foot ; wing 8.50. Native of Asia Minor, N. to the Volga, E. in southern Turkey
to Greece; introduced into Britain prior to A.u. 10.56, and long perfectly naturalized there, as
in various (tther European countries; the principal game of English preserves: lately intro-
duced in the Eastern U. S., but whether naturalized remains to be seen.
I', torqua'tus. (Lat. having a torques, or collar ; collan'd.) King Piikasant. .Vdult ^ :
Closely resembling the last; a white ring around the neck. Cliin.i, and other Asiatic countries;
lately introduced in Oregon, and perhaps naturalized.
IV versicolor. (Lat. veisicolorus, many-hiicd or of changeable coloration.) (Jukkn I'iikasant.
Jai'AN Piikasant. Adult ,$ '■ ^I'"^'^ of the under parts rich dark green; back the sumo,
glossed with pnrpli.sh and varied with bulT; top of head bronzy green as in the foregoing;
726
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN^E — ALECTOROPODES.
rump and upper tail coverts plain greenish slate-color ; tail with hroad black bars throughout.
Length about 2-^ feet; tail 1^; wing 9.50 inches. 9 smaller; length 2 feet or less; tail
under 1 foot ; wing
8 00 inches ; feathers
of back with black
centres and usually
buff shaft - stripes ;
those of under parts
mostly black -barred.
Japan; lately intro-
duced and apparently
naturalized in Ore-
gon.
P. scemmer'ingi.
(To the noted Ger-
man anatomist and
physiologist, Samuel
Thomas von SiJm-
m e r i n g, Jan. 18,
I755-March2,1830.)
CoppKR Pheasant.
SoMMERiNG Pheas-
ant. Adult $ :
Above, including
^ head and neck, chest-
nut, shot with pur-
ple and gold ; rump
btreaked with white ;
tail chestnut, tipped
with black, the mid-
dle feathers barred
throughout with
darker chestnut,
black, and light mot-
tling, the three kinds
of marking in regu-
lar series ; the chest-
nut feathers of under parts with pale margins ; primaries and secondaries blackish, mottled
and margined irregularly with rufous. Length 3 oi: 4 feet ; tail 2^-3 feet ; wing 9.00 inches.
Adult 9 : Much smaller ; length about 1^ feet ; wing and tail about 8.50 inches ; coloration
lighter and more varied than in the $ ; most of the tail-feathers plain chestnut with subter-
minal black bar and white tip. A large handsome Pheasant, the $ very long-tailed and
short- winged ; native of some of the Japanese islands, lately introduced and apparently natural-
ized in Oregon.
Fig. 488. —Turkey. (From Lewis.)
Family MELEAGRIDID^ : Turkeys.
Head and upper neck naked, carunculate ; in our species with a dewlap on the tliroat, and
erectile process on the crown. Tarsi naked, scutellate before and behind, spurred in the $.
Tail broad, rounded, of 14-18 feathers. Plumage compact, lustrous ; in our species with a
ME LEA GRIDIDuE : TURKS VS.
727
^^s^
tuft of hair-like feathers hanging on the breast ; most of the feathers remarkably broad or
even truncate. One genus, two species, peouliar to America. M. ocellatus is the very beau-
tiful Turkey of Central America, especially Yucatan and Honduras, smaller than ours, but
much more richly iridescent and eyed on some of the plumage like a Peacock ; there is no
bristly beard on the breast ; the excrescences on the head are peculiar; the spurs of the ^ are
long and sharp, like gaffs. Its characters entitle it to recognitiou as a subgenus at least, if
not a full genus, which may be named Emneleagris.
MELEA'GRIS. (Gr. fxtXtaypls, Lat. meleagris, a Guinea-fowl; transferred in ornithol-
ogy to this genus.) Turkeys. Characters of the family. Se.ves similar in plumage,
but 9 less lustrous, smaller, and spurless. Nest on ground ; eggs indefinitely numerous,
colored.
M. gallopa'vo. (Lat. galliis, a cock, pavo, a pea-fowl. Figs. 488, 489.) The Turkey.
Domestic Turkey. Mexican Turkey. Upper tail-coverts chestnut, with very pale or
whitish tips ; tail-feath-
ers tipped with brown-
ish-yellow or whitisl) ;
3-4 feet long, etc.
Weight of ^ up to .30
Ih.s. or more, tlniugli
averaging much less ;
9 about 12 lbs. Wild
in western Texas, Col-
orado, New Mexico, Ari-
zona, and southward ;
domesticated elsewhere.
Tiie Mexican bird is the
original of the domestic
race; it was upon this
form, imported into Eu-
rope, that Linnfcus im-
posed the name yulln-
2}avo (Fn. Suec. 174i'>,
p. J98; Syst. Nat. i,
1758, J). 1.56; 17G6, j).
2ti8), which has gener-
ally been applied to the
ordinary feral form. It
is hard, therefore, tn
understand why orui-
tliologists so long per-
sisted in perpetuating
ji 1] f (••lllin<r Eiu. I^'.i. — .Mrxiriin liirkcy. (Fniiii " (iiiiiii' Bir.ls of Nortli America," by D. G. Elliot.)
tills bird .1/. yfdlopaco me.ricana. Granted th;it the Linna>an species was a composite, iu-
cluiliiii: all the kinds of Turkeys the Swede ever saw or heard of, the case was not altered
tiL(r(I)y. For whou the alleged composite came to be divided into its several forms, the
cuiiMiKiu wild bin! of eastern North America wns the first to receive a distinctive name,
thus restricting the Linna'an r/ftUopuro to the Southwestern and Mexican form renamed
nic.ricana by Gould, I*. Z. S. 18r)(), p. (Jl. I repeatedly set forth the facts in this case, the
two forms having stood correctly identified and named in the Key since 1872. Mcvicnna
GouEii is a ])ure synonym <if guUopavo LiN'N.. as restricted by Bartram, Vieillot, and others.
l^^
u ^«-"**' -~
728
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
and as such has no standing in ornithology. Meleagris gallopavo mexicana A. 0. U. Lists,
1886-95, No. 310 a, has therefore been changed to Meleagris gallopavo A. 0. U. Suppl.
List, Jan. 1899, No. 310. See for example Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii, 1893,
pp. 387-390, where the synonymy is given for all the forms of the genus; and especially
CouES, The Turkey Question, Auk, July, 1897, pp. 272-275.
M. g. interme'dia. (Lat. intermediate: inter, between, and meclius, middle. Fig. 490.)
Texan Wild Turkey. Rio Grande Turkey. Intermediate between the foregoing and
the following form; ends
(jf the upper tail-coverts
liuff or somewhat rufous.
Eastern Texas and south-
ward. 31. gallopavo and
M. mexicana of authors
referring to the Turkey
of tlie Lower Ilio Grande
valley. M. gallopavo
var. intermedia , Senn.
Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv.
V, No. 3, 1879, p. 428 ;
name later changed by
Mr. Sennett to M. g. elli-
oti, Auk, April, 1892,
p. 1G7, pi. 3; A. 0. U.
List, 2d ed. 1895, No.
310 c. Clianged back to
intermedia, Auk, Jan.
1899, p. 108, No. 310 c.
M. g. fe'ra. (Lat. fera,
wild. Fig. 491.) Com-
mon Wild Turkey op
Eastern North Amer-
ica. Upper tail-coverts
without light tips, and
ends of the tail-feathers
scarcely paler. This is
the ordinary wild bird,
having the ends of the
feathers in mention rich
chestnut or maroon brown; furthermore, the fleshy frontal finger and the dewlap never show
the enormous development they usually acquire in the domestic gallopavo proper. Eastern
U. S. from some of the Middle States, and also from southern Ontario, S. to the Gulf coast,
W. to the edge of the Great Plains, in the wooded extensions up streams, S. W. to some
parts of Texas; formerly N. E. to Maine, but long since extirpated from all New England;
formerly N. W. in the Missouri region to North Dakota ; lately extirpated from that state,
South Dakota and Nebraska, and become rave in Kansas and Missouri; still abundant in
the Indian Territory and some parts of Texas, in different areas of which great State the
present and both the preceding occur. The present nortliern limits of distribution include
some portions of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, probably southern Ontario, Michi-
gan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This Turkey inhabits woodland, and is resident wher-
ever found; breeds Feb.-June, mostly in April ami May. Eggs 10-14 or more, ordinarily a
Fig. 490. — Elliot's Rio Grande Tiirliey. (From "Game Birds of North America,"
by D. G. Elliot.)
ME LEA GRIDID.E : TURKE YS.
729
devil's or a baker's dozen (11-13), creamy or buff, pretty regularly and uniformly spotted or
speckled in tine pattern with chocolate and reddisli-browu, rarely neutral tints; size averaging
2.45 X 1-S5. M. gallopavo, wholly or in part, of authors; A. O. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 310.
M. americana Bartr. Trav. 1791, p. 290; M. g. americana CouES, Key, all editions.
M. g. occidentalis Allen, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, 1876, p. 55. 31. palawa Barton, Med.
and Phys. Journ. ii, 1805, p. 163. M. fera Vieill. Nouv. Diet, ix, 1817, p. 447 and Gal.
ii, 1825, p. 10 ; Gallopuro sylvestris Le Conte, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18.57, p. 179, thus reverting
to Brisson, Orn. i, 1760, p. 162, and Catesby, 1730; 31. sylvestris Elliot, Gall. Game
Birds, 1897, p. 176. I make no point of insistence ujjon the availability of either of the Bar-
tramian names, americana and occidentdlis, thougli Allen has used the latter; but some
Fig. 491. — WiM Turk
f North America," by D. G. Elliot )
name must Ix- applied to tills bird. Failing both the Bartramian ones for any reason, the
next in order of date \^ jmlawa Barton: failing which for any reason, the next is/<va Vieill.
H17, adopted by the A. 0. U. at my instance, see Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 77 and p. 107; No. 3IOrt.
of theSu])pl. List, exchanging numbers with the stock form.
M. g. osct'o'la. (Name of tlie famous Seminole Indian chief, b. in Georgia, 1^04, d. prisoner
at Fort .Mniihrie, S. C. .Tan. :]0, 1838. Fig. 492.) Fi,nKii>.\ Wii.i. Tiukey. Like the
last: tips of ui)])er tail-cov(>rts somewhat i)aler, as in intermedia, but dark bars on the prima-
ries in excess of widtii over tlie light ones. Southern Florida. 31. occidentalis Hartu. Trav.
I7!ll. ]). 83 (Florida). .1/. g. osceola Scott, Auk, I8!t0. p. .'{7t;. A. (). V. NO. :i\{) l>.
Oits. — Before proceeding to the families 'letraoniiltr and l'erdicid(C, it may be well to re-
mark that the vernacular names " piiea.sant," " partridge," and ** (]uail,'' as applied to oiir pnmo
birds in ditferent sections of the cotmtry, are the cause of endlc-js confii.sion and misunderstand-
iiiL,', which it seems hop<)c<>i t.. :iit<iii|it ti> do ,i\v:iy uitli in t.iitiiilir ipi-r.li.tisiun. (1) Tlio
730
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — GA LL IN.E — ALEC TOR OP ODES.
word " pheasant" (derived from the name of the river Phasis in Colchis) belongs to certain
Olii W i^vVX Fhasiamdce (see above; and fig. 487), havin:,' no indigenous representatives in
America. But early set-
tlers of this country ap-
[)lied it to the Ruffed
CJ rouse, JBonasa umbellus
— and " pheasant " is the
Ruffed Grouse called to
this day by the common
[icople of the Middle and
Southern States, after the
bad example set by Ed-
wards, who originally
named it "Pheasant from
Pennsylvania" iu 1754.
(2) "Partridge" is an
old English word, spe-
cifically designating the
English Perdix cinerea,
then enlarged in meaning
to cover all the family
I'erdicidce (see beyond j.
In the Northern States,
both the Spruce Grouse,
Canachites canadensis,
and the Ruffed Grouse,
are commonly called
"partridge." In the Mid-
dle and Southern States
— wherever the Ruffed
Grouse is called " pheas-
ant '■ — the Bob-white,
Colinus virginianus, is
called " partridge." (3) The term "quail" is specially applicable to the European Migratory
or Messina Quail, Coturnix dactylisonans or C. coturnix. But this resembles our Bob-white
not distantly, causing the latter to be called "quail" in the sections where the Ruffed and
Spruce Grouse are called " partridge; " and in the Southwest, the species of Callipepla, Lo-^
phortyx, Oreortyx, and Cyrtonyx are universally called "quail."
Fig. 492. —Florida Wild Turkey.
D. G. Elliot.)
(From " Game Birds of North America,'
Family TETRAONID^ : Grouse.
Head completely feathered, excepting, usually, a naked strip of skin over eye. Nasal
fossae densely feathered. Tarsi more or less perfectly feathered, the feathering sometimes ex-
tending on toes to claws ; toes, when naked, with horny fringe-like processes, or pectinations.
No spurs ever developed. Tail variable in shape, but never folded, nor very long, of 16-20,
rarely 22, feathers. Sides of neck frequently with lengthened or otherwise modified feathers,
or a bare distensible skin, or both. Plumage for the most part of subdued coloration, in which
the browns and grays prevail ; sometimes black or white, never brilliant, as in most Phasia-
nidce. Sexes similar or subsimilar ; monogamy the rule. Nest slight or none, on the ground.
TETRAONID^: GROUSE. 731
Eggs numerous, colored. The family thus characterized is the best defined division of the
GallincB. It has been customary to include the Partridges and Quails in a family Tetraonidce,
then separated into Tetraonince for the Grouse, and one or more subfamilies for the Partridges,
etc. Such was the arrangement in former editions of the Key, still kept up by the A. 0. U. But
the latest monographer of the Gallince, Ogilvie-Grant, has taught us better ; and I alter my
earlier scheme accordingly. There is no exception to the characters of Tetraonidce as here
drawn ; and only two or three equivocal genera of PerdicidcB connect the two families. (See
under PerdicidcB, beyond.)
The true Grouse are confined to the northern hemisphere, and reach their highest devel-
opment, as a family, in North America, where singularly varied forms occur. All species of
this family used to be referred to a single genus Tetrao — the only generic name familiar to
sportsmen and others who make no technical study of birds. But such must not be surprised
to find me discarding this well-known name, and adopting several different ones as generic des-
ignations of our Grouse, which differ much among themselves, in points of form and structure,
and are all widely diverse from such as " Tetrao" urogallus or Tetrao tetrix, both of Europe.
The latter is now made type of the Linusean genus Tetrao, upon the " principle of elimination "
in restricting the old names of 'heterogeueous genera, adopted by the A. 0. U. — a method of
procedure in which I fully concur. T. tetrix is the " black game " of Europe; the ^ has curi-
ously curled tail-feathers, 18 iu number, producing a lyre-shaped tail, whence the synonym
Lyriirus for this genus. There is a second species, T. mlokosieiviczi — the bird's tail may re-
semble a lyre, but there is no music in its name ! The genus Urogallus includes four species
of Capercaillies, of Europe and Asia — U. urogallus, U. uralensis, U. 2}'-if'i'irostris, and
U. kamtschaticus. These are tlie largest Grouse, some two feet long, heavy-bodied, with 18-
feathered tail. The sickle-winged species of Falcipennis represents our Canada Grouse in
Siberia, and like it has 16 tail-feathers. Similarly our Ruffed Grouse is represented in Europe
and Asia by three species of tlie genus Tetrastes, iu which the ruffle is rudimentary, tlie tail has
only 16 feathers, and the sexes differ more than they do iu Bonasa ; T. bonasia, T. griseiventris,
and T. severtsovi compo.se this genus. The ouly one common to both hemispheres is Lagopus ;
the species of which, together with those of the other genera named in this paragraph, and
those of Nortli America now to be treated, citmpose the family TetraonidcB.
Summary of North American Tetraonidce — Grouse, with feathers on the shank.
Sage Grouse: Sage Cock; Sage Hen; Cock-of-the-Plaius. Wcsieru. One species:
Centrocercus urophasianus.
Sharp-tailed Grouse: Pin-tail Grouse; Prairie Hen or Prairie Chicken of the North-
west. 1 s])ecies : Pediacetes i^hasianellus, with 2 subspecies.
Pinnated Grouse : common Prairie Hen or Prairie ChicUeu of the Mississippi, Ohio,
and Lower Missouri valleys. .'i species: T. cupido (Martha's Vineyard); T. ameri-
canus, witli a subspecies ; T. pallidicinctus.
Tree Grouse: Spruce Grouse; Spotted Grouse; in the Noriliern States species im-
properly called " partridge." Two species : C. caiuidensis, Eastern : C. franklini.
Western.
Dusky I'ree Grouse: oue species: Dendragapus obacurun, witli 2 subspecies, all
Western.
Ruffed Grouse: imiinipt'rly calk-il " paitiidge" in llit- Nnrtlirru and "})lu'asant" in tlio
Middle and Southern Stales. One species: Botuisa umbcUus, of 2 or ''^ subs|K'cies.
Snow Grouse or Ptarmigan : bnreal and alpine, turniui,' white in winter. Several spe-
cies or subspecies : as Lagopus ltigoj)us, L. rupcstns, L. Icucurus, etc.
732 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
Analysis of N. Am. Genera of Telraonidce.
Tail stiff, pointed, wedge-shaped, equalling or exceeding wing, of 20 feathers ; scaly and hair-like feathers on breast.
Tarsi fuU-featliered. Very large. Western Centrocercus
Tall stiff, pointed, wedge-shaped, much shorter than wing, of 18 feathers ; no obviously peculiar feathers on neck.
Tarsi full-feathered. Western and Northern Pedittcetes
Tail stiiBsh, rounded, much shorter than wing, of 18 feathers ; wing-like tufts and great bare inflatable space on neck.
Tarsi scant-teathered. Eastern and Western Tympanuchus
Tail soft, rounded, about as long as wing, of 18 feathers ; umbrella-like tufts on neck, but no obvious bare space.
Tarsi bare below. Eastern and Western Bonasa
Tail stifflsh, flat, square, shorter than wing, of IG feathers ; no evidently peculiar feathers or obviously bare space on
neck. Tarsi full-feathered. Eastern and Western Canachites
Tail as in Canachites, but of 20 feathers ; no evidently peculiar feathers on neck, but a bare inflatable space. Tarsi
full-feathered. Western Dendragapus
TaU, etc. as in Canachites. Tarsi and toes fully feathered. Boreal and alpine. White in winter . . . Lagopus
CANACHI'TES. (With formative sufli.^ -ites, denoting agent or doer, from Gr. Kavaxeoi or
Kavaxi^^oa, kanacheo or kanachiso, I make a noise ; Kavaxos, kanachos, or KavaxTj, kanadie, a noise.
Hence Kavd<T}, Kanake, Lat. Canace, a proper name of the daughter of ^olns, formerly used for
this genus.) Tree Grouse. Spotted Grouse. No obviously lengthened or otherwise pecul-
iar feathers on neck or head. No obviously naked space on neck; but there is a piece of skin
capable of some distension. A strip of bare colored skin over eye. No crest. Tarsi feathered
to toes. Tail little shorter than wing, stiffish, nearly square, of broad, obtuse feathers, nor-
mally 16 in number (exceptionally 14 or 18, as an individual peculiarity). Of medium size,
and dark blended colors, inhabiting woodland, like species of Bonasa, and quite arboreal ;
northerly and alpine, eastern and western. Sexes distinguishable. Eggs heavily colored.
Meat of breast dark. (Canace of former eds. of the Key, pret)ccupied in entomology. Cana-
chites Stej. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. viii, Sept. 188.5, p. 410, as a subgenus of Dendragapus, and
so rated by the A. 0. U. 1886-95 ; but given proper rank in A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk,
Jan. 1899, p. 107, after Ogilvie- Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii, 1893, p. 69, and Elliot, Gall.
Game Bds. 1897, p. 202. The characters, especially the number of tail-feathers and the unde-
veloped neck-drums, are of the kind usually held to mark genera in this family.)
Analysis of Species.
Tail with broad orange-brown end, its upper coverts without white spots. Eastern canadensis
Tail without orange-brown end, its upper coverts with white spots. Western franklini
C. canaden'sis. (Of Canada. Fig. 493.) Canada Groi'SE. Black Grouse. Spotted
Grouse. Spruce Grouse. Wood Grouse. Spruce "Partridge." Cedar "Par-
tridge." Swamp " Partridge." Adult $: Head smooth, but feathers susceptible of erec-
tion into a slight crest. A colored comb of naked skin over eye, bright yellow or reddish when
fully injected. Tail slightly rounded, of 16 feathers, a scant inch broad to their very ends.
Tarsi full-feathered to toes, which are naked, scaly, and fringed with deciduous pectinations
which grow and are moulted periodically. Tail black, broadly tipped with orange-brown ;
its upper coverts without decidedly white tips, though they may be edged and tipped with
gray. Under parts glossy black, extensively varied with white ; under tail-coverts tipped
with white ; sides and breast with white bars or semicircles ; white spots bounding throat ;
white spots on lore. Upper parts wavy-barred with black and gray, usually also with
some tawny markings on back and wings, and white markings on scapulars and wing-
coverts. In full feather, the appearance is of a black bird, grayer above, spotty with white
below, and orange-brown tail-end. Length 15.00-17.00 ; wing 7.00 : tail 5.50. Hen rather
smaller than the cock. No continuous black below, where white and tawny, latter par-
ticularly on breast, nearly everywhere pretty regularly wavy-barred with blackish, and
usually streaked with white on the flanks. Above, more like $, but browner. End of
TETRAONID.E: GROUSE.
733
(Ad. nat.
tail more narrowly orange-brown, and most of the tail irregularly barred or mottled with
buff, these markings tending to disappear with age. Pullets resemble tlie hen. Chicks in
the down are buff, more brownish above and
yellowish below, variegated with black spots
and stripes on the head and rump ; they resem-
ble young Ptarmigan, but the toes are bare.
N. Am., E. of the Rocky Mountains, northerly,
in woodland ; N. nearly or quite to limit of
trees; N. W. to tlie Pacific in Alaska; S. into
the northern tier of States, especially Maine,
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; casually
to Massachusetts, more commonly to northern
New York. It is a very hardy bird, enduring
the rigors of sub-arctic winters, not properly Fig. 493. — Canada Grouse, nat. size.
migratory, and breeds throughout its regular e . . .)
range. It is especially a bird of coniferous woods, as spruce groves and tamarack swamps;
its food is mainly buds, leaves, and berries of many different kinds. The cocks begin to strut
and drum early in the spring, and the hens lay in May and June. Eggs numerous, 9-16,
usually about a dozen,
averaging ].(>8 X 1-25,
though some run up to
1 .90 in length ; they are
rather pointed, buff-col-
ored, dotted, spotted,
and boldly splashed with
ricli cliestnut, and darker
l)ro\vn ; the markings
rarely obsolete. Shape
and pattern of eggs
more like those of Ptar-
migan than of the prai-
rie Grouse. Canace
canadensis of former edi-
tions of the Key. Den-
drugapus (canachites)
canadensis, A. 0. U.
J 886 - 95. Canachites
canadensis, A. 0. U.
Suppl. List, Auk, Jan.
1899, p. 107, N... >J98.
C. c. 1 ab ratio ri us.
(Lat. (if Labrador.)
Labradou Sprltce
Grouse. Like true
canadensis ; $ in suin-
iiuT witli heavier wliite
markiuiTs <'U umlor
parts, and purt'r gray
(From "Game Birdu of North America," by D. G.
Flo. 494. — Fraiiklin'H Grouse.
Elliot.)
markings <>m iippcr p:nt.s : 9 in suinnier naicli niorc purely black, gray, and white, with little
buff or ochraconus. Hamilton Inlet, north, ru Liibrador. 15an<;.s, Pr. N. Engl. Zool. Club, i,
June 5, ]8J>9, p. 47; Auk, Oct. lr<9!>, p. .'UO.
734 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLING — ALECTOROPODES.
C. frank'lini. (To Sir John Franklin, of Arctic fame and sorrow. Fig. 494.) Franklin's
Spruce Grouse. Size, shape, and wiiole appearance of the foregoing. Tail rather longer,
more nearly even, with broader feathers ; lacking terminal orange-brown bar; tipped narrowly
with white, and its upper coverts broadly tipped with pure white, making upper side of tail
conspicuously spotty. Kocky and other mountains of western U. S., northerly, in Montana,
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington ; N. to the sources of the Saskatchewan, Athabasca, and
McKenzie Rivers in British America, and N. W. in the Pacific coast region through British
Columbia to southern Alaska, about lat. 60°. It abounds in tlie huge nest of mountains which
occupy most of Idaho, where it was discovered by Lewis and Clark in 1805, as described
but not technically named by them in ]814 ; see CoUES, History of the Expedition, ed. of 1893,
p. 870. It was rediscovered in Oregon and Washington by David Douglas, who named it
Tetrao franklini in Trans. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, p. 139; figured by Bonaparte, Am. Orn. iii,
1830, pi. 30; best figured by Swainson, F. B. A. 1831, pi. 61 ^J, 62 ?. The difl!"erence from
C. canadensis is parallel with that of Dendragapus richardsoni as c(jmpared with D. obscurus,
but seem to be pushed to specific characters, as intergrades are unknown. In habits the coun-
terpart of C. canadensis : eggs undistinguishable. This bird shares with some others the name
" fool hen," given in consequence of their innocence, and the insouciance with which they per-
mit approach so nearly that they may often be killed with a stick. (Canace canadensis frank-
lini of previous eds. of the Key. Dendragapus (canachites) franklinii, A. 0. U. Lists,
1886-95. Canachites franklinii, A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 107, No. 299.
DENDRA'GAPUS. (Gr. 8ev8pov, dendron, a tree ; dyaTraio, agapao, I love.) Dusky
Grouse. Characters of Canachites, for the most part, but tail normally of 18-20 feathers,
rarely 16 or 22, and a well-developed naked space on each side of the neck, ordinarily covered
by a bunch of special feathers, but capable of inflation into a hollow drum or tympanum.
Size large: wing over 8.00. Meat of breast dark. Eggs fewer than in Canachites, and less
heavily colored. One Western species, with two subspecies.
Analysis of Subspecies.
Tail black, with distinct slate-colored end.
Under parts clear bluish-slate color. Rocky Mts., etc., southerly ohscurus
Under parts sooty plumbeous. Alaska fuliginosus
Tail black, with indistinct or no slate-colored end. Rocky Mts., etc., northerly richardsoni
D. obscu'rus. (Lat. obscurus, dark.) Dusky Grouse. Blue Grouse. Gray Grouse.
Pine Grouse. Pine Hen. Old cock : Back and wings blackish-brown, finely waved and
vermiculated in zigzag with slate-gray, mixed with more or less ochrey-brown and some white
on scapulars. Long feathers of sides with white ends and shaft-stripes ; other under parts fine
bluish-gray or light slate color, varied with white, especially on lower belly, flanks, and vent-
feathers. Cheeks black ; chin and throat finely speckled with black and white. Though the
lateral feathers of the neck are smooth and simple, forming no decided tufts as in Tympanuchus
or Bonasa, they are somewhat enlarged, covering a naked tympanum : these feathers with
snowy white bases and black tips. Tail brownish-black, veined and marbled with gray, and
with a broad slate-gray terminal bar, 1.00-1.50 wide ; normally of 20 feathers, broad to their
very ends ; tail as a whole slightly rounded. Bill black ; iris brown-orange; comb over eye,
and neck-drum yellow. Size very variable ; well-grown cocks usually 20 or 22 inches, some-
times up to 2 feet long ; extent of wings about 30 inches ; wing 9 or 10 ; tail 7 or 8 ; weight
up to 3J lbs. Hen smaller ; length 17 to 19 inches ; wing 9 or less; tail 6 or less ; coloration
lighter, more extensively varied with white and tawny ; but showing distinctive slate-gray of
under parts, and slate bar at end of tail. Pullets like hen, but upper parts wdth hammer-
headed white shaft-lines. Tail with white shaft-lines enlarged at end, also marked on some
of the feathers with wavy blackish crossbars. Chicks in the down whitish below, above mixed
TETRAOXID.E: GROUSE. 735
whitish and brtiwuish, uuraerously spotted and streaked on the head and rump with blackish.
A species of general dispersion in elevated and wooded, especially coniferous, regions of the
West; S. to New Mexico and Arizona; in the Rocky Mts. northerly shading into rich-
ardsoni in Montana and Idaho, westerly into fuliginosus. A large cumbrous bird, usually
displaying stolidity or indifference to the j)resence of man, taking to trees when disturbed, and
very easily slaughtered ; hence it is a "fool lien " in the idiom of the " wild and woolly West."
Besides buds, leaves, and various berries, this Grouse feeds much on insects. Kesideut wher-
ever found, breeding up to the timber-line ; the rumbling mating process with much noise and
fuss in spring: eggs laid in May and June. These are fewer in numl)er than those of Cana-
chites, generally 8 or 9, but from 7 to 10, or perhaps a dozen; larger, more elongated, and
less heavily colored than those of Spruce Grouse and Ptarmigan ; creamy-buff, finely freckled
all over with chocolate-brown, sekhjm with any large spots : 2.00 X 1.40. (Canace (Dendra-
gapus) obscura of previous eds. of the Key. D. obscurus A. 0. U.)
D. o. rich'ardsoni. (To Sir John Richardson.) Richardson's Dusky Grouse. Size,
shape, and whole appearance of the foregoing. Tail rather longer, more nearly even, with
broader feathers, having the terminal slate bar reduced or wanting; general color more uni-
formly darker; black of throat more extensive. Rocky Mts., northerly, U. S. and northward.
It shades into obscurus proper in Idaho and Wyoming, into fuliginosus westward from this
region, but keeps its own characters N. to the limit of its range in the interior of British
America to about lat. 62°. (^Canace obscura richardsoni of previous eds. of the Key. D. ob-
scurus riclmrdsoni A. 0. U.)
D. o. fuligiiio'sus. (Lat. fuliginosus, sooty.) Sooty Grouse. With less broad slate tail-
b;ir than obscurus proper, but colors darker than in richardsoni even. $ above, blackish,
minutely freckled with gray and rusty-brown; beh)w, dark plumbeous; usually no distinct
wliite markings on scapulars or flanks. The lien is more different, with prevailing rich rusty
and chestnut-brown markings. Northwest Coast mountains, California and Oregon to Sitka,
Alaska, E. in the interior till it shades into obscurus in Nevada and Idaho, and into richard-
soni in Idaho and British Columbia. Eggs indistinguishable from those of the foreiroinir, usu-
ally 8-10 in number, sometimes more, averaging 1.95 X l-S-i. (Canace obscura fuliginosa of
previous eds. of the Key. D. obscurus fuliginosus A. 0. U.)
CENTROCER'CUS. (Gr. Kfvrpov, Jcentron, a spine, prickle; KtpKos, kerkos, tail.) Sage
Guor.sE. Spine-Tail Grouse. Of great size. Tail very long, equalling or exceeding the
wings, of l(t-20 stifiened, narrow, acuminate feathers, much graduated in length. Neck sus-
ceptible of enormous distention by means of air-sacs covered with naked livid skin — not regu-
larly hemispherical and lateral like those of Dendragapus and Tgmpanuchus, but forming a
great protuberance in front, of irregular contctur ; surmounted by a fringe of hair-like fila-
ments, several inches long, springing from a mass of erect white feathers; covered htlnw witii
a solid set of sharp white horny feathers, like fish-scales. (The affair is not easy to describe
in few words, especially as it is constantly changing with wear of tlie feathers, and is only
fully exhibited by the cock during the amours. The anatomical arrangement for intlition is
only a special exhibition of the air-sacs of other genera, as Dendragapus, 7'gmpanuchus, and
J'edicecetcs ; the peculiarities of tlie feathers are the inherited results of habitual attrition, the
l)irds rubbing tlie breast against tlie ground in their love-spasms ; and, as said, the state of the
]iarts is always changing with wear of the feathers. This accounts for the vague or conflicting
statements of authors.) Tarsus feathered to toes. Digestive system remarkable for slight
muscularity of the gizzard, which is ratln-r a membranous paunch than a grist-mill ; the bin!
browses rather than .scrat<dies for a living, feeding on wormwood and also extensively on in-
sects. The food is by no means .so exclusive as some have supposed, includinj; many kinds of
berries and seeds, and sometimes consisting mainly of grasshoppers. Sexe.s similar in color,
unlike in size and to some extent in form. .Meat of breast dark. Kggs dark in ground ctdor,
imitoiMdy spotted. One prairie species, p»'rfectly terrestrial.
736 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GA LLINJE — ALECTOROPODES.
C. urophasia'nus. (Gr. ovpa, oura, tail ; (fiaa-iavos, phasianos, a pheasant.) Sage Cock.
Sage Hen. Cock of the Plains. Largest of American Grouse. Full-grown cock 2-2^
feet long ; extent of wings 3 feet or more ; wing and tail about a foot ; vA^eight upward of 4
pounds — up to 8 pounds. Hen a third smaller, weighing 3-5 pounds. Above, varied with
black, gray, brown, and buff; below, chiefly white, with a large squarish black area on belly.
To describe the peculiar neck-feathering of the old cock more particularly : On each side is a
patch of feathers, meeting in front, with extremely stiff bases, prolonged into hair-like fila-
ments about 3.00 in length ; with the wearing away of these feathers in the peculiar actions
of the bird in pairing-time, their hard horny bases are left, forming the " fish -scales " above
said. In front of these peculiar feathers is the naked tympanum, capable of enormous inflation
under amatory excitement. Above them is a tuft of down-feathers, covered with a set of long
soft filamentous plumes corresponding to the ruff of Bonasa. Many breast-feathers resemble
the scaly ones of the neck, and are commonly found worn to a bristly " thread-bare " state.
Scaly bases of these feathers soiled white ; thready ends blackish ; fluffy feathers snowy-white,
like wool, the longer overlying filamentous plumes glossy black. Chin and throat blackish,
speckled with white ends of the feathers, usually presenting a definite white half-collar. Lin-
ing of wings white. Hen: Length about 21.00; wing 10.50; tail 7.00-8.50, of the same
general character as the cock's, but softer, shorter, less cuneate, with more rapidly tapering
feathers. A small tympanum, but no obviously peculiar feathers on neck. Coloration quite
like that of the cock, excepting that the throat is not black. Pullet: No peculiar neck-
feathers ; tail beginning to show its special form ; general coloration of the hen. Before the
September moult, all feathers of upper parts with sharp white hammer-headed shaft-lines, and
circular spotting of feathers of breast. Sooty belly-patch showing with first feathering. Chick
in down altogether different from the dingy yellow chick of Pedioecetes ; below grayish-white,
above grayish -brown mottled with black ; bill black. This remarkable bird, quite a Roland
for the Capercaillie's Oliver, inhabits the sterile sage-bush plains of the West ; an abundant and
characteristic species of these forbidding regions, beginning with the eastern foot-hills of the
Rocky Mts., S. into New Mexico and Arizona, sparingly N. to 49° or farther, in British Colum-
bia and the Milk River region of southern Assiuiboia and Alberta, in both of which provinces
I have observed it. Not in Dakota east of the Coteau, or in the Missouri Basin much below
the Yellowstone country. Its centre of abundance is the artendsia tracts of Colorado, Wyo-
ming, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, eastern California, and Oregon. It straggles through the sage-
bush, but I have seen packs of hundreds in the fall. In the breeding season its sonorous
huUaballoo resounds on every hand where the birds are numerous ; the trouble begins in some
regions in February, and is kept up for a month or so; the laying season is protracted from
the latter part of March through May. The flesh is edible or not, "as you like it." The
behavior toward man varies with circumstances; sometimes the birds may almost be knocked
over with a stick, at others it is difficult to get a shot. In walking, the tail is somewhat ele-
vated, and swings sideways with each step. The flight is extremely vigorous, and at times
greatly protracted, with wings so widely expanded that the tips of the primaries stand apart ;
the course rapid and steady when the bird is once fairly on wing, accomplished with a succes-
sion of quick energetic wing-beats, alternating with sailing with stiffly motionless wings until
the impulse is spent. From the nature of its resorts the bird is exclusively terrestrial. The
egg is narrower and more pf)inted than that of any other Grouse of our country, measuring
from 2.05-2.35 X 1.50-1.60; average length 2.20; grayish or greenish-drab color, thickly
speckled with chocolate-brown, mostly in minute dots evenly distributed, occasionally with
well-defined spots up to size of a split pea, tending to circular shape. The number to a clutch
is indefinite, but does not average over 9, though 12, 15, even 17 have been found in one nest.
PEDICE'CETES. (Gr. TreStW, j)edion, a plain ; oIk^ttis, oiketes, an inhabitant.) Pin-tail
Grouse. Neck without obviously peculiar feathers, like those either of the Pinnated or
TETRAOXID.E: GROUSE. 737
Ruffed Grouse or Sage Cock, but with a hidden, definitely circumscribed space of reddish, vas-
cuhir, aud distensible skin on each side, constituting an undeveloped tyuipanuin, over which lies
a lateial series of slightly enlarged feathers. Head lightly crested ; longest feathers of crown
falliug on occiput ; a cresceutic naked patch over each eye of numerous orange or chrome-yellow
fringe-like processes, in several parallel curved rows. Feet full-feathered to between bases of
toes, with long, hair-like plumage reaching to or beyond end of hind claw; toes above with
one row of broad, transverse scutella, a row of smaller rounded scales on each side, and a con-
spicuous fringe of horny processes ; below, bossed and scabrous. Tail much shorter than wings,
normally of 18 true rectrices, of which the central pair are soft, parallel-edged and squaro-tipped,
proje(;ting 1.00-2.00 beyond next pair; the rest rapidly graduated, stiffish, and crisp (making a
creaking sound when rubbed together) ; at first about straight-edged, soon becoming club-shaped
(with a constricti(m near apex) by mutual attrition. Sexes similar, but cock rather larger and
darker than hen, with more prominent supraciliary papilla?. One species, of two or three sub-
species, of i)rairie, jjerfectly terrestrial. (A. 0. U. Lists, 188G-95 had Pediocoites, after a mis-
spelling of Baird, 1858, corrected to Pedioecetes Baird, 1858, and Coues, 1872; see Coues,
Auk, Jan. 1884, p. 54; Gill, Auk, Jan. 1899, pp. 20-23; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Jan. 1899,
p. 107.
A7iali/sis of Subspecies
2\'orthern Sharp-tailed Grouse. The markings black, white, and dark brown, with little or no tawny ; spots on the
under parts numerous, blackish, V-sliaped ; throat wliite, speckled. (Arctic America) phasianellus
Common Sharptaileil Grouse. The markings black, white, and especially tawny; below, spots fewer, brown,
U-shaped; throat buff. (U. S. and British Provinces) columbianus (and campestris)
P. phasianel'lus. (Diminutive of Lat. phasianus, a pheasant.) Northern Sharp-tailed
Grou.se. As above, in comparison with tlie ordinary bird next described. Very dark-ctdored,
in blackish and white variegation, with little bufl', even in falL Markings below heavier, in
sharper, more arrow-headed shape, quite blackish. Feet very heavily feathered, almost like
a Ptarmigan's. Interior of British America, E. to Hudson's Bay, N. and W. to the Yukon,
southward shading directly into the U. S. bird before reaching 49°. This is the true Tetrao
phasianellus — a name which was commonly applied to the following:
P. p. coluiiibia'niis. (Of the Columbia Kiver. Fig. 495.) Common* Sharp-tailed Grop.se.
I'rairih Chickkx of the Northwest. Pin-t.\ilei) Grouse or Pin-tail. Sprig-tailed
Grouse or Sprig-tail. Spike-tailed Grouse or Spike-Tail. White-Grouse or
White-Belly. Adult ^ 9 • Upper parts closely and pretty evenly variegated with blackish-
brown, reddish-brown, and grayish -brown, the pattern smallest on rump aud lower back, where
the blackish is mostly in sharp-angled stars; the reddish mo.^t conspicimus on upper back, and
both the lighter ccdors everywhere finely sprinkled with blackish. Wing-coverts like upper
back, but with numerous conspicuous rounded white spots, one on end of each featlier. Crown
and back of neck nearly like back, but in smaller pattern, and the markings mostly transverse.
An illy-defined white area on each side of neck, over tympanum, and slight whitish stripe
behind eye. Throat fine light buff, usually immaculate, but sometimes finely speckled quite
across. Under parts white, more or le.'is tinted with buff toward thrnat; breast with nnmeroiis
regular dark brown U-shaped spots, one on each feather; similar but smaller, sharper, and
ftwer such spots thence scattered over most of the under parts, only middle of belly being left
unmarked. Long feathers of sides under wings matching npj)er wing-coverts nearly ; under
wing-coverts and axillaries pure white, not marked ; Hanks with bars or U-spots of dark brown.
L<'gs grayish-wliit<', unmarked. Quills of wings fuscous ; outer webs of secondaries with equi-
distant, squarish, white or tawny spots, .secondaries tip]>ed and imperfectly twice or thrice barred
with white, and gradually becoming sprinkled with the varied ccdors of back, so that the inner-
most of them are almost precisely like greater coverts. Four juiddle tail-featliers variegated.
tnuch like back ; others white, or grayish-white on inner \><L-. il nr. i «■ t,s Imui.' niottlid ;
47
738
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
a few under tail-coverts spotted, the rest white ; upper tail-coverts nearly like rump. Iris light
brown; bill dark horn-color; part of under mandible iiesh - colored ; claws like bill; toes on
top liglit horn-color, soles darker. Length 18.00-20.00; extent 24.00-30.00; wing 8.00-9.00;
middle tail-feathers 4.00-6.00; shortest t;iil-feathers (outermost) about 1.50; tarsi 2.00; middle
toe and claw about the same; cuhnen of bill about 0.67; gape of bill 1.00-1.25; depth of bill
at base 0.50 or rather less. Pullets, before first moult : Crown bright brown, varied with black.
Sharp wliite shaft-lines above, which, with a black area on each feather, contrast with fine
gray and browu mottling of upper parts. Wing-coverts and inner quills with whitish spots.
Several inner tail-feathers wdth whitish
shaft-lines, and mottled with blackish
and bi'own. Lower throat and breast
with numerous dark browu spots ; sides
similar, the markings lengthening into
streaks. Bill brown above, pale below.
This lasts till the September moult is
completed. Chicks hatch dingy yellow,
mottled on crown, back, and wings
with brown and black. The Pin-tail
Chicken inhabits the western portions
of Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, a
small part of Iowa and of Illinois, all of
both Dakotas, thence diagonally across
Nebraska and Kansas to Colorado in
the Laramie and upper Platte regions ;
thence westward in suitable country to
the Sierras Nevadas and Cascade Ranges
of Calif(jrnia, Oregon, and Washing-
ton; northern limit may be conven-
tionally taken along the N. border of
the U. S., beyond which it shades into
the true phasianellus ; but birds rather
referable to this form than to the Arctic stock reach N. through British Columbia to some
portions of Alaska. In fine, this is the "prairie chicken" of the whole Northwest; usually
occurring where Ti/mpanuchus americamis does not, though the two overlap to some extent.
Formerly ranged in all the prairie of Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa, but is pushed westward
by the grain-fields — the same carrying Tympanuchus along, so that the one recedes as the
other proceeds westward. It is a fine game and table bird, like its near relative, much hunted
and easily killed ; its numbers have been materially reduced of late years, and its range east-
ward has contracted. The packs in which it goes in winter, sometimes by hundreds, break
up in early spring into the smaller "dancing-parties" which indulge in amorous revelry vuitil
such ribaldry results in matrimony, April-June; chicks are mostly able to tiy by midsummer.
Eggs 5-10-12-14-16, grayish-olive or drab-colored, uniformly dotted with brown points, rarely
larger than a pin-head; always quite different from those of Tympnnuchus ; 1.60 to 1.80 long
by 1.20 to 1.30 broad ; average 1.70 X 1-25. This bird was originally discovered and described
accurately by Lewis and Clark, who note that the scales fall off the toes in summer. They
found it abundant on the plains of the Columbia, 1805-6, whence it was named Phasianiis
columbianus by Ord in 1815; whence Pedicecetes phasianellus columhianiis Coues, 1872, and
all later editions of tlie Key.
P. p. eampes'tris. (Lat. relating to a crt»?^?/s or [)lain.) Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse.
Birds of those portions of the Sharp-tail's range E. of the Rocky Mts., as above given, have
Fio. 495. — Head of Sharp-tailed Grouse, nat. size. (Ad. nat
del. E. C.)
TETRAONID/E: GROUSE. 739
been so called, and are said to be " above more rusty or ochraceous." I record the name with-
out further remark: Pedioccctes pliasianellus campestris ViiuQW . Pr. Biol. Soc. Wash., April,
1884, p. 93; A. O. U. No. 308 6.
TYMPANU'CHUS. (Gr. rvfinavov, tumpanon, Lat. tympanum, a sort of kettledrum or
tambourine, such as was used by Corybautcs in the orgies of Cybele and Bacchus, also an ear-
drum, tympanum, etc. ; and e;((u, echo, I have or hold.) PiN-N£CK GiiousE. Prairie Hens
proper. Cl'PIdoxias. Neck with a peculiar tuft of loose, lengthened feathers on each side,
like little wings, fancied to resemble those worn by Cupid instead of clothes, beneath which is
a circular tympanum of bare, yellow skin, capable of great distension, like half of a small
orange. Head with a sliglit soft crest. Tarsi scant-feathered to toes in front and on sides,
bare on a strip behind ; toes extensively webbed at base. Tail short, rounded, of 18 broad
stiflish feathers, with obtusely rounded ends. Sexes nearly alike in size, form, and color; plu-
mage below barred transversely. Meat of breast dark. Eggs plain or scarcely marked, very
numerous. Three species, one of them with a slight variety, of prairie, perfectly terrestrial.
(Cnpidonia Eeicii., 1852, of most authors, as of all previous editions of the Key; antedated by
Tijmpanuchus Gloger. 1842.)
Analysis of Spficies.
Mabtha's Vineyard Bikd. Feathers of neck-wiiigs few, lance-acute cupido
Feathers of neck-wings many, lance-obtuse.
The Common Bibd. Tarsal feathers hiding the bare strip. Dark bars above black and broad ; top of head mostly
blackisli americantts
Texas Bird. Tarsi very scant-feathered, the bare strip exposed. Dark bars above brown and narrow ; top of head
little blackish pnllidicinclus
T. oupi'do. (The tufts on the neck likened to conventional " Cupid's wings.") Pinnated
Grol.se of Martha's Vineyard. Heath Hen of Massachusetts. Brewster's
Cupiuo. Resembling closely the common bird next to be described, but apparently distinct,
and now isolated geographically. Adult (J : Ground color above light reddish-brown or rusty;
scapulars spotted with whitish tips of the feathers; below, rusty white with dark reddish-brown
bars in excess; feet cinnamon-brown mottled with white. "Neck-tufts composed of from
•3 to 5 narrow, acutely lance-pointed, stitlened feathers, with about the same number of over-
laj)i)ing coverts." Smaller than tlie common bird; weight considerably less ; wing 8.35. 9 still
smaller; wing hardly 8.00; darker and rustier, the bars on the under parts dull black; tiiil
dark (dove-brown with many fine irregular rusty bars. A woodland bird, inhabiting scrub oak
and i)ine tracts, now entirely confined to Martha's Vineyard, formerly ranging over nmch of
the U. S., E. of the AUeglianies, from Massachusetts to "Virginia." Eggs in June and July,
drab, unmarked, 1.70 X 1-30. Tetrao cupido LiNN. in part (in so far as based on Catesbyand
supposed to be Virginian and as now restricted). Cupidonia cupido Brewst. Auk, Jan. 1885,
p. 82. Cupidonia cupido bretvsteri Coles, Key, 1887, 3d ed. p. 884. Ti/mpanuchus cupido
KiD(;w. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1885, p. 355. A. 0. U. Check List, 1886-95, No. 3(K3.
T. ainerieu'iius. (Lat. American. Figs. 490, 497.) Common Pinnated Groise. Prai-
rie Hi;n or Chicken. Adult ^ 9 • Above, variegated with black, brown, tawny, or ochrey,
and wiiite, the latter especially on wings; below, pretty regularly barred with dark brown,
white, and tawny, in about eciual amounts; throat tawny, a little sj)eckled, or not; vent and
crissum mostly white; quills fu.scons, witli white spots on outer webs; tail fuscous, with nar-
row or imperfect white or tawny bars and tips ; feet plain. Sexes alike in c«dor, but 9 smalltT,
witli .shorter neck-tufts. Lcni.nh 10. 00-18. (M); extent about 28.(M) ; wing 8.(M)-9.(M) ; tail ab..ut
4. .")(); tarsus ratlier over, middle toe and claw ratlier under, 2.00; neck-tnfls 2.(M)-.3.5() inclios
long, little lanceolate or almost parallel-edged to tlieir obtuse or broad rounded ends; the longer
slitf ones 7-10 in nuuilicr. witii as many more short ones. Tliis well-known bird formerly nuiged
across miicli of tlie U. S., in »\mi country, to the Atlantic coast in some latitudes. It is
740
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GA LLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
now and long has been a bird of the Mississippi Valley at large, S. to some portions of
Texas and Louisiana, and in the other direction extending in the Great Lake region into
Ontario. Its usual range includes, wholly or in part, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michi-
gan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, N. and S. Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas,
and the Indian Territory. It is creeping westward with the grain fiehls, especially along lines
of railroad. About 1874 it began to mix with the Sharp-tails in the vicinity of St. Paul, Minn.,
and pushed up the Missouri beyond Sioux City, Iowa ; and this was about the time it reached
over into the valley of
the Red River of the
North, both in Min-
nesota and North Da-
kota, and so on into
Manitoba. Its general
recession from easterly
localities corresponds
to its westward ad-
FiG. 490. — Foot of Prairie Hen, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.) vance ■ the area of
greatest abundance has altered decidedly since I penned it for the 1884 edition of the Key,
and will doubtless continue to shift. It is a resident bird for the most part, wherever found,
but some N. and S. migration with season has been locally observed, in Minnesota, Iowa, and
Missouri, thus mostly west of the Mississippi. Its abundance, and the excellence of its flesh,
render it an object of commercial importance. Though there may be little probability of its
extinction, legislation against its wanton or ill-timed destruction is a measure of obvious pro-
priety. The food of
this bird consists
largely of cultivated
grain, as well as of a
great variety of seeds
and berries, and also
insects. The winter-
ing packs break up
usually in March ;
there is then a period
of courtship with
strange antics and
much booming noise
before the birds quietly
pair oflf ; the eggs may
be found from the lat-
ter part of that month
through the summer,
but mostly April-
June. They are in-
definitely numerous, averaging over a dozen, and more than 20 have been found in one nest;
they average 1.75 X 1-30, with extremes in length of 1.60 to 1.85, thus averaging shorter,
rounder, and smaller than those of the Sharp-tail; pale greenish -gray, with sometimes a
glaucous bloom, usually unmarked, sometimes very minutely dotted with brown. (Cupi-
donia cupido of former editions of the Key, as of most authors since Baird, 1858, nee Tetrao
cupido Linn, as abov: restricted; C. pinnata Brewst. Auk, Jan. 1885, p. 82; Tympanu-
chns pinnatus Ridgw. 18£5; Cupidonia americana Reich. Syst. 1852, p. xxix, "based
Fig. 497. — Prairie Hen. (From Lewis.)
TETRAONIDyE: GROUSE. 741
oa VoUst. Naturg. Hiihnen, pi. 217, figs. 1896-8;" Tympamtchus americanus, A. 0. U.
No. 305.)
T. a. attwateri. (To H. P. Attwater.) Attwater's Praiuie Hex. A form described
from the coast region of Louisiana and Te.xas. 7'. attwateri Bexdire, Forest and Stream,
May 18, 1893, p. 425. T. a. attirateri A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Apr. 1894, p. 130; Check
List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 305 a.
T. pallidicinc'tus. (Lat. paUidtts, pale; cinctus, begirt.) Pale Pinnated Grouse.
Le.s.ser Prairie Hen. Above, dark markings not in excess of lighter markings, and rather
brown than black, each bar being brown between a pair of narrow borders ; below, dark bars
narrow, with the same tendency to enclose a broad brown one between any two dusky ones.
Tarsi scant-feathered, exposing the bare strip behind. Size smaller than that of average amer-
icanus ; $ wing under 8.50, 9 wing about 8.00. Southwestern prairies, from some portions
of Kansas and the Indian Territory into Texas. C. cupido iKillidicincta Ridgw. Bull. I-^ssex
Inst. Dec. 187.3, p. 199; CoUES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 584, and of later editions. T. pallidi-
cinctus KiDGW. 1885 ; A. O. U. Check List, 2d ed. No. 307.
BOXA'SA. (Gr. ^ovaaos, Lat. honasus, a bison : the " drumming" of the bird being likened
to the bellowing of a bull.) Ruffed Grouse. Shoulder-knot Grouse. Head with a
full soft crest. Neck on each side with a tuft or umbel of numerous (15-30) broad soft glossy-
black feathers, covering the rudimentary tympanum. Tail about as long as wings, am))ly
rounded or fan-shaped, normally of 18 soft broad feathers, with truncate ends. Tarsi scant-
feathered, naked below, with 2-3 rows of scutella in front. Plumage of blended and varied
colors ; sexes alike. Meat of breast white, unlike that of any of the foregoing Grouse. Eggs
numerous, normally unmarked or with little spotting. Woodland species, more or less ar-
boreal, of common occurrence in suitable places, representing in America the closely allied
European genus Tetrastes, in which the tail has only 16 feathers, the epaulettes are unde-
veloped and the sexes unlike.
Analysis of Varieties.
Brown, of mixed and varied shades of reddish and gray. Eastern and Northern umbellus
Pale ; slaty-gray the prevailing shade. Rocky Mountain region umbelloiiles
Dark ; chestnut-brown the prevailing shade. Pacific Coast region sabinei
B. uinbel'lus. (Lat. mnbeUiis, an umbel, umbrella; umbra, shade, shadow ; alluding to the
neck-tufts. There is no such Latin word as " umhelhis;^^ and the form of the feminine noun
ximhella happens to suit Bonasa. Linnteus had Tetrao umbellus, as if the specific name were
an adjective in the masculine gender, but the only proper form of the adjective from umbclla
would be innbellatus, a, um. Figs. 498, 499.) Ruffed Grouse. Ruffed Heath-cock.
Shoulder-knot (JRorsE. Tippet Grou.'^e. Drumming Groise. " Partrid(;e," New
England. Dri'.mming Partridge. Birch Partridge. " Pheasant," Middle and Soutii-
ern States. Drumming Pheasant. Mountain Pheasant. Whiteflesher. Adult (^9:
Above, variegated reddish- or grayish-brown ; back with numerous, oblong, pale, black-edged
spots. Below, whitish, barred with brown. Tail brown or gray, numerously and narrowly
Idack-barred, with a broad subterminal black zone, and tijiped with gray. Neck-rutHe <>f ^
mostly glossy black, and very full ; of 9 smaller and more brown. Colors endh'ssly varied
as well as blended, and the prevailing hmv of the brown birds tif the East sliades insensildy
i'lto that of the Western subspecies. Length lO.OO-lH.IK); extent 23(X); winu 7.(K>-8.(H); tail
a1)out the same. Young of both sexes sufficiently resemble the adults to bo unmistakable,
and detailed description of every feather would be tedious and ])rofitIes3. Chicks in <lown arc
very pretty, being of various buff shades deepf'iiinir on some parts into chestnut, with a black
stripe on each side of the head. There is a sort of dichromatism in this species, somewhat like
that of the red and gray Megascops Owls, some individnals beinir browner, otiiers i:rayer. than
742
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
Fig. 40S.
nat. del. E. C.
• Head of Ruffed Grouse, nat. size. (Ad.
the average ; but this is irrespective of age, sex, season, or locality, does not in the least corre-
spond with the pretended geographical distribution of the subspecies togata M'hich some late
Grouse-fanciers have sought to establish, and I cannot imagine myself humoring such a vrhim
in the " Key." We have quite enough to do iu making out umbelloides to be subspecifi-
cally different. A vv^oodland bird, like the species of Canachites, abundantly distributed over
eastern North America ; W. in the U. S. to
the central plains ; in British America from
Hudson's Bay to Alaska; S. in the U. S.
to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas, but
less common, except in the southern Appa-
lachian regions. This fine game bird is well
known under the above names iu different sec-
tions ; but it is neitlier a "partridge" nor a
" pheasant," being, in fine, a Ruffed Grouse.
The ''drumming" sound for which this bird
is noted is not vocal, as some suppose, but
is produced by rapidly whirring the wings in
the air, without beating them against each
other, against the body of the bird, nor yet against the log or other hard object upon which
the cock stands to perform this peculiar love-act ; the hen does not drum. The sound may
be heard at any season, but chiefly in spring, from February to the end of the breeding season,
which is at its height in May. This grouse is not migratory, and its breeding range is coinci-
dent with its general distri-
bution ; its favorite haunts
ai'e groves, coppices, and
under woods rather than
deep forests ; the nest is of
a few leaves, etc., on the
ground, rarely on a log or
stump or in a brush heap,
but often under or amidst
such things. Eggs 8-14,
exceptionally more, aver-
agmg a devil's dozen in
number, in color very char-
acteristic ; from creamy
white to creamy buff, usu-
ally immaculate, some-
times minutely dotted or
even speckled witli brown ;
they resemble Partridge
eggs somewhat in shape,
which approaches the
pyriform, broad and blunt at one end. pointed at the other; size about 1.60 X 1-20, moderately
variable either way. B. umbellus and B. u. togata, A. 0. U. Nos. 300 and 300 a.
B. u. umbelloi'des. (Lat. umbella, as above defined, and Gr. elSos, eidos, resemblance.)
Gray Ruffed Grouse. A subspecies of the last, of very difterent tone of color in its ex-
treme development, but shading into the common Ruffed Grouse by insensible degrees in Brit-
ish America. When fully manifested, as follows : <J Lower back, rump, upper tail-coverts
and tail slate-gray, with little if any brown tinge; the feathers of the back and rump with
Fig. 499. —Ruffed Grouse. (From Lewis.)
TETRAONIDJ^: GROUSE. 743
light gray cordate or arrow-headed spots uarrowly bordered with bhick ; tail-feathers finely
venniculated with black, and with a broad subti^rmiual black zone. Ruffle glossy greenish-
black. Under parts wliilish, more or less tinged with tawny-brown, with several broad brown
cross-bars on each featliei-, largest and most distinct on long feathers of sides, some of which
have also white shaft-lines ; heavy feathers of flanks and vent mostly whitish, unmarked.
Feathei-s of fore-neck and scapulars blended with gray, rich reddish-bnjwn, ochrey-brown, and
white, in indescribable confusion. Most of the wing-coverts with white shaft-lines. Hen
with ruffle less developed, varied with brown and white. General tone more rufous than
in the cock. Rocky Mountain region, U. S. and British America, running into both the other
varieties.
B. u. sabi'nei. (To J. Sabine.) Red -Ruffed Grouse. Oregon Ruffed Grouse.
More nearly resembling the common Ruffed Grouse, but coloration more heavily brown, —
darker and richer. More blacki.sh to the brown, and latter almost chestnut in well-marked
cases. Pacific coast region, northern California to British Columbia. This bird was dis-
covered by Lewis and Clark in 1805-6, and first named Tetrao fusca by Ord, Guthrie's
Geogr. 2d Am. ed. ii, 1815, p. 317. But owing to the badly edited text of the History (»f the
Expedition published in 1814, what Lewis and Clark meant by their "small brown" was
unintelligible till I found out by examination of their original manuscripts: see the 1893 edi-
tion of the History, p. 872. In strictness, therefore, this bird should be called B. umbella fusca
CouES; but I waive the point in favor of B. u. sabinei CouES, Key, 1872, p. 235, as this is
the established name, adopted liy the A. 0. U. No. .'300 c, after Tetrao sabinei of Douglas,
wlio rediscovered the bird and described it in Trans. Linn. Soc xvi, 1829, p. 137.
LAGO'PUS. (Gr. XaycoTTouj, lugopous, Lat. lagopus, hare-foot : the densely feathered feet
resemble those of rabbits.) Ptarmigan. Snow Grouse. No peculiar feathers on head or
neck. Tarsi and toes densely feathered. Tail short, little rounded, normally of 14 broad
feathers, with long upper coverts, some of which resemble rectrices, the central pair of these
usually reckoned as rectrices, making 16. A naked red comb over eye. Eggs most heavily
colored (except in L. leucurus). Boreal and alpine Grouse, shaped nearly as in Catiachites,
remarkable for their changes of plumage, becoming in winter snow-white (excepting the British
insular race), with or without black tail and loral stripe. The plumage is subject to frequent
and rapid change, either by loss and gain of feathers, or by their wear and tear; there are
ordinarily tiiree difft-rent plumages a year, not the same in summer in opposite sexes of some
sfiecies ; the shed<iiiig extends even to the claws, which are dropped jieriodically when they
liave overgrown, like some portions of the claws of some lemmings. Pullets when half
grown drop their first flight-feathers, which are brown, and the new set comes out white in
all the species but one. Hence, specific characters founded upon color alone are peculiarly
fallacious in this genus. We have three well-known good species, one of them with several
alleged subspecies; I record all these, also the three other North American forms, without
vouching for any excepting L. lagopus, L. rujiestris, and L. leucurus. The cxtralimital spe-
cies are: (1) L. scoticus, the Red Grouse, Rod Game, or Moor-f..wl of Britain. (2) L. mutus
or alpinus, the Ptarmigan most properly so-called, of Continental Europe from the Pyrenees
and Alps northward, also in Scotland. (3) L. hijperboreus or hemileucurus, of Spitzbergeu,
witli the tail partly white in winter. The word ptarmigan, with an unexplained initial p,
dating back over 200 years, is from the Gaelic taruutihan. suppi'sed to mean mountaineer, and
was earlier spelled termigant, termagant, etc
Analt/si.1 of Specien, (ilhijnl Spr.i,--. and .1. <>■ I'. Siihsprrii'S.
Tail block at all seasons.
In winter, no black stripe on head. Bill stout.
Secondaries wliite-shafted. Nortliern N. Am. and Europe, etc hi/jopus
Secondaries black-shafted. Newfoundland only .. <i rm
744 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN/E — ALECTOROPODES.
In winter a black stripe on head. Bill slender.
Northern N. Am. at large, Europe, etc rupestris
Greenland and N. K Arctic Am r. reinhardii
Newfoundland only welchi
Uualashka and adjacent Aleutian Islands '• nelsoni
Atka, one of the Aleutians ''• atkhensis
Kyska and Adak, two of the Aleutians, June and July r. townsendi
Attn, one of the Aleutians, May and June evermanni
Tail white at all seasons leucurus
L,. lago'pus. (Figs. 500, 501.) Willow Grouse. White Grouse. Willow Ptar-
migan. Willow Partridge. Rehusak. Bill very stout and convex, its depth at base
0.40 or more, as much as distance from nasal fossa to tip; whole culmen 0.75; bill black at
all seasons. <? 9 , in
winter : Snow white ;
14 tail-feathers black,
white - tipped ; middle
pair (which most re-
semble and perhaps are
true rectrices, having
no after - shafts) to-
gether with all the
coverts, one pair of
which reach to end
of tail, white ; shafts
of several outer wing-
quills black ; those of
the secondaries white ;
no black stripe on head.
(J, in summer: Head
and fore parts rich chest-
nut or orange-brown,
more tawny-brown on
back and rump ; the
richer brown parts
sparsely, the tawny-
brown more closely,
barred with black ; most
of the wings and other
under parts remaining
white. 9 similar, wholly
colored excepting wings,
Fig. 500. — Willow Ptarmigan, summer plumage, J nat. size. (From Brehm.) ^]^g color more tawnv
than in ^, and more heavily, closely, and uniformly barred with black. Length 15.00-17.00;
wing 7.50-8.00 ; tail 5.50. No concise description will fit all the plumages of age and sex,
when the bird is not white ; but the species is unmistakable in all its mutability. Chicks in
down are extremely pretty, of a drab color above and sulphury below, the upper parts mottled
with black, the head and rump striped with the same, the crown chestnut. A circuinboreal
species of Europe, Asia, and North America, in the latter S. barely to the U. S. border, as
accidentally in winter to Maiue and Massachusetts; in Alaska S. to Sitka; breeding range
confined to the Fur Countries from lat. 55° northward to the limit of trees, but in the Bar-
ren Grounds mainly replaced by the Rock Ptarmigan ; migratory to some extent. Packing
tetraonidjE: grouse.
745
Fig. iJOl. — Willow Ptarmigan, winter plumage, \ nat. size. (From
Brehm.)
from end of September through winter and most of spring. Pairing in April, laying from
late in May through June. Nest on the ground, of a few leaves, etc. ; eggs G-12, measuring
about 1.75 X 1.25, ranging from
1.85 X l-<35 down to l.GO X 1-15;
they are very heavily colored, ordi-
narily, with bold confluent blotches
or smears of intense burnt sienna
color, almost black in effect, upon
a more or less reddish-tinted buff
ground, seldom evenly marked with
small discrete spots. All the eggs
of birds of this family are colorless
when the shell first forms higli in the
oviduct, acfjuiring pigment as tliey
pass down ; in Ptarmigan, where
the coloring is so heavy, an egg cut
from the pigment-secreting part of
the passage is as if covered with
fresh paint, soft and sticky, which
maybe rubbed ofl' before it "sets"
on the shell. X. alhus of most au-
thors, as of former editions of the
Key, after Tetrao alhus Gm. ; but
as this species is the prior Tetrao
lagopus Lixx., our rules now require
the tautonym L. lagopus. It is also T. or L. Japponicus, rehusak, cachinnans, suhalpinus,
saliceti, and hrncloj(hict>jlHS of various writers.
L. 1. al'leni. (To Dr. J. A. Allen, first president of the A. 0. U.) Allex's Willow Ptar-
.MiGAX. New^foundland Willow Ptarmigax. Like the last; said to be distinguished
by having both secondaries and primaries black-shafted, and these and some of the coverts
marked on their webs with blacUish. Newfoundland only. L. alha alleni Stej. Auk, Oct.
1884, ji. .'J(J9. L. lagopus alleni Kiugw. Man. 1887, p. 113; A. 0. U. No. 301 a.
L. rupes'tris. (Lat. rupestris, relating to rupis, a. rock; rupestrine.) Rock PTARMIGAN.
Bill slenderer for its length tlian that of lagopus, its depth at base under 0.40, and less than
distance from nasal fossa to tip; wh<de cuhnen 0.67; bill always black. J 9 > •" winter: As
in L. lagopus, but a black transocular or loral stripe. ^ 9)1" summer: Plumage, ex-
cepting umch of wings, and tail, barred with blackish-brown and brownish-yellow, niostly iu
rather coarse zigzags, but also blotched on the back. Lower i)arts except breast and siiies
white in $. Rather smaller than lagopus. Length 13.00-14.75; win-x 7.00-7.50; tail 4.50.
The black stripe on the head is usually evident at all seasons, but may be lacking iu the 9-
Arctic America, including S(»me parts of Greenland ; nm S. to the U. S. ; supposed not to occur
from N. Labrador northward, tliat region being prudently reserved for L. r. reinhardti ; allowed
on tliose Alt;utian islands wliich are not reserved by the classifiers for some other Rock Ptar-
migan ; N. Asia; Iceland. The bird has never been found S. of the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
or anywhere in the U. S. except Alaska. It is a near relative of the Kumpean L. viutus or
alpinus, indistincuishablo in winter plumage, separable in summer. In North America its
breethni,' rantje is practically coincident with its general distribution. In the Barren Grounds,
of which the Rocker is so characteristic, tlie egps are laid in June and July: they rescmblo
those of lagopus, but average fewer, usually (5-10, rarely mi»re ; tliey are al.so darker and nither
smaller: sizr about 1-70 X IIi^- "The summer plum:ige is assumed at variable periods of
746
SVSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
the months of April, May, aud even in early June, according to the locality. The moult for
the summer is usually shown first on the head and neck, followed by the lower back, sides,
breast, middle back, Hanks, and abdomen, in the order named. The abdomen aud chiu are the
last areas to show the complete moult. The parts named also assume, in the order given,
the white winter plumage. During the time of the suuimer plumage scarcely a single day
passes that the general color of the feathers is not modified by the appearance or loss of some
feather." {Turner.) Hence the difficulty if not impossibility of establishing races of this
species upon color, as the amount of barring, vermiculation, or nebulation with dusky, tawny,
Fio 502. — Eveiiuaim's Ptarmigan.
and gray is so rapidly changing in the same individuals ; and birds taken at different dates in
summer, in the same locality, may differ from one another more than specimens from different
regions, representing several alleged varieties, are always finmd to do. Rock Grouse, of Pen-
nant and Latham; Tetrao rnpestris Gu. 1788; Aud. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, p. 483, pi. 368.
T. (L.) rupestris Sw. and Rich. F. B. A. ii, 1831, p. 354, pi. 64. L. rupestris Leach,
1817; AuD. B. Am. v, 1842, p. 122, pi. 301 ; Elliot, Mon. Tet. 1865, pi. 23; and of authors
generally, as of all editions of the Key; A. 0. U. No. 302. But L. mutus var. rtipestris
RiDGW. in Bd. Brew, and Ridgw. N. A. B. iii, 1874, p. 462.
TE TRA ONID.E : GEO USE.
747
"^:-
'•ife^
L. r. rein'hardti. (To J. Reiiiliardt, the well-known naturalist.) Reinhardt's Rock
Ptarmigan. Greenland Ptarmigan. As before; ^ in summer less regularly aud more
finely barred above on a grayish-brown ground. Greenland and opposite shores of N. Am., S.
to Ungava in Labrador. Tetrao reinliardi Brehm, Lehrb. 1823, p. 440. T. reinhardti Brehm,
Isis, 1826, p. 930. Lagopus reinhardti Brehm, Naum. 1855, p. 287. L. rupestris reinhardtii
Blas. B. Eur. 18fi2, p. IG. L. rupestris reinhardti X. 0. U. Check-List, 1886, No. 302 «;
RiDGW. Man. 1887, p. 200. L. rupestris reinhardi A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 302 a,
reverting to Brehm's original misspelling, which liad been set right in the former ed. of tlie
List, as in the Key, 2d
ed. 1884, p. 588. T. (L.)
viutits Sw. Fn. Bor. Am.
ii, 1831, p. 450. L. mit-
tus reinhardti DuBUS,
Consp. 1871,p. 21. Te-
trao mutus Aud. Orn.
Biog. V, 1839, p. 196,
pi. 318. Lagopus amer-
icanus Aud. B. Am. v,
1842, p. 119, pi. 300;
Baird, B. N. a. 1858,
p. 637. L. groenlandicm
Brehm, Naum. 1855, p.
287. L. rup>estris var. oc-
cidentalis Sund. Svensk.
A'et.-Ak. Forh. 1874,
p. 20. (Ob.s. Connected
witli this geographically
is L. loeldii of Newfound-
land, given below as a
full species.)
L. r. nel'soni. (To E.
W. Nelson.) Nelson's
Rock Ptarmigan.
Unalashka Ptarmi-
gan. As before : ^ in
summer very finely ver-
miculated aliove with
black on a (h'C]) imiber-
brown grniiud, licl<iwthe
.same on a briglit tawny
ground, and witli some blackish feathers intermixed ; 9 indistinguishald<' fmm that of rupestris
proper. Unalaslika and some of the neighboring Aleutian Islands. L. albus Dall, 1873,
nee auct. L. rupestris bis Nelson, Cruise Corwin, 1883, p. 81, No. 79 (not No. 78). L.
rupestris Turner, Cont. Nat. Hist. Alaska, 1886, p. 155, in part. L. rujicstris ueboni Stej.
Auk, July, 1884, p. 226, type No. 93,448 U. S. N. M. May 18, 1877; Nelson, Rep. Al:i.<5ka.
1887, p. 138, jd. 10; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 201 ; A. (). V. Check-Lists, 1886-95, No. 302 6;
see ColES, ,\uk, Jan. 1884, p. 79.
L. r. atklieii'sis. (Lat. of Atlilia, AtliUa, or Atka, one of the intermediate islands of the
Aleutian diaiii.) Tikmr's Kock I'tarmkjan. Atkhan Ptarmigan. As before : ^ \n
summer very fiuely and (hiisrly veriniciilated jibove witli black on a i>ale raw-urn'" '■ ."-.Mmd,
|CAwin. Onei-ibcivA.
Via. 503. — Wliite-tailfd PtarmlRan. (From "Game Birds of North Amoru-a,"
by D. G. Elliot.)
748
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
below the same on a pale brownish-ochre ground. 9 i" summer similarly marked on a
pale grayish-buff ground. Atkha Island; type specimens Nos. 85,597-85,600, U. S. N. M.
May 29 and June 7, 1879. L. mutus atkhensis Turner, Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. v, July, 1882,
p. 227 and p. 230; Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 588. L. rupestris atkhensis Nelson,
Cruise Corvvin, 1883, p. 56 e (an erratum leaf cancelling L. rupestris occidentalis of p. 82);
Turner, Cont. Nat. Hist. Alaska, 1886, p. 155, pi. 3 ^,4 9; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 201;
A. O. U. No. 302 c.
Li, r. towu'sendi. (To Chas. H. Townsend.) Townsend's Eock Ptarmigan. Kyska
and Adak Ptarmigan. Based on specimens taken on Kyska Island, June 8, 1894, Nos.
135,634 ^, 135,636 9,
U. S. Nat. Mus.; and
others on Adak Island,
July 4th. Elliot, Auk,
Jan. 1896, p. 26; A. O.
U. Suppl. List, Auk,
Jan. 1897, p. 119, No.
302 d. As Mr. Elliot
says: "Comparisons of
Ptarmigans should be
niade between indi-
viduals not only from
the same locality, but
also taken in the same
month, if possible the
same day, for these
perplexing birds being
in a constant state of
moult, a few days' dif-
ference in their time of
capture exhibits much
change in their appear-
ance, and one who has
not studied them care-
fully with sufficient ma-
terial, could easily be
led to form an erroneous
opinion regarding the
status of a subspecific or
even a specific form." I have little faith in the expediency, even in the possibility, of distin-
guishing this from the three foregoing subspecies, all of which are lumped by the latest mo-
nographer, Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii, 1893, p. 48. The two following appear
to be better marked.
Li. welch'i. (To Geo. 0. Welch, of Lynn, Mass.) Welch's Ptarmigan. Newfound-
land Ptarmigan. Similar to L. rupestris. $ in summer less regularly or very confusedly
vermiculated and dotted with black on a gray ground with little if any tinge of tawny, and
shafts of primaries brown. 9 lacking the black transocular bar. " Tlie general effect is that
of a dark grayish-plumbeous bird, plentifully besprinkled with fine dots of 'pepper-and-salt'
color." Newfoundland ; believed to be peculiar to that island, where true riq^estris does not
occur, and therefore not to intergrade. Brewst. Auk, Apr. 1885, p. 194 ; Ridgw. Man. 1887,
p. 201 ; A. 0. U. No. 303.
Fig. 504. — Wliite-tailed Ptarmigan in Winter.
America," by D. G. Elliot.)
(From " Game Birds of North
PERDICID.E: PARTRIDGES AXD QUAILS. 749
L. ev'ermanni. (To Prof. W. B. Evermaiin. Fig. 502.) Evermann's Rock Ptar-
migan. Attu Rock Ptarmigan. Different from any of the foregoing, and bearing upon
the Eurasiatic L. mutus rather than upon any of the American forms of L. riipestris. ^ in
June blackish, little varied with any russet markings, and these chieHy on the head and neck
and rump, leaving the rest uniform except for some lingering white feathers of the winter dress.
Forehead, throat, lower breast and belly, crissum, feet, and the whole wings, except some of
the coverts, white ; shafts of primaries pale brown. Bill and claws black ; comb scarlet.
Lengtli 14.00; wing /.ilO; tail 5.80. 9 in ^^'<^y differs, as usual in this section of the genus,
and is smaller; length l.'i.OO; wingG.GO; tail 5.00. Attu Island, about 1,400 miles W. of
Unalashka. Elliot, Auk, Jan. 1890, p. 25, pi. 3, pub- in July. A. 0. U. Suppl. Check-
List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 119, No. 302. 1. (Compare L. ridgwayi, probably to be known as
L. mutus ridgwayi, from the Commander Islands, 300 miles W. of Attu.)
L,. leucu'rus. (Gr. XeuKos, leucos, white; ovpd, oura, tail. Figs. 503, 504.) Whitk-tailed
Ptarmigan. Rocky Mountain Snow Grouse. Mountain Quail. <? 9, in winter:
Entirely snow-white; bill black, rather slender, and general proportions nearly as in rupestris,
but rather smaller; length 12.00-13.00; wing under 7.00. J* 9 , in summer: Tail, most of
the wing, and lower parts from breast, remaining white ; rest of the plumage minutely marked
with black, white, and tawny or grayish-brown, varying in precise character almost with every
specimen. Rut there is no difficulty in recognizing this white-tailed species, of alpine distribu-
tion in western North America extending from Alaska to New Mexico (lat. 37"^), N. to Liard
River, W. in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. In its southerly latitudes, in sum-
mer, it inhabits the mountain ranges from timber-line to the highest peaks, in winter ranging
lower down, as it does also in summer in the higher latitudes. Eggs very diflFerent from the
heavily painted ones of lagopus and rupestris, and resembling those of the Grouse of the gen-
era Canachites and iJendragapus, being of dull creamy complexion, minutely dotted over the
whole surface with burnt-sienna, and not thickly enough to obscure the ground-ci)lor, few of
the markings exceeding a ])iu's head in size; shape purely ovoidal, greatest diameter near the
middle; size 1.70 X 1-14 to 1.85 X 1-20; number variable, usually less than a dozen. In the
Rocky Mts. of the U. S. they are laid in June and July.
Family PERDICID^ : Partridges and Quails.
Well distinguished fmm Tetraonida; by the nakedness of the feet and nasal fossae; less
easily separated from Phftsianidce, which also have tliese parts unfeathered. Viewing only
the central or typical members of the Perdicidcc, or ordinary Partridges and Quails, their differ-
ence from such birds as Pheasants is obvious; but they are so closely connected by a number
of outlying genera that their separation, either as families or as subfamilies, becomes a matter
of convention, there being actually no line of demarcation. Thus, in the Indian and Ceyloncse
genus Gfdloperdix the characters are equivocal ; both sexes are usually spurre<l, liave the orbits
bare, differ in plumage, and are technically phasianiue ; yet they are only 12-14 inches long,
with short 14-feathered tail, and have a perdicine aspect. Another equivocal genus is litiinbu-
sicolx, with 3 species of India, China, and Formosa, in whicli the sexes are alike in plumage,
tlie (J anil sometimes the 9 is spurred, the orbits are feathered, the 14-feathered tail is rather
long, and the total length is only 10-12 inches; thus tliey stand directly on the line between
jdiasianine and perdicine forms. Again, the African Ptilopachifs fuscus is m>t spurred in either
sex; the sexes are alike; there is a jwst-orbital bare space; the moderate tail is 14-feathered;
the length is a foot or less, and the whole aspect perdicine. One, the Indian Ophri/sia, is
tlioroui^flily (juail-like in aspect, only 8 or 9 inches long, wine 3.50, tail IO-fcatlured. and sexes
dissimilar: thus no doubt belonging on thf perdicine siiie of ilie line. The u'cnera hero
750 S YSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINuE — ALECTOROPODES.
named are the links between Phasianin/s and Perdicinee; for Galloperdix and Bambusicola
lean toward the former, while Ptilopachys and especially Ophrysia connect them directly
with such undoubted quail-forms as Excalf actor ia, Syncecus, and Coturnix. Ogilvie-Grant
has pointed out a character wliich almost unexceptioually separates Perdicidce from Phasi-
anid(e. Tiiis is, that in the former the 1st primary is longer than, or at least equal to, the
10th, while in the latter it is much shorter — or if longer (as it is in Phasianus) the tail
is much longer than the wing in phasianine birds, it being always shorter than the wing in
p(!rdicine birds. Waiving the four exceptional genera named, the following characters apply
to the Perdicidce:
Tarsi, toes, and nasal fossse bare of feathers, at least in part, as a rule entirely. Sides
of head usually feathered. Tail short, always shorter than the wings, usually much shorter ;
first primary longer than, or at least equal to, the 10th (or if decidedly shorter, then the tail
much shorter than the wing). Spurs, combs, and wattles as a rule wanting (the reverse of the
rule in Phasianidce) . Sexes in general similar, and sexual habit monogamous.
These expressions will almost infallibly separate any perdicine bird from the Phasianidce,
in which the rule is: Large size, long many-feathered tail, spurs on the tarsi, head in part
naked and carunculate, sexual diversity, and polygamous habit. On the side of the Tetra-
onidce the line is much better drawn. The most ambiguous form is Lerwa nivicola of the
Himalayas, with half- feathered yet spurred tarsi, 14-feathered tail, and sexes similar. An-
other grouse-like perdicine genus is Tetraogallus, with spurred tarsi, 20-22-feathered tail,
a leugtli of 20 inches or more, and the sexes subsimilar ; it includes several species, as T.
tihetanus, T. himalayensis, T. caspius, and T. caucasicus, the latter known as the Chourtka.
A remarkable bird related to these is Tetraojihasis ohscurus of Tibet, about 18 inches long,
with spurred tarsi and 18-feathered tail. But the three genera here noted are no doubt to
be brought within the perdicine line, being in fact not far removed from the genus Perdix
itself.
The PerdicidcE are divisible into two subfamilies mainly or solely upon geographical
grounds, though the American forms have a fades peculiar to themselves. The introduction
of the common Quail of Europe into this country brings both within our limits.
Analysis of Stibfamilies of PerdicidoR.
Old World forms, with no peculiarity of the under mandible Perdicinee
New World forms, sometimes with dentate under mandible Odontophorinw
Subfamily PERDICIN/E: Old World Partridges and Quails.
Character as just said. Before describing our single introduced representative of this sub-
family, some idea of its composition may be given. The genera above named lead directly to
Perdix, type and name-giving genus of this group, in which the tail has 16 or 18 feathers and
the tarsi are not spurred. It includes the common gray Partridge of Europe, etc., P. perdix or
P. cinerea, and a few others, a glance at any of which would suffice to show how very different
they are from any of the birds called " partridges" in America. Then comes a series of genera
in which the tail is 14-feathered, the tarsi being spurred in some of them and not in others.
Such is Caccabis, with several species, including C rnfa, the Red-legged or Guernsey Partridge,
C. petrosa, the Barbary Partridge, C saxatilis, the Greek Partridge. Francolinus is the
largest genus, of some 40 species, chiefly African and Asiatic, some of which are spurless, while
others have a pair or two pairs of spurs ; the common Francolin is F. francolinus or F. vulgaris,
once common in southern Europe. The African genus Pternistes includes several francolin-
like species, but with bare throats, as P. nudicollis. A large Asiatic genus is Arhoricola, of
17 species, as A. torqueola, the Olive Partridge. Nearly related to these is Caloperdix, like all
the foregoing with a 14-feathered tail, but tlie claw of the hind toe rudimentary ; there are three
PERDICID.E — PERDICIX.T: : PA R TR ID G ES A ND Q L'A IL S.
lOl
species, witli one or more spurs, as C- ocitlea, the Eyed Partridge of the ^ralay Peninsula. Sev-
eral other genera have 12 tail-feathers, as follows : The Koulroul of the Malay countries, etc.,
Bollulus roulroul, is a curiously crested bird, with a rudimentary hallucal claw. Melanoperdix
nigra oi the same countries is in like state, but uncrested. Hcematorti/x sanguinicejh'i of B(>rneo
has 3 pairs of spurs in the ^. Rhizothera longirostris is the oriental Lonir-billed Partridge,
with spurs in both sexes. The Indian genus Perdiciila includes two species of very small Par-
tridges or Quails, P. asiatica and P. argoondnh, with 12 rectrices as in the foregoing, ami blunt
spurs in the J. Ammoperdix is a genus related to Caccahis, but with only 12 rectrices, and in-
cludes two species of desert Quails, A. bonhami and A. heyi; the latter inhabits the region of the
Ked Sea, the Dead Sea, etc., and might be the one which furnished what basis could be found for
the myth of the miraculous feeding of the Israelites. Mdrgaroperdic vmdagascariensis is simi-
larly related to Perdix proper, but with only 12 tail-feathers. In Microperdix the tail is 10-
featliered; there are 3 Indian species, M. erythrorhyncha, M. bleivitti, and 31. vianijmrensis, in
wliich spurs are represented by blunt tubercles in tlie ,^; they are very small Quails, only (3 or
7 inches long. In Cotuniix itself there are indifferently 10 or 12 feathers, and no spurs; and
this is represented in Australia and Papua by a few closely related species in which 10 rectrices
are the rule, though 12 sometimes occur. Finally, in the curious little Quail of the genus
Exccdfactoria, there are only 8 very short soft feathers, hidden by their coverts; such are the
Chinese Quail, E. c}iinensii^, and the African E. adansoni, only about 5 inches long. Such
forms as these brine us around again to the genus Ophnjsia, mentioned above under the head
of tlie family Perdicidce.
C'OTUK'NIX. (Lat. coturnix, a quail; from its note.) Bill smaller and much slenderer
tlian that of any American genera of Odonto})horince ; nasal fossa; feathered, e.Kcept on the
tumid nasal scale. Wings of moderate leiiglii, little vaulted and not rounded, pointed by the
lst-3d quills, the 1st scarcely or not shorter than the next. First primary emarginate on inner
web ; 2d and 3d sinuate on outer web. Tail of 10-12 feathers extremely short and slight, not
half as long as wing, pointed, its feathers very soft, tlie central pair lanceolate. Feet small:
tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw, jOf--^^.^ ?^~% jra' j (V^V
slightly feathered above in front, with
two rows of alternating large scutella
in front, two rows of smaller rounded
scales meeting in a ridge behind, the
sides filled in with small plates. Size
snuiller than that of any of our native
s|iecies ; pattern of coloration some-
what as in Colinus ; sexes nearly alike.
There are several species, besides the
one given below, as C. japonica, wide
ranging in Asia ; C. caj}ensis of South
Africa; C- coromanddica of India, etc. ;
C delegorgiici of Africa; C. j)ector(dis
of Australia; and C. novtc-ZefdandifC.
('. cotiir'iiix. (Fig. 50.5.) Mk.SSIX.V
(^»I AH.. .MiGUATOKV QUAIL. CoM-
MDN Quail of Europ<\ Adult ^ ^ :
Upjicr parts variegated with buff or
whitish and black upon a mixed red-
dish-brown and gray ground, the most conspicuous markings being sharp lance-linear length-
wise stripes of biitf or wliitisli over UK.st of the upper parts, these dashes mostly edgeil with
black: otinr less promimnt huff or whitish cross-bars, scvrral to a feather, likewise tVon.-.l
Fio. 005. — Common Quail of Europe, ) nnt. niie (From Drebiu. )
752 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLING — ALECTOROPODES.
in black. Crown mixed brown and black, with sharp median and lateral buif stripes.
Throat white, bounded before by a dark bar curving down behind auriculars ; behind, by a
necklace of ruddy-brown, blackisli, or wliitish spots; chin varied with dark marks in advance
of the auricular bar. Under parts lading to whitish from the buff or pale yellowish -brown
breast, without any dark crossbars, but long feathers of sides and flanks with large and con-
spicuous white shaft-stripes and otherwise variegated with black, brown, and buff. Primaries
fuscous, spotted with light bri)wn on outer webs ; secondaries similar, but the markings be-
coming bars on both webs. Tail-feathers brownish-black, much varied with shaft-lines, cross-
bars, and edgings of buflf ; crissuni immaculate, like abdomen. Bill dark; feet pale; iris dark
brown. Length about 7.00; wing 3.75; tail 1.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw rather
more. Europe, Asia, Africa; recently imported and turned loose in considerable numbers in
the U. S., as in New England ; but its permanent naturalization is open to question. If one
will compare this bird with Bob White he will see how very different is the Old World Quail
from our Colins, or any other birds of this country called "quail;" but that it resembles
these more nearly than the European Partridge, Perdix cinerea, does ; so that, if we must
borrow a name from any Old World birds for our species of Colinus, LopTiortyx, Callipepla,
etc, the term " quail"' is rather more appropriate than " partridge."
Subfamily ODONTOPHORIN/E : American Partridges and Quails.
Head completely feathered, and usually crested, the crest frequently assuming a remarkable
shape. Nasal fossce not filled with feathers ; nostrils covered with a naked scale. Tarsi and
toes naked, latter scarcely or not fringed, former scutellate. Usually a small claw on the thumb.
Tail typically of 12 feathers, rarely 14. Size smaller than in Tetraonidce.
Our Partridges may be distinguished, among American Gallince, by the foregoing charac-
ters, but not from those of the Old World ; and it is highly improbable that, as a group, they
are separable from all the forms of the latter by any decided peculiarities. The principal sup-
posed character, namely, toothing of under mandible, is very faintly indicated in some forms,
and entirely wanting in others. Pending final issue, however, it is expedient to recognize the
group, so strictly limited geographically, if not otherwise. Several beautiful and important
genera occur within our limits, but these Partridges are most numerous in species in Central
and South America. Odontopliorus is the leading genus, with perhaps 15 species, m which the
head is crested, and the sexes are similar. Dacfijlortyx thoracicus is a single species lately sep-
arated from Odontopliorus on account of the dift'erence in the sexes and some other characters,
including the length of the claws. In Eupsychortyx the head is also crested, but tlie sexes are
unlike ; there are at least 5 species of this genus. In the three species of Dendrortyx, all
Central American, the sexes are alike, there is a short occipital crest, and the rounded tail is
nearly as long as the wing; the size is also large, from 12 to 15 inches in length. Philortyx
faseiatus of Mexico, the only species of its genus, is very small, only about 7\ inches long.
Philortyx fasciatus is a peculiarly crested species. The genus Ehynchortyx has been estab-
lished tor two small species usually included in Odontopliorus, but having only 10 rectrices ;
a. spodrostethrus and B. cinctus both inhabit Central America. This case of 10 rectrices in
Ehynchortyx, and that of our Callipepla (see beyond) with 14, are the only exceptions to the
rule in OdontophorintB that the tail is 12-feathered. No members of the family are spurred,
combed, or wattled, and all have the head fully feathered, as well as more or less crested, some-
times in very elegant fashion ; there is also little range of variability in size, and for the most
part a general similarity to one another in pattern of coloration, among the about 45 species
of which the subfamily is known to be composed. They are thus a compact group, in compari-
son at least, with the widely diversified Perdicince of the Old World ; and this fact may have
its weight in deciding us to recognize them as a subfamily, even if they do not very well ex-
■/ )j
PERDICID.E — ODONTOPHORIN^: PARTRIDGES AND QUAILS. 753
hibit the character to which the name Odontophorina: is due. In habits, they agree more or
less completely witli the vvell-kuown Bub White. Our species are apparently monogamous,
and go in small flocks, called " coveys," usually consisting of the members of one family ; some
species " pack" in large flocks; they are terrestrial, but take to trees on occasion; nest on the
ground, laying numerous white or speckled eggs; are chiefly grauivorous, but also feed on
buds, soft fruits, and insects ; and are non-migratory.
Analysis of Genera.
An inconspicuous crest, scarcely visible except in life. Tail about I as long as wing, 12-feathered. Coloration every-
where variegated. Sexes distinguishable. (Two species. ) Colinus
A short, soft, full crest. Tail | the wing, 14-feathered. Coloration much the same all over, showing curious semi-
circular markings. Sexes similar. (One species. ) Callipepla
A long, slender, arrowy crest, two or three mches long, of two narrowly hnear feathers. Tail g as long as wing,
12-feathered. Parti-colored, but the coloration chiefly in masses. Sexes similar. (One species.) . . Oreortyx
A long, recurved, helmet-like crest, of several imbricated plumes, enlarged at extremity. Tail J as long as wing,
12-feathered. Coloration chiefly in mas.ses. Sexes unlike. ^Two species.) Lophortyx
A short, soft, full crest. Tail scarcely \ as long as wing, 12-feathered. Coloration peculiar, in round, white spots
on under parts of the cf. Sexes very uuhke. (One species. ) Cyrtonyz
COLI'NUS. (Latinized from the French colin of Bufl'on and others ; probably derived from
some Mexican word.) Colins. Bob Whites. Feathers of crown lengthened and erectile,
but hardly forming a true cres^t. Tail
about f as long as wing, 12-feathered.
Outstretched feet reaching beyond end
of tail. Coloration much variegated ;
reddish-brown varied with black and
white the leading color. Meat of
breast white. Eggs white, pyriform,
numerous. Besides the species treated
beyond there are several others, as
CC. graysoni, pectoralis, and coi/olcos ^"'- ^°*'- " ^'" '"""^ ^'"'^ °^ ^'''''""^' """'■ '''"■ ^'^"^ "=''• '^'^- ^- ^'^
of Mexico, and C. nigrigularis of Yucatan. (Orty.r of all former eds. of the Key, as of most
writers, after Steph. Gen. Zool. xi, 1819, p. 37C}; but this is untenable because antedated by
Ortyx Oken, Lehrbuch Naturg. vi, 181G, p. 611 (which is a synonym of Ortygis Illioeu,
1811 — an Old World genus of a different family). The next name in order of dates is Ortygia
BoiE, Isis, 1826, p. 977 ; but this is the same word as Ortygis, and so cannot be used. The
next name, and the first one which is tenable by our rules, is Colinus Lesson, Man. ii, 1828,
p. 190, also used, in the form Colinia, by Xl'ttam., Man. i, l^.'ivJ, p. 646: see Auk, Jan.
1885, p. 45.)
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Under parts varied with black and rusty on a white or whitish ground.
Length of ^f 10. (H) or rather more; extent 15.00 or more; wing 4.50 or more. Bill blackish-brown. Ground
color dull pinkish-red witli narrow black bars below • lirrfinimiui
Length of (f scarcely 10.00 ; extent under 15.00 ; wing scarcely or not 4.."»0. Bill jet bl.ick. Ground color dark
reddish, with much broader black bars below v . jlor idituus
Length, etc., as in Jioridaniis. Ground color paler tlian in t irgiiiimiu.i^ with numerous black bar*, and increase
of asliy and tawny ■ .... v. Inanus
Under parts mostly uniform cinnamon brown riJgicnyi
C. virKiiiia'iius. (Of Virginia. Fiys. 5(K!, 507, 508.) C'o.mmon ("oi.in. I'.VKTUIDOK, or
Qi All.. I'x)!! W'liiri:. " (,i)i"AiL : "' New England, wherever the Itufled (Jrouse is callotl
"partridge." " I'autkidge: " Snuthern ami Middle States, wherever the KnH'ed (trouse is
called " j.heasant." Also siiecified as the Amkhuan, Vikcixiax, and Makvland C'ohlN,
I'AUTKlixiK, or QfAIL. Ailnlt (J : Forehead, superciliary line, and throat white, borderetl
with black; cmwTi, neik all muiid, and upper part i.f Imast bniwni.>ih-red ; other under parts
4^
754 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
tawny- whitish, all with more or fewer doubly crescentic black bars; crissum rufous; sides
broadly striped with brownish-red; upper parts variegated with chestnut, black, gray, and
tawny, the latter edging inner quills, forming a continuous line when the wing is closed. 9 :
Known by having throat bufiF instead of white, less black about fore-parts, and general color-
ation subdued. The reddish of this bird is of a peculiar dull pinkish shade; black crescents
of under parts scarcely or not half the width of intervening white spaces; bill not jet black.
Length of $ 10.00-10.50; extent 15.00-15.50; wing 4.50 to nearly 5.00; tail 2.75-3.00.
99.50-10.00; extent 14.50-15.00; wing 4.25-4.50; tail 2.50-2.75. Chicks in down butf be-
low, browner on sides and paler on throat, the back chestnut, a patch of same on top of head,
and black marks on its sides. Among thousands of Bob Whites yearly destroyed, albinotic or
melanotic, and other abnormally colored specimens, are frequently found ; but the percentage
of these cases is nothing unusual, and the sportsman must be cautioned against supposing that
such birds have any status, in a scientific point of view, beyond their illustration of certain per-
fectly well-known variations. Such specimens, however, are interesting and valuable, and
should always be preserved. Eastern U. S. N. to Maine, Ontario, and Minnesota. West
Fio. 507. — Mr. and Mrs. Bob White, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
to high central plains, in South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Indian Territory, Oklahoma, and
eastern Texas, and all tlie while steadily extending in that direction with the settlements and
railroads ; it has already got beyond the limits assigned in the Key in 1884, and has been intro-
duced and become acclimated in various parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Cali-
fornia, Oregon, and Washington. I shot it at Fort Randall. S. D., in 1872-73. It breeds
indifferently throughout its range, and is usually resident wherever found. The characteristic
game bird of this country, whose mellow and melodious pipe proclaims its name, so dear to the
heart of the sportsman. It is translated in our language in many ways besides " bob-white,"
and may be heard throughout the breeding season, whicli commonly extends through most of
the spring and summer, tliough eggs have occasionally been found in nearly all mouths of the
year. Eggs indefinitely numerous, averaging over a dozen, usually 12-18, sometimes up to
3 dozen, pure white, pointed at one end and very blunt at the other, from 1.30 X 1-00 to J. 05
X 0.90, averaging 1.20 X 0.95.
C. V. florida'nus. (Of Florida.) Florida Quail. Rather smaller, $ about size of 9 vir-
ginianus, but bill relatively larger, jet-black ; colors darker, all black markings heavier, those
of under parts nearly as broad as intervening white spaces. Florida, and similar specimens in
PERDICID.E — ODONTOPHORIN^: PARriilDGES AND QUAILS. 755
the lower Mississippi Valley; an approach to the Cuban form (C. cubanensis). Habits, nest,
and eggs indistinguishable from those of the common Bob White ; but this southern form breeds
earlier, from February onward. As stated in the Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904, the Cuban bird
was for a time supposed to occur in Florida, being so given in Kidgw. Man. 1887, p. 188,
figuring in the A. 0. U. Abridged Check-List, 1889, as No. 289 c, and separately treated as
such by Bendire, i, 1892, p. 9. All the Bob Whites of Florida belong to the single sub-
species established in the original edition of the Key, 1872. p. 237.
C. V. texa'nus. (Of Texas.) Texas Quail. S\ze of floridamis ; colors paler, prevailing
shade rather gray than brown ; upper parts mucli variegated with tawny. Texas, X. to Kansas,
FlO. 508. —The Bob White Family. (From " Sport with dun and Ro.i ; " The Century Co , N. Y.)
S. into Mexico. No ditierence from rirginifoius proper in luibits, nest, or eggs, the latter aver-
age 1 .20 X 0.90, as before. This bird shades directly into the stock form on the one hand, and
on the other approaches C graysoni.
C. ridK'wayi. (To K. Kidgway. Fig. 509.) Kidoway's CoLiN. Arizona Bob White.
Maskki) Bint White. Hooded Quail. Adult ^ : Front, and sides of liead and neck,
black, witli or without a narrow white frontal line and superciliary stripe. I'nder parts
diestnut or cinnamon (about tlic color of l)reast of Kobin), varying much iu sliade, generally
unspotted, except on tlanks, where tlii' fcatliers are usually tipped with an oval white spot,
preceded by a sul)terminal black 1>ar ; lower tail-coverts with a V-shaped black spot bordered
with whitish ; occasionally small touches of black and white along sides. Crown, liind head,
and nape mi.xed Idack. uiiite, and pale bniwii, nr yellowish-white ; hind neck and iiiter.M-apu-
756 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
lars reddish-brown, usually with a grayish cast; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts minutely
variegated with blackish, pale brown, and grayish-white, the black usually prevailing, but
variable in amount. Wing-coverts rufous, each feather barred with blackish and edged and
tipped with whitish ; primaries dusky, edged and scalloped internally with whitish ; secondaries
externally dusky, barred
and freckled with pale
brown and yellowish-
white ; inner secondaries
and scapulars edged
with yellowish - white
(very broadly so on in-
ner edges), and other-
wise variegated. Tail
above bluish-gray, mi-
nutely freckled and
waved with whitish ; tail
below gray, faintly and
irregularly barred and
waved with grayish-
white. Bill black ; feet
horn-color; iris brown.
Length 9.75; extent
14.2.5; wing 4.50; tail
2.75; tarsus 1.20. The
female resembles that
sex of C. ^^!. texensis so
closely as not to be read-
ily distinguished. The
species is closely related
to C. graysoni of Mex-
ico, and may yet be found
to intergrade therewith.
Southern Arizona and
Sonora, where it has-
long been known as a game bird, though long unrecognized as a species by ornithologists; I
heard of it there in 1864-65, though I never had a specimen. It calls " Bob-white," like the
rest of its kind, has the same habits, and its eggs are indistinguishable. On its first intro-
duction to our Fauna it was mistaken for C graysoni of Lawrence, Ann. Lye N. Y. viii,
May, 1867, p. 476, and thus appeared as Coliniis graysoni in the A. 0. U. List, 1886, p. 168,.
No. 290. It was first described as C. ridgwayi by Brewster, Auk, Apr. 1885, p. 199, and
figured as such by Allen, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. July, 1886, pi. 23. Ortyx ridgwayi
CouES, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 884. Colinus ridgwayi A. 0. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. No. 291.
OREOR'TYX. (Gr. opos, oros, a mountain ; oprv^, ortux, Lat. ortyx, a quail. The gram-
matical gender is in question ; the Greek word is masculine, the Lat. feminine. In ornithol-
ogy, good usage is about equally divided.) Plumed Quail. Head adorned with an arrowy
crest of 2 slender keeled plumes, 3-4 inches long in ^ when fiill-devek»ped ; present in 9) shorter.
Bill and feet stout ; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Tail about f tlie wing, broad, rounded,
with long coverts and 12 rectrices. Size large ; colors massed in large areas ; sexes alike-
Eggs bufi"-colored. One large handsome species.
Fig. 509. — Masked Bob White,
D. G. Elliot.)
(From " Game Birds of North America," by
PERDICID^E — ODONTOPHORIN^ : PARTRIDGES AND QUAILS. 151
Analysis of Subspecies.
Above extensively glossed over with olive-brown; inner edges of secondaries buff; forehead ashy. Coast region
northerly picius
Above restrictedly glossed over with olive-brown ; inner edges of secondaries pale buff ; forehead whitish. Interior
region, and coastwise southerly . . . . • p. plumiferus
Like the last ; grayer ; bill thicker. Lower California p. confinii
O. pic'tus. (Lat. incta, pictured, painted. Fig. 511.) Plumed Partridge. Mountain
Quail of the Calit'urniaus. Adult (J 9 • Back, wings, and tail olive-browu ; inner secondaries
and tertials bordered with buff or tawny, forming a
lengthwise border in single line when wings are folded ;
primaries fuscous ; tail-feathers fuscous, minutely mar-
bled with color of back. Fore-parts, above and below,
slaty-gray (above more or less glossed with the olive-
brov?n shade of
back, below mi-
nutely marbled with
black) ; throat
chestnut, immedi-
ately bordered lat-
(^^^i^^^P* \ ('rally with black,
:s^^->=.^^S3^^^^— — then framed in a
'i^^MA"^ l^aBU^^ fi"J^ white line,
'■1" V/mSKW broken through
^h^^A ''*vl^B around base of
'' 'i^rail under mandible.
^V'li ^\ Extreme forehead
ifiAw ashy. Arrow -
plumes black. i^^-^;^^^^^*^'^
Fio. 510. —Helmet Quail (/-.(7a?)!6eZi),nat. Belly chestnut ; Fio. .511. — Plumed Quail. (From Ten-
size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.) sides banded with ney, after Audubon.)
broad bars of black and white, or rufous-white; middle of lower belly, tibia, and tlanks, whit-
ish or rufous; crissum velvety-black, streaked with chestnut. Bill dusky, paler below; feet
brown. Length 11.00-12.00; extent lG.00-17.00; wing 5.00-5.50; tail 3.00-3.50; tarsus
l.(i0; middle toe and claw about the same. Chicks in down very curiously striped and spotted
with black, brown, and chestnut on the head, back, and tlanks, dull whitish on the breast and
belly. An elegant species, much larger and more beautiful than B(d) White, inhabiting the
mountainous parts of the Pacific coast region from California to Washington; extension in
the latter State recent, partly natural, but artificially assisted ; lately introduced also on ^'au-
couver Island. The relative extent of the olive and slaty parts is very variable (see following
subspecies). There is something of a Grouse in the composition of this Partridge. Egg a
miniature of the Kuffed Grouse's, only distinguished by smaller size — 1.40 X l-K' t<i 1.30 X
1.00; the clutch is (J-IO, averaging about a dozen, mostly laid in May and June.
O. p. plumiferus. (Lat. plumiferus, plume-bearing; lAuma, a plume; fero, to bear, carry.)
Plu-MEd Partuid(;e or Mountain Quail of the interior. Like the la.st, with which included
in former editions of the Key. Differing in greater extent of the slaty-gray, and corresponding
restriction of the olive-brown overtone, the whiti.'^h forehead, and the pale biitT or whitish border
line along the inner edge of the wing. In the best marked cases, the back of the neck is tjuite
like the breast, instead of Ixing olive-bmwii like the back. This is the prevailing form ou
both sides of the Cascade range in Uregoii. the Sierras Nevadas in California, autl even the
758 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN.E — ALECTOROPODES.
coast range in the latter State from about hit. 34° to Lower California ; in fine, it is the ordi-
nary Mountain Quail of most parts of California, aside from the restricted Coast Range of the
preceding, and also the one which extends E. into Nevada. The distinction is a subtle one,
but I am willing to let the subspecies pass muster with a hundred others of which I have no
favorable private opinion. 0. ])icta, in part, of most authors. Ortyx plumifera Gould, 1857.
Oreortyx pictus var. plumiferus Ridgw. in Bd. Brew, and Ridgw. Hist. N. A. B. iii, 1874,
p. 476 ; A. O. U. No. 292 a.
O. p. confl'iiis. (Lat. next to, adjoining, being on the border of.) San Pedro Mountain
Quail or Plumed Partridge. " Differing from 0. p. xtlnmifera in grayer upper parts and
thicker bill." San Pedro Mts. of Lower California. Anthony, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. 2d ser.
ii, Oct. 1889, p. 74; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904 ; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 292 h.
LOPHOR'TYX. (Gr. \6(l>os, lophos, a crest ; oprv^, ortiix, a quail.) Helmet Quail.
With an elegant crest, recurved helmet- wise, of several (6-10, usually 6 or 7) keeled, clubbed,
glossy-black, imbricated feathers, more than 1.00 long when fully developed; in 9, smaller,
of fewer feathers. Tarsus slightly shorter than middle toe and claw. Tail normally of 12
feathers, exceptionally 10 or 14, about | as long as wing ; outstretched feet not reaching to
its end. A small claw on the pollex. Bulk of Bob White, but longer; 10.00-11.00; wing
4.00 or more; tail 3.00 or more. Coloration chiefly in masses; sexes unlike. ^ with chin
and throat jet-black, sharply bordered with white ; a white line across vertex and along sides
of crown, bordered behind by black ; 9 without these head-markings. Eggs heavily colored.
Two elegant species in the U. S., and another in Mexico, C. elegans. This genus is closely
related to the Mexican genus Philortyx (P. fasciatus and P. personatus). It was reduced to
a subgenus of Callipepla, by the A. O. U. in 1886-95. See Coues, Auk, 1897, p. 214, whence
A. 0. U. restored to full genus, Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 106, as it has always stood in
the Key. See also Elliot, Gall. Game Birds, 1897, pp. 195, 196.
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
(f middle of belly orange-chestnut ; sides like back, with white stripes ; hind-head smoky-brown ; forehead chiefly
whitish, with white loral line.
Back and flanks dark brown ; edges of inner secondaries deep buff californica
Back and flanks light brown ; edges of inner secondaries pale buff c. vallicola
cf middle of belly jet-black ; sides chestnut, with white stripes ; hind-head chestnut ; forehead chiefly black ; no
white loral line gambeli
Li. califor'nica. (Lat. Californian. Fig. 512.) Californian Partridge. Valley Quail
or Top-knot Quail of the Californians. Adult $ : With a small white line from bill to eye ;
forehead whitish with black lines ; occiput smoky-brown ; nuchal and cervical feathers with
very dark edging and shaft-lines, and fine whitish speckling. General color of upper parts
ashy, with strong olive-brown gloss, the edging of the inner quills brownish-orange. Fore
breast slaty-blue; other under parts tawny, deepening into rich golden-brown or orange-chest-
nut on the belly, where all the feathers are sharply edged with jet-black ; sides olive-brown
like back, with sharp white stripes; vent and crissum tawuy, with dark stripes. Length
10.00-11.00; wing 4.25; tail 3.75; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw rather more. Besides
lacking definite head-markings, 9 wants rich sienna color of under parts, which are whitish or
tawny with black semicircles as in ^ ; breast olive-gray. Young in first plumage marked with
white, black-bordered shaft-lines on the upper parts, breast with angular white spots, and belly
with obscure gray bars. Chicks in down dingy white, more rusty abt)ve, varied with length-
wise brown markings, especially one on the nape, and dusky on side of head. The changes of
plumage are parallel with those of gambeli. Lower portions of California, Oregon, Washing-
ton, and British Columbia; S. tt) Monterey, N., in part at least, due to introduction; charac-
teristic of the Pacific coast region, where abundant. A fine species, entirely distinct from
PERDICIDM — ODONTOPHURIN^: PARTRIDGES AND QUAILS. 759
gambeli, but habits and manners in all respects the same: replaces gamheU westward. Nest
normally on the ground, as usual in this order of birds, exceptionally in a bush or even a tree ;
eggs 10-20, creamy or bufl", well
marked all over with small rounded
sj)ots and larger blotches of rich
golden brown, chestnut, and drab,
about ] .25 X 1.00, ranging in length
from 1.20 to 1.40 with less relative
variation in breadth, shaped like
those of Colinus. (Callipepla (Lo-
phortyx) californica A. 0. U. No.
294. L. californicus A. 0. U.
Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, ]). 106.
L. c. valli'cola. (Lat. vallis, a
valley, and colere, to cultivate ; in-
cola, an inhabitant.) California
Valley Quail of tlie interior.
Like the last ; lighter colored, the
back and flanks grayish-brown
rather than olive-brown, the line
along inner edge of the wing pale
buflf. Interior of California and
Oregon, S. to Cape St. Lucas, E.
to Nevada but not quite to Arizona.
This is the common bird away from
the coast region, in the valleys and
foothills; the difference is slight,
and exactly parallel with that of
Oreortyx plumifera as compared
with 0. picta. This is of course the „ ^lo n .* ■ u i » ,. i i * • /«. t> ■
•• Fig. 512. — California Helmet Quail, k nat. size. (From Brehm.
subspecies which meets L. yambeli But in life the feathers of the crest are always bundled in a bunch, not
in soutlieastern California, about the ^^'"''^'''^ ''P"'' ^' ''^ *•>'' ^^ure.)
sink of the Mojave River, a little W. of Arizona : see my Birds N. W. 1^74, p. 440 ; but there
is not the slightest intergradatiou between the two perfectly distinct species. L. californica, iu
part, of previous editions of the Key, and of nearly all authors; Callipepla californica vallicola
RiDGW. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, p. 355; Man. 1887, p. 192; A. 0. U. No. 294 «,
1880-95.
L. gam'beli. (To Wm. Gambel. Figs. 510, 513.) Gambkl'.s Paktridgk. Arizona QrAiL.
(J: Without white loral line ; forehead black with whitish lines ; occiput chestnut; iiuchnl and
cervical feathers with dark shaft-lines, but few dark edgings or none, and no wliite speckling.
General color of upper parts clear ash; edging of inner quills white. Fore-breast like back ;
other under parts butty wliitish, middle of belly with a large jet-black patch ; sides rich purplish -
chestnut, with sharp wliitc stripes; vent, Hanks, and crissum white with dusky streaks. Hill
black ; iris brown. Besides lacking definite head-markings, 9 wants black abdominal area,
where the feathers are whitish witli dark lengthwise toudies ; crest dark bmwn, not recurved,
and fewer-featlicrcd than that of tlic cock. Toj) of head grayish-brown, nearly uniform from
bill to na|)e ; throat giayisli-wiiite with .slight dark pencilling. Chicks, in down: Bill above
reddisii, nearly white below; feet dull tlesh-C(dor. Head dingy yellowish, witli a larire brown
spot on occiput, a few black, white-streaked feathers on crown, and crest sproutiiiii in a week
or two. Upper jiarts grayisii-brown mottled with bhick spots, and conspicuously striped with
760
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINjE — ALECTOROPODES.
white lines. Outer webs of sprouting quills marked with blackish and whitish. Throat white ;
other under parts narrowly barred with black and tawny-white, striped lengthwise with pure
white. Sprouting tail-feathers like primaries. Pullets, quarter-grown, 6.U0-7.00 long:
Leaden-gray, becoming tawny on wings, which are still a little mottled as above described ;
below, light gray, nearly white on throat and belly. Breast waved with light and dark gray,
■ndth traces of white stripes. Sides under wings slightly fulvous or rufescent, but without defi-
nite stripes. Quills plain dusky ; tail-feathers more plumbeous, marked with blackish and
whitish. A broad white superciliary line. With progress of the fall moult this dress changes
for one like that of the adults, and sexes are soon distinguishable. Eggs indefinitely numerous,
8-12-20, averaging 1.25 X 1.00, pyramidal, narrow and pointed at one end, very obtuse the
other; color buff" or rich creamy, dotted and spotted all over with bright brown, splashed here
Fig. 513. — Gambel's Quail. ^Fiom The Ooprey.)
and there with large blotches of same or a darker brown ; the tone varies much, but in gen-
eral is heavier than in L. californica, and under some circumstances there is a peculiar bloom
on the brown markings obscuring their richness ; they are laid all through spring and summer.
Nest on the ground like that of any other Partridge, occasionally in a bush, or a nest of some
other bird appropriated. New Mexico and Arizona, both in mountains and valleys, very
abundant; N. to Nevada and Utah; S. into Mexico; E. to Pecos and San Elizario, Texas,
beyond which replaced by the Massena Partridge; W. beyond the Colorado River, in south-
eastern California to San Bernardino Co., the range thus overlapping that of L. californica;
and hybrids occur where the two species meet, as noted in Auk, July, 1885, pp. 247-249.
The characteristic game bird of Arizona, and much of the ''Great American Desert." The
subspecies described as Callipepla gamheli deserticola Stephens; Auk, Oct. 1895, p. 371, is
not admitted by the A. 0. U.
CALLIPEP'LA. (Gr. KaWmtirXos, kallipeplos, beautifully arrayed.) Shell Quail. Gen-
eral character of Lopliortijx, but head with a short, full, soft crest as in Cyrtonyx (fig. 514),
nothing like the elegant helmet-plumes or pompons of the preceding genus. Tail long, about
f the length of wing, unique in Oclonto]yhorin(B in having 14 rectrices. Coloration of under
perdicid.e—odontophorinjE: partridges and quails. 761
parts producing a shelly or scaly appearance. Sexes nearly alike. Eggs not heavily colored.
One U. S. and Mexican species.
C. squama'ta. (Lat. sqiiamata, squamous, scale-like.) Scaled Partridge. Blue Quail.
Adult ^ : General cidor bluish-pluuibeous, shading into olive-brown on back and wings and
to rufous on under parts behind wings, with a large abdominal area of pale buff, with little or
no orange-brown ; leathers of neck all around, and most of those of under parts, sharply edged
with black, producing a peculiar shell-like appearance; on breast the feathers also wnth con-
cealed reddisli shaft-lines. Long feathers of sides like back in color, with white brown-edeed
stripes or long oval spots. On Hanks and crissum the feathers lose the scaly appearance, be-
coming blended rusty-brown, with linear, sagittate, or cordate dark spots. Inner secondaries
edged with buff or whitish, affording to folded wing the lengthwise stripe so characteristic of
North AiiiericaH Partridges. Quills plain fuscous; tail-feathers plumbeous. No definite
stripes about head ; crest of soft blended feathers brown, ending in pure white. Length 10.00-
11.00; extent 14.50-1.5.50; wing 4.50; tail 3..50-4.00; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.04.
9 little different ; head-markings the same ; size rather less. Western Texas, New Mexico,
Arizona and southward; generally dispersed, but far less numerous than the top-knot Quails,
and more southern. It is mainly a bird of the desert, found in the most arid, cactus-ridden
regions, often far from water, sometimes in company with Gambel's Quail. The breeding season
extends from March to September; the nest is placed on the ground, and the eggs, 8-10-12-16
in number, averaging 1.30 X 1-00, are rather elliptical than conical, creamy white tir pale buff,
minutely freckled with buff' of a darker shade, or with various pale brownish spots, usually
small, rounded, and uniformly distributed ; tlie general effect being thus quite unlike that of
the eggs oi LopJiorti/x.
C. s. castaiiogas'tris. (Gr. Kaaravos, castanos, Lat. castanea, the chestnut, and hence the
peculiar reddish color of the nut; and ydo-T-pt?, grtstris, pot-bellied, from yaarrjp, the belly.
The ))referable form of the name would be Castaneirentris, as given in the Key, 3d ed. 1887,
p. 885, or castanek enter, as in the British Museum Catalogue, 1893, p. 39ti.) Chestnut-
bellied Scaled Partridge. Brewster's Quail. Like the last; general coloration
deeper and riclier; crown concolorous with back, and cheeks with breast, both darker than
throat; belly of ^ with a conspicuous central patch of uniform chestnut, wanting or scarcely
indicated in 9 • Lower Kio Grande Valley of Texas and southward in the lowlands of north-
eastern Mexico to San Luis Potosi. Brewst. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Jan. 1883, p. 34 ; A. 0. U.
Lists. 1880 and 1895, No. 293 «.
CYRTO'NYX. (Gr. Kvpros, kurtos, bent, crooked; ow|, onux, nail, claw.) Harlequin
Quail. Bill very stout. Head with a full, soft, depressed occipital crest. Tail very short, of
12 soft feathers, almost hidden by coverts, scarcely or not ^ as long as wings. Wing-coverts
and inner quills highly developed, folding entirely over prinuiries. Feet small ; tarsus rather
shorter than middle toe and claw ; toes short, but with remarkably developed claws. A very
distinct genus. Plumage of head of ^ curiously striped ; of under jiarts ocellated. Sexes
very unlike. Eggs white, unmarked.
C. moiitezu'mae. (To Montezuma or Moteczuma II., also called Xocoy<'t?iin, an Aztec war-
chief. Emperor nf Mexico at the time of the Spanish Con(|uest, b. 1479, d. at Tenochtitlan
(City (tf Mexico), Jime 30, 1.529. Tlie name is a Nahuatl word, meaning "angry chief."
Fiir- 514.) Montezuma (^uail. Black Quail. Fool Quail. ^L\ssENA Pakthidoe.
Adult (J : Upper parts intimately waved with black and reddish-brown and tawny-brown, and
marked with sharp buff or whitish shaft-lines ; ou wings the irregular black variegation chang-
ing to black bars and mund spf)ts, in regular paired s<'ri(>s on each feather. (^uttM* (|uills fu.scoiis,
their outer webs spotted witii white or buff. Under parts crowded witii innumerable round
white spots on a dark ground, several jiairs on each fi'ather; middle line of l)reast and belly
mahogany-colored. Hanks, vent, and crissuuj velvety-bhick. Top of head black in front, with
762 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LIMICOLM.
slight white touches, changing on crest to brown. Sides of head and throat fantastically striped
with black and white ; a broad black throat-patch ; another on cheeks, across lores and along-
side of crown ; a third on ear-coverts ; a fourth bordering the white all around beliind. Length
about 9.00; extent 17.00; wing 4.75; tail 2.00; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.60; its
claw alone 0.50. Adult ^ : Upper parts as in ^, but markings of wings less regular, more
assimilated with the general variegation, and tone
more fulvous. No peculiar marks on head, throat
whitish or bufif; general tone of under parts pale
purplish-cinnamon, with fine motthng of black
and white on each feather. Young ^•. Resem-
bling the hen, but under parts ochrey or whitish
witli black variegation. Chicks, scarcely fledged,
3-4 inches long : Bill reddish above, whitish be-
low; feet dull brownish. Above, light warm
brown, varied with black, boldly striped with
white — each feather having a hammer-headed
white shaft-line. Some inner wing-quills like
back; others dusky with whitish shafts, broken-
barred with buff, chiefly on outer webs. Below,
Fig. 514. — Massena Quail, (}, nat. size. in- i- -i ii ciii.i
buny-wlute, with nuuiberless spots ot blackish
paired on each feather, shaip and circular on breast, furtlier back widening to bars. Chicks in
down : Rusty-brown above, whitish below, back obscurely spotted with dusk, a pa-ir of whitish
streaks on rump, a dusky.streak behind each eye, and a chestnut spot on hind head. A singu-
lar species, $ very showy in full plumage, inhabiting western Texas, New Mexico, and Ari-
zona; in the latter, W. to Fort Whipple at least, where I found it in 1864, S. far into Mexico.
It difi"ers much in its habits from the other Quail of that Territory, lies very hard, and is so
easily killed that the people recognize its innocence in an uncomplimentary name. It is a bird
of woodland, or at least of scrub and brush, not of the open, ranges up mountains to 9,000 feet,
feeds much on a certain bulbous root, and does not pack in large coveys ; nest on the ground,
rather well made of grasses; eggs not known to be more than a dozen, pure white, unmarked,
about 1.25 X 0.95, not very pointed. C. massena of all former editions of the Key ; but Ortyx
montezumcc Vigors, ZooL Journ. v, 1830, p. 275, is safely presumed to have priority over
0- massena Lesson, Cent. Zool. 1830-32, p. 189, and the latter was not properly described
by the proposer of the name : see Auk, Jan. 1885, p. 46.
Order LIMICOL^ : Shore Birds; Waders.
Commonly known as the great '* Plover-Snipe group," from the fact that the pluvialine
and scolopaciiie birds form the bulk of the order, which is practically equivalent to Chara-
driomorplice of Huxley. The name LimicolfB was bestowed by Illiger in 1811 upon certain
genera of the modern family Scolopacidee, but is now used in a more comprehensive sense
for all the Shore Birds, as distinguished from the Marsh Birds wliich form the order Pa-
ludicolce (see beyond). The total number of species is not large, probably under 300, but
the genera are disproportionally numerous. They average of small size, with rounded or
depressed (never extremely compressed) body, and live in open places on the ground, usually
by the water's edge. With rare exceptions, the head is completely feathered ; the general
pterylosis is of a nearly uniform pattern; the plumage is aftershafted ; tlie spinal pteryla is
well-defined, usually forked over the shoulders, with lateral apteria ; the crural pteryla does
not reach tlie suffrago; there are 10 functionally developed primaries, and a rudimentary
11th one; the secondaries are aquintocubital (lacking the 5th); the oil-gland is tufted.
LIMICOL.E: SHORE BIRDS. 763
The osteological characters are shared to some extent by certain swimming birds, as Gulls
and Auks — in fact, the affinity between a Plover and a Gull is real, and so close that a
group called Laro-Limicolce has been named to include both, though it is not reasouably pos-
sible to bring them together in linear sequence in a book, without disarranging some other
sequences which must be preserved. Cervical vertebrae are 15 as a rule, witli 2 cervico-dorsals,
and 5 or 6 dorsals (exceptions in Ocdicnemidce and Jacanidce). Palate typically schizoo-na-
thous; nasal bones normally schizorliinal (but holorhinal in Pluvianus and Oedioiemince) ;
angle of mandible produced into a slender hooked process ; maxillo-palatines thin and scroll-
like; prominent basipteiygoids (wanting in Oedicneminte, Cursoriince, Chionididte, etc.); ros-
tral bones slender, often much elongated; sternum usually doubly, sometimes singly, notched
behind or notched and fenestrate; and this difference may be only a generic character, as
it is presented by certain true Snipes of very close relations to one another in all other re-
spects; the furculum deveh>ps a hypocleidiuin ; carotids double ; syringeal muscles not more
than one pair. The physiological nature is prsecocial and ptilopaidic (or dasypaedic, as it
is also called), tnr thi- young hatch clothed and able to run about almost immediately, being
quite as nidifugous as chicks of gallinaceous birds; and in this respect the Limicolee differ
from all those Waders wliich compose the order Herodiones. The eggs are laid as a rule
in a rude nc>t or bare depression, and are from 2 to 4 in number, mostly 4, well marked all
over OH a uon-cummittal ground-color (white only in Dromas ardeola). The food is insects,
worms, and other small or soft animals, either picked up from the surface, or probed for in
soft sand or mud, or forced to rise by stamping with the feet on the ground; from this latter
circumstance, the birds have been named Ccdccttores (Stampers). With a few exceptions,
the wing is long, thin, flat, and pointed, with narrow stiff primaries, rapidly graduated
from 1st to lUth ; secondaries in turn rapidly lengthening from without inward, the posterior
border of the wing thus showing two salient points separated by a deep emarginaliou. The
tail, never long, is commonly quite short, and has from 12 (the usual number) up to 20 nr
even 2(5 feathers (in one remarkable group of Snipe). The legs are commonly lengthened,
sometimes extremely so, as in the Stilts (Himantopus)] rarely quite short, and are usually
slender; they are indifferently scutellate or reticulate, or partly both. Tlie toes are generally
short (as compared with the case of Herons and Hails), the anterior usually semipalmate, fre-
quently cleft to the base, only mucii lengthened in JucanidfC, only palmate in Hecuni rostra,
and only lobate in PJicdaropodida. The hinder is always shrjrt and elevated, or absent; when
present, the hallux is supplied by its proper flexor longus hallucis, the flexor digitorum per-
forans going by 3 slips to the front toes ; but their tendons are connected by a vinculum, and
the arrangement is thus desmopelmous, as usual in non-|)asserine birds witii 4 toes. The
length of phalanges of anterior toes decreases from basal t(» penultimate. Tiie lower part of
crus never has feathers inserted upon it, though the leg may appear feathered to suffrago,
owing to length of superincumbent feathers. The bill varies mudi in length and contour, but
is almost always slender, abruptly contracted from frontal region of skull, ami usually as long
as, if not much longer than, the head, representing the " pressirostral " (pluvialine) and " lon-
girostral " (scolopacine) ty])('S. In the former of these types, represented by any Plover, the
base of the bill is small and soft, with slmrt nasal grooves, beyond which it is enhirged into a
well-marked dertrum or hard, horny part; in the latter type, a.s represented by any Snipe or
Sandpiper, it is soft and .sensitive to the very tip, with long nasal grooves. Asidi- from these
predominant cases of the ChnradriidfC and Scoloimcidn' — those two large families which make
up most of the order, the bill assumes special shapes in each of the small families I>romadid<c,
Glareolidrr, H(Cmatopodid(C, Eecurriru.stridtc, Cliionididti; ThiutKonjthidir. The nostril is
generally a slit in the membranous part, and probably never feathered.
Tlie Liiiiicoke iiro among the most cosmopolitan orders of birds, being represented wher-
ever in the world any birds can live; some of its members, like the Turnstone and Hiack-
764 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLjE.
bellied Plover, have a range almost conterminous with that of the order to which they belong,
and many others perform annual migrations of extraordinary extent.
No division of the order into suborders has been established. We pass at once to its
families, most of which are well represented in North America, and will be found fully char-
acterized beyond. Before taking these up, it will assist the student to note briefly certain
outlying or inosculated groups of limicoliue affinities, as well as the exotic families which cer-
tainly belong to Limicolce.
1. Of prime importance in this connection is the Bustard family, Otidid«, which connects the Limicoline and Palu-
dicoline orders so perfectly that its position in the system has long wavered between the two, and been compromised by
the erection of these birds into a separate order Otides. Tlieir affinity with the former, tlirough the family (Edicnemidrp,
is so close that the Stone Curlew, (Edicneimis crepitans, has been called Thick-Kneed Bustard ; but the balance of evi-
dence favors their reference to the PaludicoUe (which see, beyond).
2. In speaking of some iuosculant groups between Galliiwe and Limicolce (p. 719), I had occasion to remark upon
the TuRNiciD^, or family of the Bustard-Quails or " Button-Quails " as they are indifferently called, as forming a separate
order Ilemipodii, Turnicei! or Turnicomorphce. This group consists of the 4-toed Pedionomus of Australia, and the
3-toed species of Tvrnix or Hemipodius ; the latter is quintocubital, the former aquintocubital. Both have 12 rectrices,
aftershafted plumage, tufted oil-gland, long coeca, and a gall-bladder ; sternum single-notched ; cervical vertebrae 15 ;
palate incompletely aegithognathous : nasal bones schizorhinal, basipterygoids present. The single anomalous genus
and species, Ortyxelus rneiffreni, is brought under Liiaicolce, as a member of the family Cursoriidce, by late authority
(Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv, 1S9G, p. 20 and p. 30) ; but this case is still unsettled.
Regarding the following exotic families, there seems to be no longer any doubt that they are true components of the
Limicolce as above defined : —
3. Thihooortthid.5;. The curious little birds of this family, confined to South America and represented by the two
genera Thinocorys and Atlagis, resemble Quails or Partridges in superficial appearance, but have the flight and general
habits of Shore birds. The bill is as in gallinaceous birds, and there is a globular crop like that of ordinary poultry.
There are four toes, with rudimentary and interdigital web, and the tarsus is reticulate ; the short tail is held downward,
as usual with Quails — not straight out behind, as usual with limicoline birds. Among anatomical characters may be
noted the shizognathous (aegithognathous) palate, with a vomer broadly rounded in front; pseudo-holorhinal nasals;
absence of basipterygoid processes and occipital foramina ; superorbital fossae ; presence of ambiens, femorocaudal, semi-
tendinosus, and the accessories of both these last muscles ; and two carotids. I suspect a closer relationship than is
generally conceded of these " Lark-partridges," as they are generally called, with the Hemipodes. The species are very
few — Attagis gciyi, A. chimborazensis, A. mcdouinus, Thinocorys rumicivorus, and T. orbignycmus.
4. ChionididjE. The remarkable Sheath-Bills are snow-white birds, of about the size and somewhat resembling
Pigeons, or Ptarmigan in winter. The base of the bill is covered with a separate horny case, unlike anything seen in
other limicoline birds. In one of the genera, Chionis, the sheath is fiat, something like the " cere " of a Skua ; in the
other, Chionarchus, the sheath rides up in front, like the pommel of a saddle, with a round hole for the nostrils ; it thus
resembles the nasal tube of a Petrel. The face is carunculate. The wing has a carpal spur. The feet are 4-toed, with re-
ticulate tarsi, and basal webbing between the outer and middle toes. The nasals are pseudo-holorhinal ; the palate is schi-
zognathous ; there are superorbital fossae, but no basipterygoids nor occipital foramina. These birds form the superfamily
Chionomorphce of Kidder and Cones. The relationships are close with the ThinocoryihicUe, probably still closer with
the Hcematopodida;. These birds live on the seashore, feed on seaweed, molluscs, crustaceans, and birds' eggs, and lay
two or three colored eggs among rocks. The common Kelp-pigeon, or Sore-eyed Pigeon of the sailors, is Chionis alba
of the Falklands and adjacent mainland ; the smaller Saddle-bill, Chionarchus minor, inhabits Kerguelen and some other
islands, while C. crozettensis is found on those whence it takes name.
5. DromadiDjE. This isolated family consists of Dromcis ardeola, the so-called Crab-plover of wide distribution in
Asia and Africa, whose place in the system has been disputed witli needless vehemence. Tliough it has been placed now
with the Terns, now with Herons, now in some other association, it is a limicoline bird belonging in the vicinity of the
Thick-Knees and Coursers (to be presently noted). It is not exactly pluvialine ; but " tlie possibility of its being with
Chionis, a surviving link between the Charadriidce and Laridce is very great" (Newton, Diet., p. 109). The feet are
4-toed, and the anterior digits are extensively palmate — about as in the Tern genus Jlydrochelidon, or nearly as in an
Avoset ; the tarsi are scuteliate ; the middle claw is pectinate, or rather jagged, on the imier edge, strikingly like that
of the Coursers. The long, straight, hard, trenchant bill with its long gonys and correspondingly short mandibular
rami, recalls that of an Oystercatcher ; the nostrils also open directly in the hard sheath of the bill, having no nasal
scale. The wings are long, and the tail is short. The coloration is chiefly black and white, and there are long plumes
on the back as in Herons. The bird is remarkable, among all its relatives, in breeding in burrows and laying white
eggs.
C. Glareolid.*;. The Glareoles or Pratincoles are a remarkable Old-world family, thoroughly limicoline and in fact
closely related to the Coursers, yet of strange superficial appearance, like long-legged Swallows, with the bill of a
Cuckoo ; the tail is long and deeply forked, even to be called forficate, like a Barn Swallow's, in Glareola proper,
though shorter and simply emarginate in the genus Galachrysia ; the wings are long, or extremely long, and sharp
pointed ; the tarsus is scuteliate before and behind, short (for a wader) in Glareola, very long in Stiltia ; the hind toe is
present ; the middle claw is denticulate or jagged. The bill is short, compressed, and somewhat decurved at the tip,
with a wide deep cleft in fissirostral style. Such a combination of external characters could not fail to set some orni-
JACANID.E: J ASANAS. 765
thologists' wits wool-gathering. Linnaeus referred the common Glareole to the genus Hit-undo, and Sundevall put these
birds with the Caprimulgidue. But in all their organization they agree with the Coursers, and might even go into the
family CursoriidiF. They are handsome birds, swift of foot and dashing on the wing, taking part of their prey in flight,
like Swallows or Night-hawks. The best known species is Glnreula pralhtcola of Europe, etc., with which G. melanop-
tera and G. orientalis agree closely. Five or six others, with less forked tails, form the genus Galacrhysia ; one, Stil-
iia isabella, is the long-legged Glareole of Australia, etc.
The Coursers and the Thick-Knees have each been set apart as a type of a family. The Cursoriida of Sharpe, how-
ever, as composed of the genera Dromas, Ortyielus, Pluvinnns, Cursorius, and Rhinoptilus, with Glareola, Galachrysia,
and Stillia, appears to me to be an indefensible combination of at least five families of two different orders of birds, and
should be broken up. But when we have referred Ortyxehis to anotlier order, eliminated Dromas as type of Dromadida,
and Glareola with its associate genera as forming the GUireolidw, there is nothing left of the group but three genera
which may readily be referred to the Ch(iradriid(e. There is probably more to be said in favor of making (Edicnemus
type of a separate family ; yet it may perhaps be best treated as the Plover which it seems to be. Though it has
some undeniable relationships with the Bustards, I think that these have been overestimated as to their taxonomic
sig^ficance.
All the families of Limicolcs not noted above occur in North America, and most of the North American Limicolce
belong to one or the other of the two largest families — C/iaradriida- and Scolopacidae.
Family JACANID^ (PARRID^): Jacanas.
A small family of mostly small wailing-binls, of 6 or 7 gonora and fewer than 12 species,
combining charucter.s of Plovers and Rails, outwardly distinguished from either by excessive
development of toes and especially of claws. These are slender, compressed, acute, nearly or
quite straight; that of hind toe much exceeding its digit in length. The spread of feet thus
acquired enables the birds to run with ease over floating vegetation of the marshes they in-
habit, and on which the nest is placed, after the fashion of Rails. The eggs are heavily
colored (except in two genera, in which they are glossy olive, unmarked). The systematic
position of the family has been much questioned. On nearly all counts, it would appear to be
Liinicoline, not Palitdicoline, and should be placed next to Charadriidce . The bill of Jacana
is quite plover-like ; the spur on the wing and skin-Haps about the bill are like those of Hop-
lopteriis and Lobivanellus (Plovers). With this understanding, I left the family where I found it,
among the Ralliformes, in earlier editions of the Key ; but now make the required transjiosition
to Limicolce, upon the following anatomical characters : Skull schizorhinal and schizognathous,
with basipterygoid processes and no lateral occipital fontanelles : dorsal vertebrte opisthocce-
lous ; spinal pteryla bifid ; phalangeal bones of the feet enormously lengthened. The family
has usually been called Parridcc, but it should heJacanida : for Parra was not used till 1766,
(after Jacana Buiss. 1760), and the process of elimination to which its Linnaean species have
been subjected makes it only tenable as the name of that genus of Plovers wliicli Strickland
named Lohivanellns in 1841 (see Auk, Oct. 1885, p. 337). The Jncanidrc inhaldt the warmer
parts of both hemispheres. The most remarkable genus is the Asiatic HijdiopJutsifnins, with
very long tail-fcatliers. like a Pheasant's, and no frontal lappets. The Indian ]\Ict02)idii(S has
a singularity of the bones of the winj;. The Australian Hydralector is another notable fonn.
The African genera are PhijUopczus and Microparra (ov Aphalus Elliot, Auk, 1888, p. 301).
For the American genus, see next article ; for the views of the most recent monographers of
the family, see Elliot, Auk, July. 1888, pp. 288-30."), and Siiaupf, Cat. H. Hrit. Mns. xxiv,
18!)6, pp. 68-89.
JACA'NA. (Brazilian jrtfrtMrt, name of a bird of this genus.) JacanAs. Bill plover-like,
contracted in continuity, enlarged terminally ; with culmen depressed to end of na.sal groove,
then cnnvex and decurved ; outline of mandibular rami about straight to gonys, which is
a.scending; commissure about straight to decurved end. Nasal grooves ali>ng contracted por-
tion of bill ; nostrils small, elliptical, situate in advance of base of bill. Angle of mouth with
a leaf-like lobe of skin (rudimentary in our species). Forehead with a large leaf-like lobe of
skin, with free lateral and posterior edges, adherent centrally .ml anicrii.rly where reaching
766
S YSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^.
base of upper mandible. A sharp homy spur ou bend of wing. Priuiaries 10, not peculiar;
outer 3 about equal and longest, overlaid by inner quills in closed wing. Tail very short,
with soft rectrices concealed by coverts. Tibiae bare belovr, and with the tarsus scutellate be-
fore and behind, the scutella tending to become confluent in a continuous sheath. All the
toes, claws included, longer than tarsus; middle toe alone nearly as long as tarsus ; outer toe
alone about as long as middle, its claw shorter than that of middle toe ; inner toe a little
shorter than outer, its claw longer ; hind toe only about as long as basal joint of middle toe,
but its claw much longer than itself; all the claws slender, about straight, very acute. The
¥vi. 6\5.—Jacana jaeana, J nat. size. (From Brehm.)
type of the genus is Parra jacana Linn, of South America, with bifid frontal flap and well
developed wattles as shown in fig. 515. Our species is type of the genus Asarcia Sharpe,
189G, with undeveloped wattles and the frontal flap trifid like a fleur-de-lis, accepted as sub-
genus by the A. O. U. Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 119.
J. spino'sa. (Lat. spinous, referring to the spur on the wing. Fig. 53 ter.) Mexican JacanA.
Adult: General plumage rich purplish-chestnut, brightest on wings and tail, darkest on head,
neck, back, breast, and sides, fading on lower belly. Quills pale yellowish-green, with dusky
edging in increasing extent from secondaries to outermost primary ; alula and primary coverts
blackish. Bill and wing-spur yelhiw : frontal leaf orange ; base of upper mandible whitish, and
space between it and frontal leaf carmine ; feet greenish ; iris brown. Young: Grayish-brown
above, marked with brownish-yellow ; below, buffy-whitish, darker. across breast, sides and
lining of wings dusky ; a light superciliary and dusky postocular stripe ; wing-quills greenish-
CHARADRIID.E—CHARADRIIN.E: PLOVER. 767
yellow as in adult; wattle rudimentary. Eggs 1.20 X 0.95, drab, profusely scrawled and
blotted witli black. Length 8.50; wing 5.00; bill 1.25; tarsus and middle toe, 2.00. West
Indies, Central A.mericH, and Mexifo, to 8. Florida and Texas on the Lower Rio Grande. Fidica
spinosa Linn. 1758, and Parra variabilis Linn. 1766, both based on Edw. Nat. Hist. i. 1743,
p. and pi. 48. Parra gijmnostoma VVagl. 1831, and of most authors, as of 2d and 3d eds. of
the Key. Jacana (ji/mnostoma, A. O. U. List. 1st ed. 1886, No. [288]. Jacana spinosa El-
liot, I. c. p. 297; CouES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 905; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [288].
Asarcia variabilis Sharpe, I. c, p. 86, fig. 10. The species t^hould pr(H)erly :<taud as Asarcia
SPINOSA CouES, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 88.
Family CHARADRIID^ : Plovers, etc.
A large, important family of more tlian 100 speciesv »'f all parts of the world. Its limits
are not quite settled, there being a few forms sometimes referred here, sometimes made ty{)es
of distinct families, as noted above; but about 40 genera are now generally recognized as com-
posing the Charadriidce, divisible into at least 3 subfamilies. Coursers {Cursoriincc) are an
Old World type of 3 genera and not less than 12 species. In these the nasal f()ssa is shorter
and the gape of the moutli is longer than in the true Plovers, somewhat as in the Glareoles,
with which Cursoriiis also agrees in the curvature of both mandibles, though the gonys is not
concave in tlie associate genus Rhinoptilus ; in both, the feet are 3-toed, as usual in this fam-
ily, but the tarsi are scutellate, the middle claw denticulate, and there are no basipterygoids,
contrary to the rule in Charadriidce ; the sternum has a deep outer and a shallow inner emar-
ginatiou. The Cream Courser, C. gallicus, and the Bronze-winged B. chalcopterus, are ex-
amples of the Ciirsoriince. The notable genus and species Pluvianus (rgi/ptius has been
referred to the Cursoriince by those who take it out of Charadriince. This is the Black-backed
Courser or Black-headed I'lover, believed to have been the celebrated trochilus of the ancients,
who describe it as playing the part of a friendly tooth-picker to the crocodile. This bird has
the short nasal fossse, 3 toes, scutellate tarsi, and most other characters of the Cursoriince,
including lack of basipterygoids ; but the nasals are holorhinal as in the Thick-knees. These
remarkable birds, constituting the subfamily CEdiaiemince, if not a separate fiimily (Edicnemidcc,
are related in some respects to the Bustards, and thus furnish a link between the Limic(dine
and Paludicoline orders. The bill is thoroughly pluvialine, as are the feet, with their lung
reticulate tarsi and 3 short toes ; but the nasal bones are holorhinal, there are no basiptery-
goids, and the spinal ])teryhi is not forked. The species are. of great size for this family, some
1.5-20 inches long, with broad Hat-topped heads, long wings, and graduated tails; most of
them live on dry ground, and all lay 2 eggs. The oriijinal Thick-knee, or Thick-kneed
"Bustard," G'Jdicnemus crepitans, also known as the stone-" curlew " or stone-plover, or
Norfolk [»lover, inhabits Europe, Asia, and Africa; there are six or seven other species i>f the
genus, among which (E. histriatus, (E. dominicensis, and CE. superciliaris, are American.
The other members of this L'rniip are the Australian Burhinus grallarius, the Indian Esacus
recurvirostris, and the Austro-malayan Orthorliamphus magnirostris. All other jduvialine
birds appear to fall in the
Subfamily CHARADRIIN>E : True Plovers.
Toes generally 3, the liallnx heini,' absent (excepting, among our forms, Squatarota aud
Vancllns, and with other exceptions among exotic genera) ; tarsus normally reticulate, fro-
fjiiently sciitcllati- in jtart, longer than middle toe; toes always with ba.sil webbintr between
the ontir .iHil middle at least, often with two basal webs; tibise nuki'd below. Bill of mod-
erate lengtli, mi:cli shorter or not longer tiian head, shaped somewliat like tliat of .•( riireon,
768 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOL^.
with a convex horny terminal portion, or dertruin, contracted behind this ; nasal fossae rather
short and wide, filled with soft skin in which the nostrils open as a slit, not basal, and per-
forate. Gape very short, reaching little beyond base of culmen. Wings long and pointed,
reaching, when folded, to or beyond end of tail, and sometimes spurred; crissal feathers long
and full; tail short, generally nearly even and of 12 feathers. Body plump (neither depressed
as in Avocets and Phalaropes, nor compressed as in R.iils) ; neck short and thick ; head large,
globose, sloping rapidly to the small base of bill, usually fully feathered, sometimes caruncu-
late or wattled. Size moderate or small. The foot rule for Plovers is, reticulate tarsi and 3
toes, as against the rule of scutellate tarsi and 4 toes in Scolopacine birds ; but there are many
exceptions to this, especially among the Plovers, which have the head crested or wattled and
the wings spurred ; in which all these variable features are variously combined, affording good
generic characters, but not to be overestimated as affording any basis for their separation from
other Cliaradriince.
Our species are very closely related, and will be readily recognized by the foregoing char-
acters. There are about 75 species of all countries. The most singular of them all is the
Wrybill or Crook-billed Plover of New Zealand, Anarhynclius frontalis, in which the bill is
bent sideways. Tliough thus anomalous in the whtde class Ares, this bird is in other respects
a plain Plover, with a little suspicion of a Turnstone. (The rare Pluvianellus sociahilis of
Patagonia is m<jre decidedly like a Turnstone, with its very short tarsi, and peculiar bill ;
this should be removed from the present subfamily to the Ai-enarimce.) The Chilian Oreo-
philus ruficollis (or Totamrostris) has scutellate tarsi and a very slender, long-grooved bill,
like a Tattler's ; but it is otherwise an ordinary 3-toed Plover, coming near the Dotterels.
Thinornis novce-zealandice is likewise a slender-billed true Plover. Peltohi/as australis of Aus-
tralia has been needlessly made type of a different subfamily on account of its scutellate tarsi in
connection with 3 toes. Erythrogonys cinctus of the same country and the two African species
of Defilippia are 4-toed. They introduce us to the interesting group of genera (sometimes
associated as a subfamily Lohivanellince) which have 3 or 4 toes, with or without wattles and
wing-spurs, and only agree in the scutellation instead of reticulation of the tai'si. Thus,
Sarciophorus tedus of Africa is 3-toed, crested, wattled, and spurless ; Lobipluvia malaharica
is 3-toed, wattled, crestless, and spurless; Microsarcops cinereus of Asia is 4-toed, wattled,
crestlesR, and spurless ; Hoploxypterus cayanus and Ptiloscelis resplendens, both of South
America, are 3-toed, spurred, and crestless ; while the species of the genus commonly called
Lohivanellus, of wide distribution in the Old World, are 4-toed, spurred, and wattled, such
being L. lobatus, L. miles, L. senegalus, and L. lateralis. In this last genus the spurs and
wattles are highly developed, the spurs being as large and sharp as in Jacanas ; but in the
whole series of genera the condition of these appendages varies much, the spur being reduced
in some to a mere knot, and the wattles being also in some cases rudimentary. Passing from
these, which agree in scutellation of the tarsi, we come to other genera in which the tarsi are
reticulate, according to the foot-rule for Plovers, yet in which we find the same curious changes
rung upon the hind toe, wattles, and spurs. Thus, Xiphidiopterus alhicei^s is 3-toed, with large
spurs and wattles ; Sarcogrammus indicus and Tylihyx melanoceiihalus are 4-toed, wattled,
and spurless; Zonifer tricolor of Australia, and Anomalophrys superciliosus of Africa are
3-toed, wattled, and spurless ; the three species of Hoplopterus, H. spinosus, H. rentraUs, and
H. speciosus are 3-toed, crested, and sharply spurred, but not wattled ; the two American spe-
cies oi Belonopterus, B. cayennensis and B. chilensis, are 4-toed, crested, bluntly si)urred, and
without wattles. Thus the development of spurs and wattles is by no means concomitant, nor
is either correlated with a hind toe or a crest. None of the following have eitlier spurs or
wattles : Vanellus is 4-toed and crested ; Eurypterus, Chrstusia, Zonibyx, and Squatarola are
4-toed and crestless. All other Cliaradriince conform to the norm for this subfamily, which is,
to have 3 toes, reticulate tarsi, no crest, and no spurs. Our species are found along the sea-
CHA RA DRIIDyE — CHA RA DRIINM : PL 0 VER.
769
shore, by the water's edge in other open pUices, and in dry plains and fields. All perforin
extensive migrations, appearing with great regularity in spring and fall ; most of them breed
far northward ; all are more or less gregarious, except when breeding. IMioy run and tly with
great rapidity ; the voice is a mellow whistle ; the food is chiefly of an animal nature. The
eggs are commonly 4 in number, speckled, very large at one end and pointed at the other,
placed with the small ends together in a slight nest or mere depression in the ground. Tiie
sexes are generally similar, but changes with age and season are great.
Analysis of Genera.
Toes 4.
Head with a long flowing crest. Wing over 8.00. Iridescent Vanelliis
Head not crested. Wing under 8.00. Speckled Squalarola
Toes 3
Plumage of upper parts speckled ; no rings or bands of color about bead or neck Charadrius
Plumage of upper parts not speckled ; rings or bands of color about head or neck.
Tarsus not nearly twice as long as middle toe without claw ^gialitis
Tarsus about twice as long as middle toe without claw Podasocys
VANEL'LUS. (Lat. ranellus or vannellus, diminutive of vannus, a fan ; so named from the
way the wings winnow the air.) Lapwings. Bill slender, shorter than head, perfectly plu-
vialine. Legs long; tibia much denuded below; tarsus
greatly longer than middle toe and claw. A web between
bases of middle and outer toes; inner toe deft to base.
A small hind toe. Wings very long, folding to end of
the long scjuare tail, but rounded; 2d-5th primaries sub-
equal and longest, 1st about ('(jual to 7th ; primaries
very broad, 3 or 4 outer ones much narrowed toward
end; secondaries long and ample. A long thin recurved
occipital crest of filamentous feathers. No spurs nor wat-
tles. Plumage of upper parts highly lustrous with metal-
lic iridescence.
V. vaiiel'lus. (Figs. 516, 517.) Crested Green
Plover. Lapwing. Pewit. Kiebitz. Kiewiet.
ViPA. Pavoncella. Peasweep. Horn-pie. Teuch-
it. Di.xihjit. Vanneau. Adult ($ : Top and front of
head, including the '2-'-i incli long crest, throat-line, and
large pectoral area, glossy black. Siilcs of head mostly,
and sides of neck, white, on hind neck mixed with gray.
Upper and under tail-coverts chestnut or orange-brown.
Under ])arts, except as said, snowy-white. Tail white,
with t)r(iad bhick bar at ends of feathers excepting outer- T
most, tips of all narrowly white. Upper parts iridescent
green, passing on wings to vitdet-purple and steel-blue.
Quills glossy blue-black, several outer jiriinaries fading to
grayish-white on the narrow terminal portion, secondaries
white at base. Hill black; feet icil. 9 ^^iniilar; crest
shorter. Length l.'J.OO; wing 8.50-!<.(K) ; tail 4.00 : bill
1.00; tarsus 2.00. This splendid wanton of the crest in-
habits Europe, etc. ; has occurred in Greenland, Alaska,
and Long Island (Auk, 1880, p. 438). Few birds are
better known than the Lapwing in Euri>pe, where it has many names in different )aii<,'uages,
ii few of which are u'iven above. It is V. cnsldtKH {>r vulgnrts of most authors, as of former
■I'.i
Fio .in'-. — Under view Skull of L.ip-
wing. iVr., The Maxilla. IV)., The Vomer.
PI., The Palatine Bone. Pt., Tlie Ptery-
goid Bone. Qii., The Quiulratc Bone.
(From Seebohm's Chnradriidiv.)
770
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^.
-^^
editions of the Key; V. vanellus, A. 0. U. No. [269]. This bird fiiniishes a large part of the
Plover's eggs of commerce, so prized by epicures. Professor Newton estimates that 800,000
a year have been sent from Hol-
land into England ; and tliat
many eggs of the Black-headed
Gull, various Terns, Redshanks,
and Golden Plover are also sold
and eaieu under the same name
(Diet. p. 504).
SQUATAR'OLA. (Ital. squata-
rola, name of the species. Fig.
519.) Four-toed Plover. A
small but distinct hind toe, con-
trary to the rule in tliis family.
Tail less than ^ as long as wing.
Tarsus much longer than middle
toe and claw. Tibia bare below,
reticulate like the tarsus. Basal
web between outer and middle
toes. Legs dark-colored. Upper
plumage speckled, lower black
or white ; no rings or bars of color
about head or neck. Tail fully
Fig. 517. — Crested Lapwing
(From Seebohm's Charadriidse.)
barred. Axillaries black. No crest. Seasonal changes of plumage very great ; sexes alike.
Excepting the hallux, this genus is identical with Charadrius proper. (Charadrius by error,
A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, cor'rected 1897.)
S. squatar'ola. (Figs. 518, 519, 520.)
Gray Plover. Swiss Plover.
Black-bellied Plover. Black-
breast. Bull -HEAD Plover.
Beetle - head. Chuckle - PIead.
hollow^-head. owl-head. whist-
LING Plover. Ox-eye. May-cock.
Pilot. cJ 9 , in summer: Upper parts
fretted with blackish and ashy-white,
the feathers being white basally, then
black, tipped and usually scalloped
with white. Upper tail-coverts mostly
white, with few dark touches. Fore-
head, line over eye and thence more
broadly over side of neck, lining of
wings, tibiae, vent, and under tail-
coverts, white. Sides of head to an ex-
tent embracing eyes, axillary plumes,
and entire under parts (except as said),
black. Tail closely barred with black
and white. Primaries dark brown,
blackening at tips, with large basal
areas and a portion of their shafts, white. Bill and feet black. Length 11.00-12.00;
■wing 7.00-7.50; tail 3.00 ; bill 1.00-1.25 ; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and claw 1.33; tibitebare
Fig. 518 — Gray Plover. (From Seebohm's Charadriidce.)
CHARADRIID/E—CHARADRIIN.E: PLOVER.
771
1.00. But such a perfect bird as this rarely seen in the U. S. $ 9 , old, in fall and winter
as usually seen in U. S. : Upper parts speckled with grayish. Under parts white or whitisli,
anteriorly speckled or mottled vvitli grayish-brown ; axilhiry plumes, however, black (or black-
ish), as before, and this is a good color-mark of
the species in any plumage, in comparison with
the Golden Plover. Birds changing show every
mixture of black and white below. J 9 > youug '•
Similar to winter adults, but u])per parts speckled
with yellowish, as in C. dominicus, most of the
feathers having edgings of this color ; less white
also on forehead. Feet grayish -blue. Downy
young yellowish-drab above, mottled with black,
hind neck and under parts white, and 2 or 3
black streaks on each side of the head. A
large stout Plover, witli big head and a little
hind toe, commonly diffused over most parts of
the world : in America, breeding in Arctic re-
gions, Hocking S. and N. in fall and spriuij, preferably coastwise; common, but less so than
C. dominicKft. Eggs 4, iJvriforin, 1 .90-2.10 long X 1.40-1.45 broad; drab or dark brownish
clay-cidor, very lieavily marked, es[)ecially on the larger half of the shell, with irregular blotches
of brownish-black, smaller spots being more thinly distributed over the rest of the surface;
markings about great end usually confluent and wreathy ; a few pale markings iu the shell.
(S. helretica <jf most authors, as of all former editions of the Key. Charadrius squaiarola
A. 0. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. 1880-95, No. 270. Squatarola sqiiatarola A. 0. U. Suppl.
List, .Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 12().)
CHAKA'DRIUS. (Gr. x^P^^P'-'^^y charadrios, Lat. charadrius, a plover.) Golden
Plovers. Characters as in Squatarola, but no hind toe. (This is the type-genus of the
whole family. The several species are closely related : to our long-known Golden Plover
have been added as birds of North America both the Asiatic subspecies fulvus and the Euro-
pean species C. apricarius (or j)luvialis) ; the latter from its occurrence in Greenlaml, the
former in Alaska. U. S. birds are all C. dominicus — C. virginicus of most authors.)
Fig. rilO. — Bill and hind toe of Squatarola, nat.
size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Lining of wings ashy.
Length 10.0(»-11.00 ; winp 7.00; tail 3.00; tarsus 1.75 dominicui
Length 9.00-10.00; wing C.50; tail 2.G0; tarsus 1. Go rf./u/itw
Lining of winga white apricariut
C. dominicus. (Lat. dominicus, of St. Domingo. Figs. 521,522.) AMERICAN Golden
Plover. Common Plover. Three-toed Plover. Whistling Plover. Alwar-
GRiM Plover. Spotted Plover. Field Plover. Green Plover. Green-hack.
Bras.s-back. Gkken-iieai). Black-breast. Pale-brea.st. Muddy-belly. Bill-
head. Toad-head. IIawk's-eve. Squealer. Pa.sture-bird. Field-bird. Fro.st-
BIRD. Tkout-bird. PuAiuiE PiCEOX. ^ 9 . •" suMimer : Upper jiarts blackish, every-
where spangled with golden-yellow, and mostly also with white, the brighter C( dor in e.vce.ss,
the markings of individual feathers a tipping and one or several paired scallops. Hind neck
less strongly marked than crown or \y.u-\i. Forehead, ;iud long stripe over eye, snowy-
white. Region immediately iironnd bill, sides of head to include eyes, and entire nn.ler
parts, glossy brownish-blatdv. Lining of tcings, and axillars, sootg-grag or ajilig (neither
black nor white). Tail dusky grayish-brown, with numerous irreguhir pale gray l'ai>. and
reddish-brown sh.ifts: upper tail-coverts and rump like back. Primaries fuscous. Idackeu-
772
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSTS. — LIMICOLM.
Fig. 520. — Black-bellied Plover, in summer, reduced. (From Lewis.)
ing at tips and whitening at bases of inner webs, though without definite white spaces ; shafts
white for a space. Secondaries and many coverts, like primaries, plain fuscous, without the
^^^^.^^ ^=~^=_ ==r^-^^ - =^__ —-=--_ golden and white fretwork
=__ ^"7.^^^ ~ ~~ -S-- -^ of back. Bill and feet
-^^g=-T^S -^ black. Length 10.00-
^^~ / - - 11.00; extent 22.50;
wing 7.00 ; tail 3.00 ; bill
0.90; tibifB bare 1.00;
tarsus 1.75; middle toe
and claw 1.20. (J 9 , in
winter, and young, much
alike, very diflferent from
breeding dress: Upper
parts much as before, but
colors not so pure and
intense; the spangling
mostly golden or some-
what greenish-yellow^
with little white if any.
Front and line over eye
not purely white, but tawny, with dusky streaks. Tail lacking transverse bars, the feathers
being dark grayish-brown with white or yellow edging and notching. Axillars and lining of
wings ashy-gray as in summer ; but, as in
Squatarola, the chief difference is in the under
parts, which have no black, being grayish-
white, clearest on chin, belly, and crissum,
throat and sides of head streaked, breast and
sides of neck and body mottled, with dark
grayish-brown. Legs not perfectly black.
This is the muddy-bellied state in which the
Golden Plover is generally seen in the U. S.,
though beautiful black -bellied birds with pure
silver and gold spangles may be found late in
the vernal migration. Young of the first
autumn, which make the best eating, are not
certainly distinguishable from old birds of
the same season and of winter ; but they are
"greener,'' i. e., the freckles are more colored Fig. 521.— Golden Plover, in fall or winter, reduced.
in proportion to the amount of white, and (From Nuttali, after — ?)
have a tarnished tint, like "old gidd;" this color is also washed over the breast. Downy
young are yellow above, varied with black, an eye spot and the under parts white. North
America at large — in fact, most of Western Hemisphere ; breeds in Arctic regions; passes N.
and S. in spring and fall, formerly in great waves and affording fine sport at the latter season.
Eggs 4, similar to those of Squatarola, smaller, usually paler clay-color, sometimes whitish ;
markings of same tone and pattern; size 1.80-2.00 X 1-30-1.35. This is the usual "field-
plover" of sportsmen ; a well-known and highly esteemed game-bird, with a profusion of ver-
nacular names, some of them very pat, and some shared with Squatarola; "prairie-pigeon"
is only heard in the West, and even there is oftener applied to Bartram's Sandpiper.
C. d. f ul'vus. (Lat. fulvus, yellowish. Fig. 525.) Asiatic Golden Plover. Similar ;
more suffused with yellow on head, especially along superciliary stripe; smaller; length
CHAR A DRIIDJZ — CHAR A DRIIN^E : PL 0 VER.
773
about 9.50; wing 6.50; tail 2.60; tarsus 1.65 ; middle toe and claw 1.10; bill 0.90. Alaska,
from Asia.
C. aprica'rius. (Lat. apncari, to bask in the sun, take a sun-bath, apricate ; apricus, sunny.
Linuieus had two names for this bird, apricnyiH!^ and pluvialis, the latter word meaning pluvial,
rainy, being etymological ly
the same as plover. C. phi-
vialis of 1766 is u.sed by iiKisi
authors, as in former editions
of the Key; but C. apricarius
of 1758 now takes ))recedence
by our rules. It makes no
difference about the bird,
which is always tlie same,
" rain or shine.") European
GoLDEX Plover. Like C.
dominicus, and of same size;
feet stouter, with shorter tarsi,
averaging under 1.60, thus
both relatively and absolutely
sliorter than in dominicus,
and relatively shorter than in
fulnis, which is a smaller
bird ; but best di.stinguished
Fio
Golden Plover. (From Seebohm's Cliaradriidip.)
from botli l)y always having the lining of the wings ichite. Greenland, from Europe. (Auk,
1889, p. 21/!)
.iEGIALI'TIS. ((ir. ai-ytuXtV?;?, (ligiulites, masc, a doer by the sea, as we should say a " 'long-
shoreman," or alyidk'iTis, (ligialitis, fem. form of the same, from alyiaXos, aigialos, the seashore,
beach, with the suffix denoting agency. Both forms, ^gidlitis and yEyialites, are in common
use, without much regard to gender. I confess my own fault in this particular, and now revert
to the feminine form ^gialitis of the original edition of the Key, as that originally given by
BoiE, Isis, 1822, p. 558, and correctly in the A. 0. U. List. The accent is on the penult —
not on the antepenult, as commonly spoken by us.) Beach Plovers. Sand Plover.s.
Shore Plovers. Ring Plovers. A genus not easy to define with precision, owing to dif-
ferences in details of form which the numerous species present, but reatlily distinguished from
Charadrius by color : Upper parts not speckled; lower never extensively black, but white,
with bars or rings of color about head and neck. Tarsus not twice as long as middle toe with-
out claw (compare Fodasocgs). No trace of a hind toe (compare SqKutarola) ; front toes
with one basal web, or two. Bill thoroughly pluvialine, but of variable size. Sexes and ages
usually distinguishable. Plates of front of tarsus tending to enlarge in two or three special
rows, instead of uniform reticulation. There are many s]>ecies of several subgenera of these
" Ploverlets," found in nearly all parts of the world. We liave six perfectly good North
American species, a sui>.species of one of these, and two strairulers from Asia; they represent
the subgenera Oxycchus, (JcJithodromii.^, J^jgialciis, and yl'Jgidlilis proper.
Annliisis of Subgenfra, Species, and Siihitpeeieji {adult malet).
Tail half as lonpr as wine or nioro, extendinf; far boyoiid tip of wIiirh wIipii thov ore toldi-d. and j{nidu«t«>«l an Inch or
ninrp. Bill sleiidor. ( Suhfjomx OxYKCiivs.)
Ulll lilai'k ; ninip briplit clii'stiiiit ; two black bands on throat and chpBt. N.Am. . -^era
Tail not half as IniiR a.s winjf, nxteiiilinp littlo if any l)oyond tipa of wing when they arr folded.
Feet seniipalmate, with 2 evident baxal wehH, that between outer and middle toe r«>«rhinK to end of 'id Joint of
the latter. Bill short, but stout and stubby. (Snhtjrntu .GoiAl.Bi;* >
774 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLJE.
Bill black and oranpe. Back hair-brown. One heavy black ring on fore-neck, a white one on hind-neck,
and black bar on head. N. Am ' . . . semipalmata
Feet less semipalmate ; no evident web between inner and middle toe, that between outer and middle reaching
only to end of 1st joint of the latter.
Bill variable. (Subgenus .Egialitis proper.)
Bill moderate, black and orange. J^.ack hair-brown ; broad black ring on neck and bar on head ; lores
black. Wing 5.00. Europe, etc. ; Greenland hiatictila
Bill slenderer, black. Colors as before. Wing 4.50. Asia, etc. ; Pacific coast, straggler . . aubia
Bill very slender, black. Back pale gray, a black bar on head and patch on side of breast, never com-
pleted as a ring ; lores white. Western N. Am nivosa
Bill very short and stubby, orange and black. Back pale gray ; black bar on head ; white collar on hind
neck : lores white.
Black collar on neck incomplete in front. Chiefly Eastern N. Am meloda
Black collar completed on neck in front. Ciuefly Interior N. Am m. circumcincla
Bill large and stout, black. (Subgenus Ochthodromus.)
Bill extremely large, as long as middle toe and claw. Black ring across fore-neck and bar on head. S.
Atlantic Coast Wilsonia
Bill moderately large, shorter tlian middle toe alone. Rufous brown ring around neck, and sides of
head mostly black, witli a white line over lores. Asia, etc., Alaska, straggler mongola
Suhgemis (Oxyechus : Eilldeers.)
JE. voci'fera. (Lat. vociferns, voice-bearing, noisy ; vox, voice ; ferre, to fetch or carry^
Figs. 523, 524, 526.) Chattering Plover. Noisy Plover. Killdeer Plover. Kil-
DEE. Adult ^ 9 : Above, grayish-brown, with an olive shade, and in high plumage a slight
bronzy lustre. Rump and upper tail-cov-
erts bright-colored, very variable in tint,
from tawny or orange-brown to cinnamon-
brown or chestnut. Forehead with a white
baud from eye to eye, more or less pro-
longed as a superciliary stripe, and a black
band above this white one. A white collar
around hind neck, continuous with white
of throat. A black collar around back of
neck, continuous with a black breast band.
Behind the latter another black breast belt.
Thus the fore parts ai'e encircled with one
complete black ring, behind which is a
black half-ring on breast, before which
latter is a complete white ring-. A white
stripe over and behind eye ; a dusky stripe
below eye. Under parts entirely pure white, except the two pectoral belts. Primary quills^
blackish ; a white space on outer webs of most of them, forming an oblique series, and a longer
white space on their inner webs. Secondaries mostly white, but with black areas in increasing
extent from within outward. Long inner secondaries like back. Tail-feathers singularly
variegated ; several inner pairs like back, insensibly blackening toward their ends, then light-
ening again, and usually with rusty tips; lateral ones gaining more and more of the bright
color of rump, with more definite black subterminal bars, and pure white tips ; outermost pair
mostly white, with the rufous shade and several broken black bars. The effect of all this,
variegation is very striking when the parts are displayed in flight. Bill black ; eye black,
with a bright orange or red ring around it on the edges of tlie eyelids ; feet of a variable
pale flesh color. Length 9.00-10.00 or more, very variable; extent 20.00 or more; wing
6.00-0.50; tail .3.50-4.00, pr(>porti(»nally longer and more rounded than usual in the genus,
and the principal character of this subgenus; bill 0.80; tibise bare 0.80; tarsus L40-L50 ;
middle toe and claw L 12. ^ 9, young: The black bands replaced by gray ; upper parts..
Fio. 523. — KiUdeer Plover, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
CHA RA DlillD.E — CHA RA DRIIN.E : PLO\ ER .
775
duller aud more grayish ; and when quite young the feathers of upper parts margined with
rusty brown, giving a spotty appearance j rump pale; markings of tail incomplete; but the
birds speedily acquire a plumage like that of adults. Downy young: Above, gray with a,
ruddy tinge ; ring round top
of head, ring round neck, a
loral stripe, stripe down
back, and another on each
side of the colored area,
black; collar ronud back dt
neck, forehead, and end? ot
wing-tufts, white; tail-tiitt
and bill black — queer litlh
creatures, readily recognized
Temperate North America at
large, very abundant, bned-
ing anywhere ; not gregarious
nor maritime ; extensively but
somewhat irregularly niigi.i-
tory, reaching the West Indies
and South America in winter.
Avery noisy bird — the cuii-
ous name is derived from its
shrill two-syllabled whistle,
like kil-deer ! kil-deer .' and
may be spelled in four ways »'''^«'" ^y ^- ^- ^"'"^''^
on good authority — killdeer, kildeer, kildur, kildee. Nest anywhere in grass or shingle
usually near water. Eggs 4, about 1.50 X 1.10, of the pyriform shape usual among
limicoline birds ; ground varying from drab through clay-color to creamy, marked in endless
variation with blackish-brown. Kildeers' eggs and those of the Spotted Sandpiper do
excellent duty in boys' and amateurs' cabinets for those of most small vvaders.
Fig. 524. — Tail of tlie Killdeer Plover. (From •• North American Shore
{Subgenus /Egialeus.)
JE. semipalma'ta. (Lat. semi, half; pcdmata, palmated : the species is remnrkably distin-
guished by the extent of the half-webbing between the toes. This is the diaraeter of the
subgenus, given full generic rank by Dr. Sharpe, but ignored by the A. 0. U. Figs. 527, 528.)
Semipal.matkd Plover. King I'lover. RixCi-neck. Adult ^ '^ , m summer: Upper
parts uniform dark asliy-gray or light hair-brown (wet-.'^and c<dor) ; under parts pure white.
A broad black ring encircling fore-neck. In advance of this a white iialf-collar around back
of neck, spreading into white of tliroat. A white frontal bar, entirely surrounded by black:
i. e. a black coronal bar and black stripe along lore and side of Iioad, meeting its fellow over
base of upper mandible. Primaries blackish, with narrow white spaces reduced to a pi'rtiou
of the shaft alone on outer primary ; secondaries largely white ; greater coverts white-tipped;
Iniii,' inni r secondaries like the back. Tail like back, the feathers insensibly blackening
toward their ends, most of them white-tipped, outermost nearly all white. An orange ring
niuud eye, very liriyht ; iris haz(d brnwn. Hill black, with oranize basal half; feet pale
llesh-color, drying tlingy yellowisii ; daws black. Web between outer aud middle toe reach-
ing to end of second joint of the latter. Length aliout 7.00 ; extent 15.00-15.50; wing 4.75-
5.00; tail 2.25, rounded; iiill 0.50; tarsus 0.00; miildle toe and claw the same. Adults in
winter: The black on head and fore-neck replaced Iiy a color likr that of the back. The
776
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLjE.
sexes hardly diflFer at any season, though the 9 in breeding dress may have the black
parts less pure or less complete. Young : No black coronal bar, the white of forehead
reaching bill and eyes, and prolonged over the latter; neck-ring and loral stripe gray, not
black; bill mostly black. Upper parts with slight whitish or rusty edging of the feathers.
CHARADRIID.E — CHARADRIIN^ : PLOVER.
Ill
Excepting in the latter respect, they are liardly distinguishable from the winter adults.
Chick : Upper parts mottled
with gray, black, and brown,
in no special pattern. Col-
lar round hind-neck, fore-
head, and under parts, whiti .
North America at large, in
migration the most abundant
and generally diffused of tlic
Ring-necks, especially plen-
tiful in unsuspicious flocks
on beaches, marshes, ai
flats in late summer an^l
early autunm, passing south
to winter from Florida, Gnl
States, West Indies, and I.
Cala. to much of S. Am
Breeds from N. Manitolia
Ontario, and Gulf of St
Lawrence to high latitudes
eggs 4, closely like those o
Killdeer, but much smaller,
averaging about 1.25 X
0.95. This bird represents
in America the common
European Ring-neck, and is
very similar in coloration ;
but a glance at the toi>
suffices to distinguish it from
the fdUowing :
Fig. r,2G.
1). G. Elliot.)
Killdeer Plover. (From "North American Shore Birds,
(Subgenus yEgialttis prf>per.)
JE. hiati'cula. (Dimin. of Lat. hiatus, a
gape; hiaticnla being a mistaken translation
of ;(apaSpidy, charadrios, because the bird i~
found about the moutljs
(hiatus) of rivers. Tin
proper form of the wonl.
according to the intiMii
and meaning, would 1"
hinticola, from hiatus ami
colere, to inhabit, or i>i-
coht, an inhabitant.
Figs. 520, 530.) Euuo
I'EAN Ring Plovei:
Adult (J 9: Size of tl,.
last, <)r rather larger, aii'
general aspect the same;
but no evident web be-
tween inner and middle toe, and tliat between outer and middle i>nly reaching to end of first
Pio. .v.'T.
mated Plover
Semipal-
Fio. 5'J8. — Seuii|ialiiiat«(l i'iover.
778
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLjE.
Fig. 529. —
European Ring
Plover. ( From
Seebohm's Char-
adriidse.)
JE. du'bia.
joint of the latter ; no colored ring round eye ? One description would answer for the black
markings of both, but in this species these are very heavy ; there are white touches on the
lower eyelids, and the white patch behind the eye is well marked. Upper parts hair-brown,
as before, and tail also as in ^. semipahnata. Primaries blackish-brown, the outer 4 or 5
with white only on the shafts for a space near their ends, the white beginning
to invade the webs on the 4th or 5th, and enlarging in width with diminishing
length on the rest. Secondaries white with dark ends diminishing in length
inward till one or two of the short inner ones are almost entirely white ; long
flowing innermost ones, however, like back. Length about 7.50; wing 5.00;
tail 2.45; bill 0.60, orange, with black tip; tarsus 0.95 ; middle toe and claw
0.85; feet orange; claws black; iris brown. Young: Like that of semi-
pahnata; no black on vertex; that of side of head and around neck dusky-
gray; whitish front, line over eye, and under eyelid ; primaries quite dark, with
white spaces on shafts and webs well marked ; feathers of upper parts with pale
beady tips ; ends of even middle tail-feathers white. Widely distributed in the
Old World; Greenland and Cumberland Sound, N. Am. (Auk, 1889, p. 217),
where it is known to breed. Thus it is not a mere straggler in this country,
and I am able to describe it from an American specimen. Eggs not certainly
distinguishable from those of our Ring-neck ; coloration the same ; size averag-
ing a trifle more, about L40 X LOO.
(Lat. dubia, dubious, doubtful; but there is nothing in question about the bird,
except its name. Fig. 531.) European Lesser Eing Plover. Adult (J 9 : Closely re-
sembling the last, but smaller, and otherwise distinct. Black of vertex and auriculars sharply
bordered behind with white ; no white on lower eyelid ; white frontlet small, not reaching to
the bill. Shaft of 1st
primary alone white;
bill slender, black, or
yellow only at base of
lower mandible ; legs
flesh -color; a bright
yellow ring around
eye; iris dark brown.
Length about 6.00 ; bill
0.60; wing 4.50; tail
2.30, almost square ;
tarsus 0.90. Youiig :
Difiiers much as young
hiaticula does. Ring
around neck dusky-
gray; that on side of
head chiefly reduced
to a loral stripe. No
black across vertex ;
white of forehead
soiled. Upper parts
darker than in adult,
in an early stage witli pale or fulvous edgings of the feathers. This species ranges very widely
in Europe, Asia, Africa, etc., and has occurred casually on f)ur Pacific coast, in Alaska and
California. It has a profusion of names, the earliest Latin one of which appears to be
Charadrius duhius ScOP. 1786. C. curonicus Gm. 1788, of 2d-4th editions of the Key, as of
•European Ring Plover. (From Seebohm's Charadriidae.)
CHARADRIID.E — CHA RA DRIIX.E : FLO VER.
779
authors. C. erythropus Gm. 1788. C. philippimis Lath. 1790. C. minor Wolf and
Meyer, 1805. C. fliiviatilis Bechst. 1809.
1821. C. liiaticuloides Frankl. 1631. C.
Sw. 1837. C. gracilis and C. pygmccus
Brehm. 1855. Hiaiicula simplex Light.
1854. ^gialitis microrhynchus Ridgw.
Am. Nat. viii, 1874, p. 109, San Francisco,
Cal. ^. diibia A. O. U. No. [276].
IE,, melo'da. (Lat. ineloda, melodious.
Fig. 5:32.) Piping Plover. Pale Ring-
neck. Adult ^, in summer: Above,
ver}' pale ash, lighter than any other North
American species. A white half-collar
round back of neck. A black ring behind
this, tending to encircle neck ; but I have
seldom seen it complete on cervix, and as
H matter of fact it is seldom complete on
fore-neck either ; there is ordinarily a link
only on each side of neck. A black coro-
nal bar from one eye to the other. Fore-
head, sides of head, and entire under parts
snowy-white, excepting black on sides of
C. minutus Pall. 1811. C. piisilliis Horsf.
intermedins M^netrier, 1832. C. zonatus
'^%V
M^^ ^
Fig. 531. — Lesser Ring Plover. (From Seebohm's Oiara-
neck, there being no dark bars on lores ""■""*•)
or sides of head. Primaries dusky, with large white spaces, their shafts white for a corre-
spcjnding extent. Secondaries and greater coverts mostly white ; long inner secondaries like
back. Upper tail-coverts and bases of tail-feathers white ; the latter blackening toward their
ends, the outer pair or two entirely white. A colored ring round eye. Bill orange or yellow,
the end beyond nasal fossa) black. Feet
like base of bill. Web between outer and
middle toe not reaching t<< end of basal joint
of the latter. Rather smaller than semi-
p(dmata: length 6.50-7.00; wing 4.50-
4.75 ; tail 2.00-2.25 ; bill under 0.50, very
obtuse, and stout for its length ; tarsus
0.87 ; middle toe and claw 0.75. Adult ? :
Coronal bar reduced to a dark brown trace;
ringing of neck reduced to a dusky-gray
spot on each side. Young : Resembling 9
as just said, but no trace of dark color on
head and little if any on sides tif neck;
feathers of u]>per ])arts with pale or rusty
edgings; bill mostly black. The .sexes are
indistinguisliable in winter, then resembling
the adiilf 9 '" summer; the assumption
of the black Tuarkings ..f tlic ^ is gradual, and probably perfected by such individuals as
have been called eirciimcinctit. A very pretty little species, with its pale dry-saml colored
upper parts and stumpy bill; i>erfectly distinct from the common Rimr-neck, with wliich
it is often found associated. U. S. and British Provinces, ea.st of the Rocky Mts. (beyond
which apparently replaced by jE. nirosa) ; abundant along the Atlantic coast of the
U. S., breeding nt.rlh to the St. Lawrence and some parts <if Labrador, wintering from tho
Fio. r>3'2. —Piping Plover. (From Seebohm's Charadriidse.)
780
S YSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLM.
Carolinas southward and in the West Indies. Eggs of this "Beach-bird" laid preferably
on shingle of the beach, wliile the Seuiipalmated Plover usually goes to some grassy or
mossy spot back of the sand. They are pretty certainly distinguishable from those of the other
Ring-neck by their lighter coloring — tliere is much the same difl'erence in tone that there is
between the birds themselves — clay-color or palest creamy-brown, sparsely and almost uni-
formly marked with blackisli-brown specks, without spots of auy size or scratchy lines ; the
markings are sometimes mere points, and usually include neutral tint shell-spots. The eggs
are of about same capacity as the common Ring-neck's, but rather less elongate and pointed;
1.20-1.30 X 0.9.5-1.00. Musical notes more varied than the Ring-neck's.
2E,. 111. circumcinc'ta. (Lat. circumcincta, bound about; circum, around, and cingere, to
bind, girdle, cinch.) Belted Piping Plover. A black ring completed around the neck in
front, by connection of the black patches of the sides of the neck ; otherwise exactly like vie-
loda, of which it is perhaps only tlie highest breeding dress, or a variation in some individuals
of the species. Originally described from the Platte River, Neb., in July, probably breeding;
since ascertained to breed from Illinois to Lake Winnipeg, and believed to be usually devel-
oped in the interior, though also known to occur on the Atlantic; not recognized in winter, or
in imnjature plumage. (Dr. Sharpe declines to recognize the alleged subspecies in Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxiv, 1896, p. 294.)
JR. nivo'sa. (Lat. nivosa, snowy (white). Fig. 533.) Snowy Ring Plover. Adult ^,
in full breeding dress : Above, pale ashy-gray, little darker than in ^. meloda. Top of head
with a fulvous tinge. A broad black coronal bar from eye to eye. A narrower black post-ocular
stripe, tending to meet its fellow on nape, and thus encircle the fulvous area. A broad black
patch on each side of breast ; no sign of its completion in a ring above or below ; no complete
black loral stripe, but indication of such
in a small dark patch on either side of
base of upper mandible. Forehead con-
tinuous with line over eye, sides of head
excepting the black post-ocular stripe,
and whole under |)arts excepting the black
lateral breast-j)atches, snowy-white. No
white ring complete around back of neck.
Primaries blackish, especially at bases
and ends, the intermediate extent fus-
cous; shaft of 1st white, of others white
for a space; nearly all primaries bleach-
ing toward bases of inner webs, but only
some inner ones with a white area on
outer webs. Primary coverts like primaries, but white-tipped. Greater coverts like bacJt,
but white-tipi)ed. Secondaries dark brown, bleaching internally and basally in increasing
extent from without inward, their shafts white along their respective white portions ; long
inner secondaries like back. Several intermediate tail-feathers like back, darkening toward
ends; two or three lateral pairs entirely white; all the feathers more pointed than usual. Bill
very slender and acute, black. Feet black. Length 6.. 50-7.00 ; extent 13.50-14.00; wing
4.00-4.25; tail 2.00 or less; bill 0.60; tarsus 1.00 ; middle toe and claw 0.75. The adult 9
in summer closely resembles the ^, but the black parts are less pure — rather dusky gray.
Both sexes in winter are similar, but with the black parts replaced by grayish -brown. Young :
Upper plumage rather darker than as above said, and less uniform, the individual feathers with
pale or whitish edges. Whole crown like back ; no black or fulvous on head ; forehead white ;
lores slightly dusky ; black of sides of breast replaced by a patch of color of back. Bill black ;
tarsi pale livid bluish ; toes blackish (see CouES, Ibis, 1866, p. 275). Downy young: Above
Fig. 533. — Snowy Ring Plover. (From Seebohm's Charadriidae.)
CHARADRIID.E — CHARADRIIN.E : PLOVER. 781
grayish-buff, mottled with hhick, and with a bhick eye-stripe, white collar, and white ends of
wing-tufts; below, white. U. S., chiefly west of the Rocky Mts. ; Utah; Kansas; California
coast, breeding and wintering, yet found S. to Chili in winter; also, coast of Texas, and Cuba ;
Florida, breeding, March-Aprih Toronto, Ontario, casual. A specimen (^, Corpus Christi,
Texas, June 24, Sennett), though in midsummer plumage, has no fulvous on head; no trace
of loral mark ; coronal bar, post-ocular stripe, and lateral pectoral blotch dark brown, not
black. Eggs 3; tone and style of coloration about as in ^. ivilsonia ; size 1.20 X 0.90, thus
about as in jE. melocla, but markings more numerous and scratchy. This is the American
representative of the common Kentisli Plover, JE. cuntiana (or alexandrinci) of authors ; but
it is perfectly distinct, and should never have been united therewith, or even reduced to a sub-
species. In combining the two, in the original edition of the Key, 1872, I said that I had then
had " no opportunity of a direct comparison ; " and in making it a subspecies ofcantiana in the
2d edition, 1884, I added the saving clause, "probably specifically distinct," which should have
prevented furtiier misunderstanding. Tiie species has ac([uired the following synonymy since
its original description as ^E. nivosa Cass. in Bd. B. N. A. 1858, p. 096: Charadrius canti-
aniis Heerm. P. It. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, 1859, p. 04. JE. cantiana Coues, Key, 1872, p. 245.
y®. cantiana var. nivosa Coues, B. N. W. 1874, p. 4.'3C). ^gialites cantianus nirosus
Coues, Key, 1884, p. 603. Charadrius cantianus nirosus Seeboum, Charad. 1887, p. 171.
jE. ulexandrina nirosa Stej. 1884 ; Bi>. I^rew. and Rinow. Water B. N. A. i, 1884, p. 164.
jE. tenuirostris Lawr. 1802 (Cuba). (A. 0. U. No. 278.)
(Subgenus Ochthodromus.)
.^. wilso'nla. (To Alexander Wilson.) Wil.son'.s Plover. Adult (J, in summer : Above,
pale ashy-gray (dry-sand color), the feathers with still paler edges, the shade tending to ful-
vous on nape and hind neck. A narrow black band across vertex, not reacliing eyes, being
cut off by white of forehead whicli extends backward over each eye to nape. A blackish loral
stripe, not prolonged beiiiud eye, not meeting its fellow over base of bill, where the white fore-
head comes down to bill. A black half-ring on fore-neck, not completed around back of neck.
White of throat passing around hind-neck as a slight collar. Under parts, excepting the black
bar, entirely white. Primaries blackish, bleacliing toward tlieir bases on inner webs, the short
inner ones also with wliite on outer webs. Shaft of 1st primary almost entirely white; of
others brown, then a long white space, then blackening at end. Secondaries, e.xcepting long
inner ones, mostly white on inner webs, dark on outer. Middle and intermediate tail-feathers
like back, growing dusky toward tlieir ends, nearly all with white tips, and outer one or two
white. No colored ring round eye; iris dark brown. Bill entirely black. Legs Hesh -colored ;
outer toe semipalmate, inner cleft. Lengtii 7.00-8.00; winii 4.50-5.00; tail 2.00, nearly
square; tarsus about 1.10; middle toe and claw 0.90; bill 0.90, extremely large and stout,
not much shorter than head, quite as long as middle toe and claw. Adult 9- in summer:
Like the J; but tl)e black coronal, loral, and pectoral bands replaced l)y dark gray, often witlx
a fulvous tinge; still, the tendency of the bars is to blacken, especially on the vertex; in many
specimens the sexes are not readily discriminated, even in the breeding season, and they are
•piite alike in winter. The appearance of a fulvous or rufous tinge, best marked before and
after the breeding season, indicates the relationships of this species to the Mongolian Plover,
and thus the combination of the two in the same subgenus Ochthodromus, a.s is done by
IJriiish autliorities, not by the A. 0. l'. Young : Similar to the adult 9'' "" black on vertex
or lore; a broad band of the color of tin- back across the neck in front. Downy young are butf
above; mottled anil clouded with black ; a black stripe liehiiid eye; collar around hind-neck,
front-sides of head, end of wing-tufts, and under parts, white. Seacoast of S. Atlantic and
Gulf States, common; N. regularly to the Middle States, rarely ti> \ew KiiL'Ianil and even
782 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LTAflCOL^.
Nova Scotia ; on Pacific side to Lower California. Winters to West Indies and S. Am. from
Louisiana and Texas. Breeds tliroughout its regular Nortli American range ; I have found it
doing so in abundance on the North Carolina coast, in June, as others have N. to New Jersey.
Eggs usually 3, laid on bare shingle or in sparse beach grass, 1.22-L45 long X 1.00-1.05 broad,
pale olive-drab, more greenish in some cases, more clay-colored in others, thickly marked all
over witli blackish-brovvn in irregular sliarply defined spots, splashes, and fine dots, among
wliich are some neutral tint shell-markings ; the blotches seldom if ever numerous or conflu-
ent enough to obscure the ground color. Note low, piping, and rather plamtive ; disposition
gentle and confiding.
JE. moii'gola. (Lat. Mongola, a Mongol, inhabitant of Mongolia; Arabic, Persian, and
Hindu Mughal, a Mongol or Mogul. Fig. 534.) MONGOLIAN Plover. Adult J" 9 , in sum-
mer : Above, brownish-gray ; below, white, with a broad cinnamon or chestnut pectoral bar,
extending more or less along sides, encircling
neck behind, and somewhat tingeiug pileum ;
this baud tending to be narrowly edged with
black anteriorly, in high plumage. A long
black subocular stripe, involving lores and au-
riculars, reaching to bill, continuous in front
of eye with a black frontlet, in which is a white
area of variable size, sometimes divided by a
narrow median line of black which connects the
black frontlet with base of culmen. Wing-
feathers dusky ; shaft of first primary white ;
Fig. 534. — Mongolian Plover. (From Seebohm's several inner primaries with white area along
Charadmdae.) their outer webs ; secondaries and greater cov-
erts tipped with white. Tail-feathers like back, tipped with white, and successively paler lat-
erally, till the outermost are nearly white ; upper tail-coverts also tipped with whitish. Bill
black ; feet blackish ; iris dark brown. The adults in winter, and young, lack distinctive
chestnut and black markings, though the breast may be somewhat sufi'used with pale cinna-
mon; at an early age all the feathers of upper parts have pale sandy edgings, and the feet
are yellowish gray. Length 7.00-7.50; wing 5.25; tail 2.25; bill 0.70; tarsus 1.15; middle
toe 0.75. Eggs 1.45 X 1.05, pale brownish-olive, sparingly speckled with blackish-brown.
A vrell-known species of wide distribution in the Old World, recorded from Choris Peninsula,
Alaska (Ibis, 1870, p. 384; P. Z. S. 1871, pp. Ill, 114). It is entirely difl"erent from any
other Plover described in this work, being closely related to jE. geoffroyi, and thus a member
of the subgenus Ochthodronms, though not so put by the A. 0. U. (see Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxiv, 1896, p. 223). Charadrius mongolus Pallas, Reise, iii, 1776, p. 700. C. mon-
golicus Pallas, Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, or 1826, p. 136. Pluviarhgnchus mongolus Bonap.
Comptes Rendus, xliii, 1856, p. 417. ^gialites mongolus Swinhoe, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 140.
jJl^gialitis mongolicus Swinhoe, Ibis, 1870, p. 360. Eudromias viongolicus Severtzow, Ibis,
1876, p. 327. jEgialitis mongola Swinh. Ibis, 1873, p. 275; Bd. Brew^. and Ridgw. Water
B. N. A. i, 1884, p. 167; Stej. Bull. U. S. N. M. No. 29, 1885, p. 105, and Pr. U. S. N. M.
x, 1887, p. 126 (Commander Islands, breeding) ; Nelson, Rep. Alaska, 1887, p. 127 ; Ridgw^.
Man. 1887, p. 179, A. 0. U. List-s, No. [279]. ^gialites mongolicus CouES, Key, 3d ed.
1887, p. 886. Charadrius cirrhepidesmus and C. gularis Wagler, 1827. C. sanguineus
Less. 1828. Hiaticula inornata GovLiy, 1846. JEgialitis mastersi Ramsay, 1877.
PODASO'CYS. (The Homeric epithet of Achilles, noSas ukvs, podns ohus, swift as to his
feet.) Mountain Plover. In general, characters oi JEgialitis ; but no black belt or patches
on neck or breast ; a coronal and loral black bar. Size large. Tail short, half the wing, square.
Legs very long ; tibife nude over ^ the length of tarsus ; which is more than half as long again
APHRIZIDjE: SURF-BIRDS AND TURNSTONES. 783
as middle toe and claw. Toes very short, the lateral of unequal lengths. Tarsus and tibia
entirely reticulate. Sexes alike. One species. This is a good genus, so recognized by most
authors since I founded it in 1860 ; wrongly reduced to a subgenus of ^gialitis by the A. 0. U.
Committee in 1886: observe the excellent characters it presents, and see Siiakpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxiv. 189G, p. 146 and p. 240.
P. mouta'nus. (Lat. montanus, of mountains. Badly named: it is a prairie bird.)
Prairie Plover. "Mountain" Plover. ^ 9, iu summer: Upper parts uniform
grayish-brown ; in most breeding individuals the shade is pure, but in many cases the feathers
are skirted with tawny or ochrey. Under parts entirely white (no black belt or patches) ; but
breast often sliaded across with diffuse fulvous or gray. A sharp black loral line from bill to
eye, cutting off white forehead and superciliary line from white of other parts. A coronal black
bar across sinciput, varying in width from a mere line to a band nearly half the length of crown
in width. Quills blackisli, shaft of 1st white, of the others white for a space ; some of the inner
priuuiries with white spaces toward bases of outer webs, and secondaries a little pale on inner
webs. Tertials and greater coverts like back, the latter white-tipped. Tail-feathers like
back, blackening toward ends, outermost pale throughout; all tipped with whitish. Bill
bl.ick, slender ; legs pale plumbeous ; the toes darker. Length 9.00; extent 18.00; wing 5.50-
6.00; tail 2.50-3.00; bill 0.90; tibise bare over 0.50; tarsus 1.60; middle toe and claw
0.90. (J 9 > in winter: No black coronal or loral stripe ; otherwise, generally as in summer;
but general plumage more rusty, with more decided wash of color on breast. Young : As
last said; whole upper parts rusty from extensive edgings of all the feathers; sides of head
and neck similarly suffused with tawny ; ground color of upper parts also darker than that of
adults. Chick in down : Forehead, sides of head and under parts white, with sulphury-yellow
tinge. Crown, back, and tibiae sul))hury or tawny-yellow, closely and evenly mottled with
black. Unmarked line over eye ; black ear-spot. Bill light at extreme base below, and at
point. Livid patch of naked skin (m neck. An interesting, isolated species, i)lentifully and
generally distributed in western U. S., Plains to the Pacific; N. to lat. 49° at least. I have
shot it iu Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico (June), Arizona, Montana (lat. 49°, June),
and on the California coast (November). Breeds mainly in northern portions of this range,
including some adjoining portions of the British Provinces, and extends in winter from middle
California and W. T(!xas into L. California and Mexico ; casual in Florida. It inhabits the most
sterile prairie as well as better watered regions, quite independently of water, and is not in the
least aquatic ; even on the California coast it haunts the plain, not the marsh, u)ud-tiat, or beach.
Feeds chiefly upon insects, especially grasshoppers, and is generally seen in loose straggling
companies of small extent. Nest anywhere on the bare prairie; eggs 3-4, 1.40-1.50 X 1.10,
less pointed than Plovers' eggs usually arc, olive-drab with a brown shade, profusely dotted
all over, but especially at the larger end, with blackish, dark brown and neutral tint ; mark-
ings mere dots and points, the largest scarcely exceeding a pin's head. They are laid June and
July. {^. montana, A. 0. U. Lists.)
Family APHRIZID.<E : Surf-birds and Turnstones.
A small family which I named as above in the Key, 2tl ed. 1884, p. (iO."), to be constituted
by the genera Apliiiza and Arcnnria, and placed next to, but apart from, Htnmitopodidic;
though at that time I left Aphriza as a fiueried genus of Charadriidte. and did not remove
Arcnnria from its customary association with the (.)yster-catchers. The proposititui has found
favor and the name has been adopted by the A. (). U. There is j)rol)ably no better way of
arranging these two unconformable genera, whicli certainly have much iu citmmou, and servo
as cijunectine: links between the two great groups of limicoline birds — the pluvialiue and the
784 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^.
scolopacine ; for Aphriza may be characterized as a Plover in the guise of a Sandpiper, while
Arenaria is a Sandpiper of Oyster-catcher affinities. The name of the present family might
preferably have been Arennriidcc, derived from the older and better known one of its two com-
ponent genera ; but Aphrizida has the sanction of the A. 0. U. The two genera agree in
structure of feet, which are 4-toed, with anterior toes cleft to base and tarsi scutellate in front,
and difier from each other in form of bill, as in the following
Annlijsis oj Subfamilies.
Bill like a Plover's, with evident dertrum, but both mandibles long-grooved. Tarsus longer than bill. Tail square.
Aphrizino!
Bill like an Oyster-catcher's, but short and sharp. Bill and tarsus nearly equal. Tail rounded . . . Arenariinue
Subfamily APHRiZIN/E: Surf-birds.
APHRrZA. (Gr. dcppo':, aphros, sea-foam ; (da>, zao, I live : badly formed, but euphonious.)
Surf-birds. Plover-billed Turnstones. Bill pluvialine, shorter than head, stout at
base, contracted in continuity, with enlarged horny termination ; both mandibles deeply grooved
to their horny ends ; nostrils subbasal, close to commissure, linear, perforate ; feathers reaching
equally far forward on side of each mandible, much farther in interramal space. Wings very
long and acute, folding to or beyond end of tail ; 1st primary longest, all rapidly graduated ;
flowing inner quills not nearly reaching point of wing. Tail very short, square (emarginate),
less than J as long as wing, 12-feathered. Feet scolopacine, with well-developed hind toe ; short
and stout, much as in Arenaria; tibiae naked below, but feathers falling to sufFrago; tarsus
little longer than middle toe and claw, reticulate, scutellate in front ; toes cleft to base, lateral
of equal lengths, reaching base of middle claw ; inner edge of middle claw dilated and jagged.
General character of plumage, in its pattern of coh)ratiou and seasonal changes, as in Sandpipers.
One species ; a remarkable isolated form, much like a Plover, and connecting CharadrvidcB
with the next family by close relationships with Arenaria, but with hind toe well developed,
as usual in Sandpipers, and general appearance rather sandpiper-like than plover-like.
A. virga'ta. (Lat. virgata, striped. Fig. 537.) Surf-bird. In summer: Dark ashy-
brown, streaked with whitish on head and neck, varied with rufous and black on back and
wings. Upper tail-coverts and basal half or more of tail pure white ; rest of tail black, white-
tipped. Under parts white or ashy-white, variously marked with brownish-black ; throat and
fore breast narrowly streaked, the streaks changing on breast to curved bars, and there very
profuse, on other under parts sparse and spotty. Bases and shafts of primaries, tips of most
of them, greater part of secondaries, and tips of greater coverts white; exposed portions of pri-
maries blackish. Bill black, flesh-colored at base below; legs greenish-yellow. In winter:
Plumage of head, neck, breast, and upper parts nearly uniform dusky brown, unvaried with
white or reddish, but with obsoletely darker shaft-lines; white under parts slightly spotty;
wings and tail as in summer, showing the same conspicuous white areas. Length 9.00-10.00;
extent 17.00 or more; wing 6. .50-7. 00; tail 2.75; bill 1.00; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw
].10. Varies greatly in plumage with age and season, but unmistakable in any guise; quite
young birds are white below, only streaked on the breast, and the dark gray feathers of the
upper parts are more or less edged with white. Extensively dispersed over coasts and islands
of the Pacific ; along whole western coast of America, N. to Bering's Strait, S. to Chili. Breed-
ing unknown.
Subfamily ARENARIIN>E: Turnstones.
The character of the subfamily is constructed to exclude Aj^kriza. (See p. 783, under
AphrizidfP ) Pi-obably Flitvicr.icllus sociabiUs belongs here (see p. 7G8).
ARENA'RIA. (Lat. arenaria, adj. fem., relating to sand, sandy; arenaria, noun, a sand-
pit; arena, sand, a sandy jilace, sea-beach, arena. This is the genus commonly called Strep-
A PHRIZID.E — ARENA RIIN.E : TURNS TONES.
785
silas (Gr. aTpeyJMs, strepsis, a turning over, \as, las, a stone), as in all former editions of the
Key ; but Arenaria Bkiss. 17i'A), antedates Strepsilas Illiger. J811, and must be adopted.
Fig. 535.) Turnstones. Bill shorter than head, not longer than tarsus, constricted at base,
then tapering to acute tip, almost a little recurved. Cul-
men straight or a little concave, especially over nostrils;
commissure straight or slightly recurved ; under outline
curving up from base, or straight to angle, then gonys as-
cending. Nasal fosste short and broad, about half length
of bill; grooving of under mandible short and shaUow.
Gouys longer than mandibular rami. Wings long and
pointed. Tail short, a little rounded, scarcely or not half
as long as wing. Legs short and stout ; tibiie little de-
nuded ; tarsus scutellate in front, reticulate on sides and
behind, about as long as middle toe and claw. Toes 4; hinder short, but as well developed as
in Sandpipers generally ; front toes cleft to base. Claws curved, ct)mpressed, acute. There
is one cosmopolitan species, the scientific (strepsilas) and vernacular (turnstone) names of
which are both derived from its habit of turning over {)ebbles along the shore in search of food ;
shared by the other species of the genus, A. melanoccphala.
Fig. 535. — Bill of Turnstone, nat.
size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
Analysis of Species.
Pied with black, white, and chestnut t'nterpres
Blackish and white melanocephala
A. inter'pres. (Lat. interpres, a factor, agent, go-between, interpreter. Prof. Xewt(ni tells
us ('Diet. ISiH). p 997), that the name on n i it. il witli Linna-us on the island of Gottland, July I,
1741, under the mistaken be-
lief that this was the bird
there called Talk, a name
properly belonging to the
Kedshank, and equivalent to
Tattler or Tell-tale as used
by us for various Totanine
birds. Fig. b'.\6.) TiRX-
.STONE. TOURNE-PIEKRE.
COI-LON-CHAUD. SeA I)»)T-
TEUEL. vSka Lark. 8ea
QiTAiL. Skire Crake.
Sax i>-RixN ER. SroxE-
PECKER. TaXGLE-PICKER.
Magcjot Sxipe. IK)Rse-
KDOT SxiPE (from its eating
the .>*pawn of tiie horseslioo
crali). CiiKCKERED Snipe. Braxt Sxin;. IIkaxt 15iki>. 1Ji:i>-leggei> Plover.
KkIi-I.KCS. I'.ISIlnl' I'l.oVKIi. Sl'AHKED-ISAlK I'l.OVER. CmK'KKN Pi.OVER. ClIirKKN-
niKM. ClIK KI.lNd. CaI.K O-IUKI). ( "AI.ICC »-UACK. ( 'ALICO-JACKET; Cnl'CKATrCK.
Credock. .Jinny. .\ilnlt ^, in bncdini,' dress: I'icd aluivo with black, white, brown,
and chestnut-red; below, snowy, witli jet breast. Toji of head streaked with black ami
wliite. Forehead, cheeks, sides of head and back <>t neck white, witii Ji bar of black
coming up from side of neck to below eye, then cnmiiit,' forwanl and meeting or tending to
meet its fellow over base of bill, enclosing or iie.irly enclosing a white loral space, and another
50
Fio. 53G. — Turnstuiii, ! ii.il .^izl;. i riuiii Ilnhin.)
786
5 YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^.
black prolongation on side of neck ; lower eyelid white or not. Lower hind-neck, interscap-
ulars, and scapulars pied with black and chestnut ; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts
snowy-white, with a large central blackish field on the latter. Tail white, with broad subter-
miual blackish field, narrowing on outer feathers and incomplete, widening usually to cut oS
white tips of central feathers. Wing-coverts and long inner secondaries pied like scapulars with
black and chestnut ; greater coverts broadly white-tipped or mostly white, short inner seconda-
ries entirely white, the rest acquiring dusky on their ends to increasing extent, with result of a
broad oblique white wing-bar. Primaries blackish, the longer ones with large white fields on
inner webs, the shorter ones also definitely white on outer webs for a space, shafts white unless
at end ; primary coverts white-tipped. Under parts, including under wing-coverts, snowy-
while ; breast and jugulum jet-black, enclosing a white throat-patch, and sending limbs on sides
of head and neck as above
said. Bill black ; iris black ;
feet orange- red. 9 similar,
lacking much of the chest-
nut, replaced by plain brown,
especially on wing-coverts;
dark parts in same pattern,
but restricted somewhat,
the black not jet and glossy.
Adults in winter, and young,
lacking chestnut, and with
the black mostly replaced
by browns and grays, that
of breast especially restricted
or very imperfect; at an
early age the feathers of the
upper parts skirted with bufi'
or tawny. Downy young
are dark gray with a yellow-
ish tinge, varied with black
points, and with black-
stripes on the head ; the
belly white. Length 8.00-
9.00; extent 16.00-19.00;
wing 5.50-6.00; tail 2.50;
bill 0.80-0.90; tarsus, or
middle toe and daw, about
J .00. Nearly cosmopolitan ;
in North America, both
coasts abundantly, and less
Fig. 537. — Plover-billed Turnstone. (From "North American Shore Birds,''
by D. G. Elliot.)
frequently on large inland waters; migrating through the U. S., and some wintering in the
Gulf States, breeding in high latitudes. Eggs usually 4, 1.60 X 1-12, olive-drab, thickly
marked with dark brown. Beautiful and conspicuous among beach birds.
A. melanoce'phala. (Gr. fieXas, melas, black; KffpdXrj, Jcephale, head.) Black-headed
Turnstone. Without any of the chestnut coloration of the last, parts that are pied in inter-
pres being blackish ; white parts, however, and distribution of colored areas, nearly the same.
Crown and upper parts with a greenish gloss. Head, neck, throat, and breast brownish-black,
the color extending farther along breast than the jet plastron of interpres, and not uniform, but
the dark brown nebulated with sooty centres of the feathers, and shaded by mixture of white-
HMMATOPODID.E: OYSTER-CATCHERS: SEA PIES. 787
tipped feathers iuto vvliite of under parts. White lower Lack, rump, and upper tail-coverts,
with black central field of the latter, as in interpres; black and white of wings substantially the
same. A white loral spot, and indication of the white of head and neck of interpres in white
speckling. Head, neck, and chest of winter plumage uniform sooty. Young like winter adults,
but head grayer and feathers of back with buflF edgings. Size about as in interpres. Eggs
similar. Pacific and Arctic coast of N. Am., from Lower California to Point Barrow, breeding
S. to British Columbia; common.
Family H^MATOPODID^ : Oyster-catchers ; Sea Pies.
A small but remarkable family, of one genus and about VI species, whose structure and
affinities have been much discussed. Elimination of the unconformable genus Arenaria, which
has usually been placed under Hcematopodidcc, as type of a special subfamily, leaves the family
susceptible of much better definition ; and this becomes the same as that of the genus Heema-
iopus (see below). The Oyster-catchers are large birds for their order, of very striking ap-
pearance in life, with their sharply contrasted masses of color, or whoUy sombre jdumage, set
off by usually bright-colored feet, and particularly by the richly painted and strangely shaped
liill, — whose singularity of form almost equals that of the Scissor-bill or Skimmer. It looks
like a clumsy instrument, but is efficient in prying open the shells of bivalve mollusks, as well
as in cutting off the attachment of limpets and barnacles to rocks.
HiEMA'TOPUS. (Or. a[yi.aT(mo\)i , haimatopous, red-footed; ai/xa, haima, blood, noiis, pons,
foot.) Oystkr-catchers. No hind toe. Front toes with basal webbing, conspicuous be-
tween middle and outer, broadly fringed with membrane continuous with webs to claws, reticu-
late on top, with a few scutelUe
near their ends. Tarsus shorter
than bill, longer than middle
toe and claw, entirely reticulate,
the plates in front enlarged and
quite regularly hexagonal. Ti-
biae brietiy bare below. Legs
as a whole very stout, coarse
and rough, and light-colored.
Wings long, pointed; 1st and
■2d quills subequal and longest. Tail short, square, scarcely or not half as long as wing. Bill
peculiar — hard, straight, or deflected sideways, longer than tarsus, twice as long as head,
constricted near base, much compressed, almost like a knife-blade toward end, and truncate like
a Woodpecker's (Fig. 538). Nasal groove very short, broad, and shallow; groovinn of h)wor
mandible .slight; interrainal space very short, scarcely ^ the length of long ascending gonys.
No-strils remote from feathers, linear, close to commissural edge of bill. Size large. Sexes
similar. Eggs 2-3, buff, drab, or olivaceous, fully markeil with spots of different ilark tints.
The species inhabit the sea-coasts of most countries. Our four species illustrate the two groups,
in one of which the c<jlors are pied in large contrasted areas, in tho other uniformly fuliginous.
Among e.xotic species of the former may be named //. oscxlans of Asia, If. hnffirostri.s t»f
Australia, //. leucopus, and //. (jnhipiifiensvi of South America; while the dark-bodied binls
are II. loiiculor nf Australia and New Zealand, //. C(i])ensi.'< (or moquini) of Africa, and //. ater
of South America, in wliidi the bill r.'aclirs a climax in singularity.
Annhjfu of Sixcirs.
Hi'.iil, nock, and back Klossy-blnck : ruiiip ami iM-lly wliiU- i>7«i*
Hi'a<i ami neck RloHHy-black ; back ami riinip BHioky brown ; belly wliiti' .i<i/i« «iid/rai«ir«
Head and neck gloB»y-black ; back and belly smoky-brown ... 6arAaMiMi
Fio. 538. —Bill of Oyster-catcher, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
788
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^E-
H. ostri'legus. (Gr. oa-rptov. ostreon, Lat. ostrcea, an oyster ; Xfytip, lerjein, Lnt. legere, to
gather, pick out. Fig. 539.) European Oyster-catcher (oyster-opener would be a bet-
ter name, as oysters do not run fast. The word has not been traced back of Catesby, 1731,
but has equivalents in several other languages, as French huitrier, Brisson, 1760, literally
;,\.
C WtNl^'
Fig. 539. — European Oyster-catcher, \ nat. size. (From Brelim.)
"oysterer,'' German austermann or misternfischer , Frisian oestemsscJier, etc. The Linni«an
form of the speciiic name ostralegus is used by most authors, including so scholarly a writer as
Professor Newton ; but os^?"i7e<7i«s is classic). Sea Pie. Olive (for Olave). Similar to the
next to be described. Upper parts glossy-black, like head and neck. Quills black, broadly
margined with white on inner webs excepting toward end, also with isolated white shafts and
spaces near end. Back below interscapulars, rump, greater wing-coverts, and upper tail-
coverts entirely white, as well as bases of tail-feathers. Length about 16.00; bill about 3.00;
wing 9..50-10.00; tail 4.50; tarsus 2.00. Europe, Asia, Africa; N. Am. as occurring in
Greenland.
H. pallia'tus. (Lat. p«Hmi«s, wearing the paZK«m, a cloak.) American Oyster-catcher.
Mantled Oystee-catcher. Brown-backed Oyster-catcher. Adult $ 9 : Bill ver-
milion or coral-red, changing to yellow at end. Feet pale purplish flesh-color, drying dingy
yellowish. Eyes and ring around them red or orange. Whole head and neck all around glossy-
black, frequently overcast with an ashy or glaucous shade. Back and wing-coverts smoky-
brown — the contrast witli head and neck decided. Rump and central field of upper tail-coverts
like back (not white) ; lateral and longest central coverts white. Tail-feathers white at base
for nearly the space covered by coverts, on lateral feathers rather farther : then like back, black-
ening at ends. Long inner secondaries like back ; next few secondaries pure white ; rest gain-
ing dark color in increasing amount; white of secondaries forming with the long white tips of
greater coverts a conspicuous broad oblique white bar. Primaries dusky, blackening toward
end, touched with white at bases of inner webs of longer ones, with white on outer webs of shf)rt
inner ones, but no isolated white subterminal spaces. (Thus much less while on back, rump,
wings, and tail than in ostrilegus, besides the difference in color of mantle from that of head and
RECURVIROSTRIDM: AVOCETS. STILTS.
789
neck ; thoiigli some allowance in either case must be made for normal variation from the minute-
ness of my description.) Entire under parts from the breast pure white, including lining (jf
wings — where, however, a few dusky feathers commonly show along the edge. Length 17. UO-
21.00; extent 30.00-36.00; wing 10.00 or more; tail 4.00 or more; tarsus 2.00 or more; mid-
dle toe and claw uud(!r 2.00. Bill 3 or 4 inches long, varying in shape with almost every
specimen, with wear and tear under the rough usage to which it is subjected ; ordinarily both
mandibles truncated ; often tlie lower, sometimes both, acute. Bills worn thinnest and most
like a knife-blade toward the end are often bent sideways, as if i'vom habitual use of them in a
particular direction. Young: Head and neck not black, but rather brown, or black mixed
with brown ; feathers of mantle with butf edges ; bill dull colored. Downy young: tawny gray
above, witli dark mottling; postocular and lateral dorsal stripes of black ; under parts white.
Eggs 2 or 3, not known to be ever 4, buff of varying shade, spotted irregularly with blackish,
dark brown, and neutral tints; size about 2.20 X l-o5. North, Central, and Soutli America,
almost entirely coastwise, and chiefly along Atlantic side but also on Pacific to Mexico. Mi-
gratory all along, wintering southerly, N. regularly only to the Middle States, casually to
Mass. and Maine, breeding in abundanct; but irregularly at different points. There are well-
known breeding resorts along the S. Atlantic coast.
H. fra'zari. (To M. Abbott Frazar, of Boston.) Frazar's Oyster-CATCHER. Resem-
bling H. palliatus and H. galapagensis ; differs from both in the broad zone of mottled black
and white feathers across breast ; from H. palliatus in stouter and more depressed bill, little
or no white on eyelids, darker back and wings, more or less varied upper tail-coverts, and some
other respects; from H. galapafjensls in ratlier shorter bill, brown instead of black mantle,
dark markings on under tail-coverts, and greater amount of wliite on under primary coverts.
Lower California, on both coasts;
southern California. Brewster,
Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 84 ; CofES,
Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 904 ; A. 0. U.
Lis"t.2d ed. 1895, No. 286.1.
H. bach'inani. (To Rev. John
Baclinian. Fig. 540.) Black
Oy.STER - CATCHER. liACIIMAN'S
Oy.ster-catcher. Size an<l sliape
of H. palliatus. Head and neck
the same, but no white on eyelids,
and no white anywhere ; rest of
plumage dark smoky-brown, black-
ening on wing-quills and tail-featb-
ers. Edges of eyelids and most of ^°- ^-Bl-k Oyster-catcher. (L. A. Fuerte..)
bill vermilion, feet pale Hesh-C(dor; iris yellow. Young browner. Eggs 2-3. 2.20 X 1.50,
buff or drab, finely speckled, or sparsely spotted with blackish and purplish-gray. Pacific coast
of the r. S. and British Columbia, from the Aleutian Islands to Lower California. //. uiger
I'Ai.i.. of most authors, and all earlier editions of the Key ; //. hnchmani Am. Oru. Biogr. v,
1839, p. 245, pi. 427; A. 0. V. Lists, 1st and 2.1 eds. 1886 and 1895, No. 287.
Family RECURVIROSTRIDJE : Avocets. Stilts.
Another small family, charactrrizrd by extrem.' l.Migtli of slender l.-gs, and extreme Avw-
derness of long acute bill, wliich is either straight or curved upward. Recurrirostra \» 4-t«H«d
and fnll-webl)e.l ; bill decidedly recmv.d, llattened, and tapers to a nee.lle-like point : b.Kly
790
S Y STEM A TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLM.
depressed; plumage underneath thickened as in water-birds. The species swim well. Clado-
rhi/nchtis leucocephalus (or pectorulis) of Australia is 3-toed, web-footed, witli tarsus more than
twice as long as middle toe and claw, and scarcely recurved bill. Rimantopus is 3-toed,
semipalmate, the bill nearly
straight, and not flattened;
in relative length of leg it
is probably not surpassed
by any bird whatsoever. These three genera
compose the family.
RECURVIROS'TRA. (Lat. recurvus,
bent upward; rostrum, h'A\. Figs. 541, 542.)
AvocETS. Bill excessively slender, more or
less recurved, upper mandible hooked at ex-
treme tip ; much longer than head, more or
less nearly equalling tail and tarsus ; flat-
tened on top, without culminal ridge. Wings
short (for a wader). Tail very short, square,
less than half the wing. Legs exceedingly
long and slender; tibije loner-denuded ; tarsus
sus not more than twice as long as middle toe
and claw ; covering of legs skinny. Feet 4-
toed ; front toes full-webbed, hind toe short,
free. Body remarkably depressed and feath-
ered underneath with thick duck -like plu-
mage ; altogether, as in swimming rather than
as in wading birds. It is a modification like
that seen in the lobe-footed Phalaropes.
Sexes and young alike ; winter and summer
plumage different (in the North American
species at any rate). The extralimital spe-
cies are the European R. avocetta; the
Australian and New Zealand E. novcB-hollandice, and the more different B. andinus, which
has a white head and under parts and a black mantle, thus resembling a Stilt. (The English
word avocet, better spelled avoset, is from Italian
(Ferrarese) avosetta, whence New Lat. avocetta;
all these being considered as diminutive forms of
Lat. avis, a bird.)
R. america'na. (Lat. americana, American.
Figs. 543, 544.) American Avocet. " Irish
Snipe." Beue-stocking. Adult J* 9 , iw sum-
mer: White, changing gradually to cinnamon or
chestnut-brown on neck and head, excepting,
usually, the parts about base of bill. Interscapu-
lars and part of scapulars black ; wings black, with
lining, and part of secondaries and coverts, white.
Tail pearl-gray. Iris red (sometimes brown). Legs dull blue (drying blackish), much of
the webs flesh-color ; bill black, often pale at base below. Size extremely variable : length
16.00-20.00; extent 28.00-38.00! wing 7.00-9.50; tail 300-4.00; tibiae bare 2.50; tarsus
3.50 or more ; middle toe and claw 2.00 or less ; bill 3.50, more or less, varying in shape
from nearly straight to strongly recurved and hooked. The bill resembles whalebone, and
Fig. 541. — European Avocet, Becurvirostra avocetta,^
nat. size. (From Brehm.)
Fio. 54'2. — Head and foot of Avocet, about \
nat. size.
recurvirostridjE: avocets. stilts.
'91
Flo. 543. — Avocet.
is as Hexible as the bones of a woman's corsets ; it acquires its full curvature only in old
birds, who have poked in the mud with it for years. Adult ^ <^ , \n winter: Head and neck
ashy or pearl-gray, like tail ; this has been called R. occidentalis ; afterward considered the
young. Young : Head and neck strongly washed
with cinnamon-brown ; rusty or tawny edgings of
black feathers ; bill straight or nearly so. I have
shot scarcely fledged birds in this state, in which
the shank is also peculiarly swollen about the
suffrago, suggesting the so-called Thick-knee
((Edicnemus). U. S. and British Provinces;
N. in the interior to tlie Saskatchewan and Mac-
kenzie River regions ; S. in winter from Louisiana,
Texas, and southern California to Cuba, Jamaica,
and Guatemala; rare now in eastern U. S. and
only casual in New England. Abounding in
the West, especially in alkaline regions, as
those of the Yellowstone and Milk River, Utah,
etc. Its appearance is striking, as might be
supposed ; its clamor is incessant when breed-
ing-places are invaded. It is not a wary bird,
and may easily be approached when wading
about in small flocks in the shallow alkaline pools it loves so well. Feeds by immersing
the head and neck for some moments whilst probing about with the curious bill in soft
slimy ooze. On getting beyond its depth, it swims with perfect ease, and often alights from
on wing in deep water. The bird is migratory, but breeds througliout its regular X. Ain.
,,, range. Eggs 3-4, as variable in
,.r size, shape, and markings as the
parents; 1.80-2.10 X 1.25-1.45;
,,j,^^> - ground color from dark olive to
brownish -drab, thence to creamy-
brown or buff, like those of Shang-
hai fowls ; pretty uniformly and
profusely marked with small sharp
spots of different shades of choco-
late-brown, with neutral-tint shell-
markings; on buff eggs u.sually
.smalk'st and most numcmus, bolder
on I'live ones.
IIIMAX'TOPUS. {Gr. ifiayrimovs,
liimantopous, strap-leg. Figs.
.■)47, 54H.) Sni/ns. Hill ex-
tremely slender, but unt tlattencd,
nor turned up, nor honked; longer
than heail, ratlier shorter than tar-
sus. Wing long ami pointed, fold-
iui,' beyond tlie short and scpiare tail, whidi is less than half the wing. Legs of unitpie length
and sleiiderness, the hare part about as long as wing ; tibije denuded for a great distance; l.ir-
sus more than twice ;is lonj; as midiile too. Feet .'l-toed, somipalmate ; but the .«pecie."< scarcely
swim. Sexes similar ; young ditlerent. Species few ; tlie extraliniital ones are //. hiiHinitoitns
of Europe, A.xia, ami -\frica; //. Iniaicfplinhts of .\u.stralia; If. jtioilu.i nf Sow Zeulauil und iho
Fii.. .~<il. .Viuuiiciii Avuout. tKi'uui Suuliuliiii'tt Cbaradriidic.)
792
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLJE.
black H. melns of that region ; H. knudseni of the Sandwich Islands ; and H. melanurus of
South America.
H. mexica'uus. (Lat. mexicamis, Mexican. Figs. 545, 546.) Black-necked Stilt.
Long-shanks. Lawyer. Adult ^^9: Mantle, constituted
by interscapulars, scapulars, and wings (above and below)
glossy black, prolonged
up back of neck and on
top and sides of head,
embracing eyes. A spot
over and behind eye, one
on under eyelid, forehead
Fig. 545. — Black-necked Stilt, J
nat. size. (From Sclater.)
to opposite eyes, sides of head below eyes, sides of neck and en-
tire under parts, together with lower back, rump, and upper tail-
coverts, white; tail pearl-gray. In life the long black wings
fohi entirely over the white upper parts and tail, so that the
bird looks entirely black above. Bill black ; eyes and legs
carmine, latter drying yellowish. Length about 15.00 ; ex-
tent about 30.00 ; wing 8.50-9.50 : tail 2.75-3.25 ; bill 2.50-
2.75 ; tibiae bare 3.00-3.50 ; tarsus 4.00-4.50 ; middle toe and
claw 1 .75-2.00. Adults, not in perfect dress : Some of the dark
parts brown, not glossy-black ; the 9 usually found so. Young : Mantle ashy-brown, each
feather edged with whitish or
pale buff; head also with buffy ;
wings black or blackish-brown,
but some of the quills white-
tipped, edge of wing white,
coverts edged with pale ochre.
Tail not so pearly-gray as in
the adults, with some irregular
dusky markings. Legs jjrob-
ably different (skins afford no
criterion). Chick, in down: Bill
apparently blackish ; legs pale.
Under parts white ; above
prettily mottled with black,
brown, and tawny or orange.
U. S. generally, like the Avo-
cet, now rare eastward, though
still rather common in Florida ;
abundant in the West, rather
more southerly than the Avo-
cet; in winter S. from Texas
and Louisiana to West Indies
and S. Am. ; breeds indiffer-
ently in its regular U. S. range.
Nest a mere depression at the
water's-edge or on heaped
vegetation just above the sur-
face in shallow water; eggs 3-4, FiQ. 540. - Black-necked Stilt. (From "North American Shore Birds,"
pyriform, 1.60-1.85 X 1-15- by D. G. Elliot.)
PHA LA R OP GDI DM : PIIA LA ROPES.
793
1.25; greenish-drab or pale brownish-olive to dark ochraceous, boldly marked all over
with spots and splashes of blackish-brown ; they resemble those of the Avocet, but average
<lecidedly smaller.
Family PHALAROPODID^ : Phalaropes.
This is likewise a small family; the three species composing it resemble Sandpipers,
but are immediately distinguished by lobate feet ; toes furnished with plain or scalloped
membranes, like those of Coots and Grebes, but not so broad. Body depressed, and
under plumage tliick and duck-like to resist water, on which the birds swim with perfect
Via. 547. — Stilt. (From Tenney, after
Wilson.)
ease and grace. Wings and tail
like those of ordinary Sandpipers;
^'■KS-A
Fio. 548. — Stilt. (From Seebohm's Charadriidie.)
tarsi much compressed, witli serrulate hinder edge, like a Grebe's; there is basal webbing of
the toes besides the marginal membranes; the bill, and some other details of form, differ in
each of the three genera (Fig. 549). These birds inhabit the northern portions of both
hemispheres, two of them at least breeding (mly in boreal regions, but they all wander far
southward in winter. There are but three species, one peculiar to America, the others of
general distribution. The duties of incubation are undertaken largely by the male Phalarope.
Analysis of (lenera.
Membranes plain : bill very slender, subulate Slrptmoput
Membranes scalloped ; bill very slender, subulate . . , l.obiprt
Membranes scalloped ; bill stouter, Hattened, with lancet-shaped tip Phuhiropus
STKGAN'OPUS. (Gr. (rrtynvoiTovi, stegnnopoiis, web-foot.) Fkinc.k-koot I'iiai. vkoi'K.s.
Bill long, eiinalling tarsus, exceeding head, extremely slender, terete ami acute, ("ulmen and
gonys broad and depressetl. Lateral gnioves long and narrow, reaching nearly to tip of bill.
Interramal space narrow and very short, extending only half-way to end of bill. No.«trila at
extreme base of bill. Win;j;s of moderate length. Tail short, deeply doubly-eimtrginato: logs
greatly elongated ; tibia> bare for a considerable distance ; tarsus exceedinc miiidle t<M». Tooa
long and slender, broadly maririned with an even, unscalloped membrane, united but for a
l>rief space basally. Claws moderately lon;j, ;ircheil, and acute. This is an excellent jjenn.x,
founded by \'ieilIot in lrtl!>. which the .V. O. U. made only a subgenus of i'/i<i//ir(7>M.-« during
794
5 75 TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — L IMICOLM.
Fig. 549. — Details of Phalaropes. (From The
Osprey, by R. C. McGregor.)
1886-1895; but finally raised to a full genus: see A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897,
p. 126. Amblyrhynchus Nuttall, 1834. Holopodius Bonaparte, 1828.
S. wil'soni. (To A. Wilson. Figs. 550, 551.)
American Phalarope. Wilson's Phalarope.
Tricolor Phalarope (adult). Plain Phala-
rope (young). Adult 9 ) breeding dress : Bill and
feet black. Crown of head pale ash, passing into
white along a narrow stripe on nape. A narrovA',
distinct, pure white line over eye. Sides of neck
intense purplish- chestnut, or dark wine-red ; ante-
riorly deepeuing upon auriculars into velvety-black ;
posteriorly continued, somewhat duller in tint, as a
stripe along each side of back to tips of scapulars.
Other upper parts pearly-ash, blanching on rump
and upper tail-coverts. Wings pale grayish -brown ;
coverts slightly white-tipped; primaries dusky-
brown, their shafts brownish-white, except at tip.
Tail marbled with pearly-gray and white. All
under parts pure white, but fore part and sides of
breast washed with pale chestnut-brown, as if with
a weak solution of the rich color on the neck, and a faint tinge of the same along sides of body
to flanks. Bill and feet black. Iris brown. Length 8.50-9.50 or more; extent 15.50-
IG.OO; wing 5.00-5.30 ; tail 2.25 ; bill L33 ; tarsus 1.33; middle toe and claw 1.12. Adult
(J: Less richly colored, and smaller; length 8.25-8.75; extent 15.00; wing 4.75-5.00.
Adult (^ 9 J in winter : No rusty red or pure black. Above, pure ashy gray, each feather usually
skirted with whitish ; frequently some blackish, pale-edged feathers. Wing-quills fuscous,
usually with light edgings; tail as in summer; upper tail-coverts, line over eye, parts about
bill, and whole under parts, white; jugulum and sides usually shaded with ashy. Young,
before first moult: Bill blackish, about 1.10 long; legs dull yellow (tarsus 1.20; middle toe
and claw 1.05). Upper parts, including crown and upper surface of wings, broM-nish -black, each
feather edged with rusty-brown, very con-
spicuous on long inner secondaries, giving
a general aspect like that of a Sandpiper
of the genus Actodromas. Upper tail-
coverts pure white. Tail clear ash, edged
and much marbled with white, the ash
darker at its line of demarcation from the
white. Line over eye, and whole under
parts white, breast with a faint rusty
tinge, sides slightly marbled with gray.
Quills dusky, secondaries white-edged, and shafts of primaries whitish. This stage is of ex-
tremely brief duration, beginning to give way, almost as soon as the bird is full grown, to the
clear uniform ashy of upper parts of the fall and winter condition. The change, in some speci-
mens shot early in August, is already very evident, clear ashy feathers being mixed, on crown
and all upper parts, with such as just described. Size of the smallest specimen only 8.25 in
length by 14.50 in extent; wing 4.60. A plumage like this answers to the long-lost Plain
Phalarope of Pennant and Latham (glacialis Gm.). Chicks are covered with buff-colored
down, paler or whitish on the belly, striped on the hind head and rump with black; a black
spot on the flanks. In full plumage this is the handsomest and largest of the Phalaropes, and
one of the most elegant of waders. U. S. and British Prt)vinces, N. to the Saskatchewan and
Head of Wilson's Phalarope, nat. size. (Ad. nat.
PHALAROPODID.E: PHALAROPES.
795
Fig. 551. — Wilson's Phalarope. (From Seebohm's Charadriidie.)
Hudson's Bay, casually withiu the Arctic Circle (lat. 69° 30') ; rare in U. S. E. of Illinois
and Lake Michigan ; abundant in the Mississippi Valley at large and westward, but not ou
the Pacific coast.
Migratory ; S. in
winter, even to Pat-
agonia ; breeds in
suitable places
in much of its N.
Am. range. Nest
iu low grassy mead-
ows and marshes.
Eggs 3-4, 1.20-
1.35 X 0.90 broad,
thus elongate pyri-
form, clay-color to
brd wii ish - d r ab,
heavily marked with
large splashes and
sizable spots, with
numberless specks and scratches, of dark bistre or chocolate-brown ; some eggs much less
painted than others, in finer pattern; incubated by the $. This is the Plain Phalarope of
Pennant and Latham, described as having the " toes bordered with a plain or unscalloped
membrane " — an expression inapplicable to either ot the other species : see my Birds N. W.
1874, p. 467. The Plain Phalarope is the basis of Triiiga glacialls Gm. 1788, the earliest
technical name, and therefore the one we should adopt, as Xuttall did in 1834, when he called
the bird Amhli/rlii/nchus glndalls, in his Man. ii, p. '247. Stegnnopus tricolor Vikill. 1819;
A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. ]2<i. No. :i24. Ph. tricolor Stici. Auk, 1885, p. 183;
KiDGW. Man. 1887, p. 145 ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 224. Ph. wihoni S.\B. 1823. Lobipes
wilsoni Steph. 1824. Hulopodius icilsoni Bp. 1828-38. Stegunopns wihoni Coi'E.s, Ibis,
1865, p. 158 ; Key, 1872-90, and of most authors. Ph. fimbriatus Temm. 1825. Ph. fremitus
ViFii.i.. 1826. Ph. sienoddctylns Wagl. 1831. Lobipes iitcfinits Jaui>. and Sklmy.
LO'BIPKS. (Lat. /cifo».s, a flap, pes, foot.) Lobe-foot Piialaropes. Bill generally as in
Steganopiis, but shorter, basally stouter, and tapering to very acute, compressed tip; ridge of
culiaeu and gonys less depressed ; interramal space longer and broader. Wings long. Tail
short, greatly rounded. Legs and feet short; tibia? denuded but a brief space; tarsus n»a
longer than midiUe toe. Toes very broadly margined with a membrane wliidi is scalloped or
indented at each joint, and united basally to second joint between outer and middle toe, to first
joint between inner and middle toe; feet thus semipahnate. Claws small and short. A per-
fectly good genus, duly founded by Cuvier in 1817, but which the A. 0. U. have nevertheless
made a subgenus of, under the wrong name Phnlaropm. I am no stickler for needless ge-
neric divisions, and wonld put all our Piialaropes under one genus with three subgenera. But
there cannot be two genera, with two subgenera of one of tiieni, for the differences in form of
each of the three species are on a par. ."^ee my Birds N. W. I>7 I, i<. 4(>«l, and article iu Auk,
,Iaii. IH'U), p. 65; see also under Phalxropu.'i, beyond.
L. lolm'tiis. (Lat. lobatiis, lobed, as the toes are. Figs. .552. .">.">.3.) Northf.kn Pmai.a-
Kol'K. IIVPKKBOREAN PlIALAUoPE. IIkU-NE(KEI» PiIALAKOPK. Co<)T-F<)(»TF.l> TuiNOA.
Aihiit 9, iti summer: Above, ))lumbeous, witli lateral .stripes of <»chracoou8 or tawny; neck
rich rust-red, nearly or rpiite all arouml; under parts otlierwi.se white, .sides marked with ctilor
of back. Upper tail-coverts like back, some lateral ones wliite. Wiiic.s blacki.sh ; cnd.s of
greater coverts broatlly wliitr, forming a conspicuous cross-bar, continuetl on .Ht»me of the iuuiT
796
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOL^.
Fig. 552. — Foot of Red-necked Phala-
rope, uat. size. (Ad. iiat. del. E. C.)
secondaries. $ duller and smaller. Bill and feet black. Length 7.00-7.50 ; extent 13.50;
wing 4.25-4.50; tail 2.00; bill, tarsus, middle toe and claw, each, under 1.00. Adult $ 9) i"
winter: Above plain pearly gray or light ash, varied with
white edgings of the feathers, especially marked on the scap-
ulars and long inner secondaries, and also with some dusky
shaft-lines ; most of the head and all the under parts white ;
a dusky patch on the side of the head, involving eyes and
ears; bill blackish; feet pale bluish; iris blackish-brown.
Young : Above blackish, with distinct buff borders of the
dorsal and scapular feathers ; wing-coverts similarly dusky,
with buff or whitish edges, the greater coverts more distinctly tipped with white ; middle tail-
feathers edged with buff, others with white; top of head and hind-neck dark slaty; a dark patch
about eyes and on auriculars; forehead, line over eye, and whole under parts white, more or less
overcast with light brownish on the sides of the neck and breast ; bill blackish ; feet pale, ob-
scured on the joints and outside of tarsus; iris light brown. It thus varies much in plumage
with age and season, but is easily recognized by the small size and generic characters. Chicks
in down rich buff above, silvery-gray below; crown mi.xed blackish and yellow; a long black
stripe down back, another over each hip, one across rump, and a shoulder-spot. Northern Hem-
isphere at large, breeding in Arctic and some subarctic regions, migrating into the Tropics
sometimes; generally distributed, but especially coastwise, maritime; large flocks at sea.
Eggs 3-4, June, July, average 1.20 X 0.80 (from 1.30 X 0.75 to 1.10 X 0.82), very vari-
able in size, shape, and color; greenish-olive or brownish-olive to various drab and buffy
shades of ground color, usually very
boldly spotted and splaslied, some-
times in finer pattern, with bistrous,
chocolate, and lighter brown. This
species is the type of the genus Lobi-
pes Cuv. 1817, but not of Phalaropus
Briss. 1760. It is the Coot-footed
Tringa of Edw. Nat. Hist. pi. 46
and pi. 143. Tringa lobata Linn.
1758; T. lobata and T. hyperborea
Linn. 1766, by his descriptions, but
with some wrong references under
the former name; Phalaropus hyper-
boreus Lath. 1790, ^, his supposed
9 being the next species, and of
many authors; Lobipes hyperhoreus
of most authors, as of all former eds.
of the Key. Ph. fuscus Lath. 1790. Ph. vulgaris Bechst. 1803. Ph. williamsii SiM-
monds, 1807. Ph. cinereiis Meyer, 1810. Ph. ruficollis and Ph. cinerascens Pale. 1811 ; Ph.
angustirostris Naum. 1836. Ph. lobipes Keys, and Blas. 1840. Ph. australis and molticcen-
sis " Temm." Ph. asiatieus and Lobipes tropicus Hume, 1873. Lobipes lobatus Bd. Brew.
and EiDGW. 1884. Phalaropus {Phalaropus!) lobatus A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 223.
PHALA'ROPUS. (Coined by Brisson in 1760 from Gr. (paXapis, phalaris, the coot, and
TTovs, pons, foot, to express what Edwards meant in saying "Coot-footed.") Coot-FOOT
Phalaropes. Bill scarcely longer than head or tarsus; very stout for this family; much de-
pressed, so broad as to be almost s])atulate, tip only moderately acute, lancet-shaped. Upper
mandible with ridge broad and flattened, apex arched and decurved, lateral grooves wide and
shallow. Interramal space broad and very long, extending nearly to end of bill. Nostrils
Phalarope. (From Seebohm's Chara-
PHALAROPODID^ : PHALA ROPES.
797
subbasal, at some distance from base of bill. Wings long and pointed. Tail long, rounded,
central rectrices projecting, rather acuminate. Legs and feet mucli as in Lobipes, but the
seniipalniation of less extent. Phalarojnts Bkiss. I7G0, type Phalaropus phalaropus Briss.
Orn. 17GU, vi, p. 12, as fixed by Brissou himself; and by no process of "elimination" can the
type be made another species of a difierent genus, Crymophilus, as was done by the A. 0. U.
in 18H5. Crrjmophilus Vieill. 1816, type Phalaropus phalaropus Briss., and thus a strict
synonym of Brisson's genus Phaktrojms. Vieillot's citations of authors are not to the point ;
but his diagnosis is strictly and exclusively pertinent to the present genus.
P. fulica'rius. (Lat. fulicarius, coot-like; fulica, a coot; fiiligo, soot. Fig. 554.)
Red Coot-footed Tringa. Gray Coot-footed Tringa. Red Phalarope. Gray
Phalarope. Flat-billed Phalarope. Whale Bird. Adult 9, in summer: Under
parts, with sides of neck, dark purplisli, or wine-red, with a glaucous bloom. Top of head,
all parts and around bill, sooty.
Sides of head white, this color meet-
ing on nape. Back black, all the
feathers edged with tawny or rusty-
brown, the light sandy color con-
spicuous on the larger feathers,
where the black is reduced to a cen-
tral stripe on each : rump and upper
tail-coverts mixed sooty, black, and
chestnut. Quills brownisli-black,
with white shafts and much wiiite at
bases of webs ; wing-coverts dark
ash, ends and inner webs of greater
row white; some of the secondaries
almost entirely white; axillaries and
under coverts white. Middle tail-
feathers blackish witli buff margins :
tlie lateral ones gray witli wliite edg-
ing. Bill yellowish, witli dusky tip ; feet yellowisli. Length 7.50-8.00; extent 14.50 or more;
wiuir 5.00-5.50; tail 2.50; bill 0.90; tarsus 0.75-0.80; middle toe and claw rather more. The
adult (J in summer is smaller and not so richly colored, especially on the under jiarts; top uf
head streaky, like the back, less white on sides of head. Adult ^ '^ ,\n winter : Head all around,
and entire under parts, white; a dusky circumocular area and nudial crescent, and a wasli
of ashy along sides of body. Above, nearly uniform pearly ash. Wings ashy-blackish, the
white cross-bar very conspicuous; bill mostly dark ; feet obscured. Young birds rescmlile the
winter adults in being white below, but there not pure, with a butf tinge on tlie neck ami breast ;
they resemble the summer adults above, but have the dusky nuclial crescent. Youtig in the
down are bright buff above, with black streaks; top of head brown bordered with blaek; lower
jiarts whitish, more or less tinged with buff on the throat and breast. A species of circumptdar
distribution in summer, wandering soutli in winter, chiefly maritime, but liable to appear cas-
ually anywhere in the U. S. Nesting and egirs not distinguishalde from those of tlie last ; ei;gs
averairiiig lar<,'(r, — 1.15-1.30 X 0.85-0.00. This is tlie Red Co»»t-footed Tringa of Kdwanl.s,
Nat. Hist. 174.'{, pi. 142, in summer plumage, and the Gray Coot-footed Tringa of tin- same,
Gleanings, 1750. pi. 308; the latter became Phalaropus phakiropus of Bris(<i>n, Orn. 17(>0, vi,
p. 12, and tiie former became /'/(. rufrsrens of Brissou, ibid. p. 20. The rod bird of the.M- tw«i
authors is the .'jole basis of Trhujn fnlkaria Linn., but Lintupus mix<'d tlie gray bird up with
his Triufin lohata, which is describetl for Lohiprs hi/perborcHs, but whoso synonymy iiicln<les
these references to tlie present speeies. The gray bird is ahso tlie one figured in Pliiloj*. Tnina.
Fio. 5o4. —Gray Phalarope. (From Seebohm's Cliaradriidie.)
798
S YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — LIMICOLM.
vol. 50, pi. 6, p. 255. The Red Phalarope 9 -'^^J the Gray Phalarope of Latham are both this
species; the Red oue is Phalaropus hyperboreiis 9 Lath. 1790; Wils. Am. Orn. ix, 1814,
p. 75, pi. 78, fig. 4; and the Gray oue became Ph. lohatus Lath. 1790. The present species is
the Phalaropus fulicarius of authors, as in all editions of the Key. P. rufus Bechst. 1809.
P. platyrhynchus Temm. 1815. P. griseus Leach, 1816. P. rufescens Keys, and Blas.
1840. P. platyrostris Nordm. 1840. P. dnereus Fritsch, 1871. Crymophilus fulicarius,
A. 0. U. Lists.
Family SCOLOPACIDjE : Snipe, Sandpipers, etc.
Snipe and their allies form a well-defined and perfectly natural assemblage, one of the two
largest limicoline families, agreeing with Plover in most essential respects, yet well distin-
guished from pluvialine birds. In general, the bill is much elongated, frequently several times
longer than head, and in those cases in which it is as short as in Plover, it does not show the
particular, somewhat pigeon-like, shape described under Charadriince, being slender and soft-
skinned throughout. It is gen-
erally straight, but frequently
curved up or down, and in one
genus spoon-shaped at the end
(Eurynorhynchus) . The nasal
grooves, always long and nar-
row, range from ^ to almost the
whole length of bill ; similar
grooves usually occupy sides of
under mandible ; interramal
space correspondingly long and
narrow, nearly naked. This
length, slenderness, grooving,
and peculiar sensitiveness, are
prime characteristics of the scol-
opacine bill. The gape, never
ample, is generally very short
and narrow, reaching little, if
any, beyond base of bill. The nostrils are short narrow slits, exposed. The head is com-
pletely feathered to bill (except in one species), at base of which ptilosis stops abruptly with-
out forming projecting antiae. The wings commonly show the thin pointed contour described
under Limicola:, but they are occasi(jnally short and rounded. The tail, always short and soft,
has as a* rule 12 rectrices ; in one genus, however, there are from 12 to 26. The crura are rarely
feathered to suffrago. The tarsi are scutellate before and behind, and reticulate on sides, ex-
cept in the Curlews (Numenius), where they are scutellate only in front (yet with the excep-
tion to this exception, thus proving the rule, of Numeniiis minutits, a small Curlew which has
the tarsi scutellate behind as before, and on this account has been made type of another
genus, Mesoscolopax) ; and in Heteractitis, where the tarsal envelope is variable. They are
entirely reticulate (the normal state in Plover) only in the remarkable Ibidorhyncha struthersi,
now made type of a special subftimily. The hallux is absent in only 3 genera — Ibidorhyncha,
Pheqornis, and Calidris; anterior toes commonly show one basal web, and often two, but in
many genera they are entirely cleft. The presence or absence of basal webbing has been made
the sole basis oi Totanince and Scolopacince as two subfamilies of Scolopacid(C ; but this is a
generic character only, and cannot be used to mark oflF subfamilies, because to do so would throw
-^^S^'
Fig. 555. — Common Snipe. (From Seebohm's Charadriidae.)
SCOLOPACID.E: THE SXIPE FAMILY. 799
such a thoroughly suipe-like genus as Macrorhamphiis, and such a thorough sandpiper as
Ereiinetes, into the Totanine group, instead of leaving tliem in Scolopcicime where they helong.
Scolopacine birds arc of niediuni and small size, ranking with Plover in this respect ; none
attain the average stature of Herodiones. The general economy of these birds is similar to
that of Plover; a chief peculiarity being probably their mode of procuring food, by feelin-; for
it, in the majority of cases, in sand or mud with their delicately sensitive, probe-like bill. The
eggs are commonly 4, parti-colored, pointed at one end and broad at the other, placed with
the small ends together in a slight nest or more depression on tlie ground ; tlie young run
about at birth. The sexes, with very rare exceptions (as in tlie genus Bostratula), are alike
in color or nearly so; 9 usually a little larger than ^, but external sexual distinctions are
rarely strong (remarkable exception in Pavoncella). Color distinctions with age, likewise,
are rarely marked; but, on the contrary, seasonal plumages are in many cases, as among
Sandpipers, very strongly indicated, the nuptial dress being entirely different from that worn
the rest of the year. Excepting a few species that frerjuent dry open places like Plover, these
birds are found by the water's edge where the ground is soft and oozy — in moist thickets, low
rank meadows, bogs and marshes, by the riverside, and on the seashore. Some are solitary,
but the majority are gregarious when not breeding, and many gather in immense flocks, espe-
cially during the extensive migrations that nearly all perform. The voice is a mellow pipe, a
sliarj) bleat, or a harsh scream, according to the species. Few birds surpass Snipe in sapid
quality of flesh, and many kinds rank high in the estimation of sportsman and epicure. Tlie
family is cosmopolitan, but the majority inhabit the northern hemisphere, breeding in boreal
regions. There are about 90 well-determined species of Scolopacidoe, referable perhaps to 25
tenable genera, altiiougli many more than this are often employed. Various attempts to divide
the group into subfamilies have met with little success, owing to close interrelation of several
types. The most exceptional of these are Ibidorhi/ncha, Hostratula (or Ehi/nchfca) and I'hr-
goniis — if the latter be not pluvialine rather than scolopacine; aside from which, all the lead-
ing form.s of the family, with most of the lesser genera, are represented in this country, and
are indicated by the detailed descriptions given beyond; while its entire composition may lie
pointed out and rendered perfectly intelligible by a brief summary :
o. The remarkable genus Bostratula (usually called Iilnjncluea) contains the Painted or
Golden Snipes, whereof there are three species — li. capcnsis of the Ethiopian and Oriental
regions, B. australis of Australia, and B. semicoUaris of South America. They have the toes
cleft to the base; the bill, tarsus, and middle toe with its claw of about erpial lengths; the
wings short and rounded. There is something suggestive of Rails in the general aspect of these
birds. The plumage is peculiar, and the sexual characters are extraordinary; for the females
are larger and handsomer than the males, do their own courting, make their mates incubate,
and are further peculiar in the anatomical arrangement of the windpipe, which is tortuous and
folded, making one or more loo])s under the skin before passing into the tlioracic cavity. The.se
birds form the subfamily Bostratulince (CouES, 1888: see Cent. Diet. s. v.).
b. In Woodcock (Scoloj)a.r, Neoscolopa.v, and Philohela) and true Snipe (GaUi)in(jo) the
ear appears below and not behind the eye, which is placed far back and liigh up; and if the
lirain be examined, it will be found curiously tilted over so that its anatomical ba.se looks for-
ward. The bill is perfectly straight and mucli longer than head, deep-grooved to the very end,
which is either knobbed, or widened just behind tip, where there is a furrow in the flattened
culmen. The membranous covering is almndantly supplied witli nerves; this organ ctuistitiites
a pndje of delicate sensibility, an etKi-ient instrument of touch, u.seil to feel for food b«'lo\r the
sinfai'c of the ground. In the thied state, the .soft skin shrinks tiylil like parcliiiient to the
boiir, iiiid becomes studded with small jtits. The gape of the mouth is extremely sliort ami
narrow ; tlie toes are cleft to the very base ; the legs, neck, and wings are comparatively .>.|iort,
and tlir lioilv i< r.ithcr full. Then' an' no obvious seasonal or >.<'\-iial diir«Tences in jdumace.
800
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^E.
Not completely gregarious ; no such flights of Woodcock and true Snipe occur as are usually-
witnessed among Sandpipers and Bay-snipe; they inhabit bog and brake rather than open
waterside ; they cannot be treacherously massacred by scores, like some of their relatives ; they
are knowing birds, if their brains are upset, and their successful pursuit calls into action all the
better qualities of the true sportsman. There is but one species of Philohela, our own Wood-
cock, P. minor; one Moluccan Woodcock, Neoscolopax rochusseni; two Woodcock of the re-
stricted genus Scolopax, S. rusticula and -S'. saturata; and about 20 true Snipe of the genus
Gallinago. AnK)ng the latter the tail-feathers range from 12 to 2G in different species, though
14 or 16 is the usual number. In those with 20 or 20 several outer pairs (6 or 8) are narrow,
linear, and stiffish ; these birds are the Wire-tailed or Pin-tail Snipes, as G. stenura and G. me-
gala, both of Asia, the former with 26 rectrices, the latter with 20 ; they form the subgenus
Telmatias, according to some authors, the subgenus Spilum according to others. G. australiSf
Fio. 550. — American Woodcock, about | nat. size. (From American Field.)
the New Holland Sni[)e, has 18 rectrices, whereof two pairs are narrowed. The ordinary fan-
tailed species of Gallinago, with 14 or 16 rectrices are, like those just mentioned, exceptional
in this family in having but one large, deep emarginatiou of the hinder end of the sternum \
but G. gallimtla, the Jack-snipe of Europe, with only 12 rectrices, conforms to the limicoline
rule of two pairs of posterior sternal emarginations, and is hence made type of a genus Lim-
nocryptes. The genus Gallinago (in a broad sense) is nearly cosmopolitan, and these Snipes,
are all distinguished from Woodcocks (Philohela, Scolopax, and Neoscolopax) by having the
markings of the head longitudinal instead of transverse.
c The genus Macrorhamphus (including Pseudoscolopax) , containing our species, and one
other (31. or P. semipalmatns of Asia) has the bill exactly as in Gallinago, but differs from
typical Snipe in more pointed wings, differently proportioned legs, and especially basal webbing
of toes. It thus stands exactly between the Snipe proper and
SCOLOPACID.E: THE SXIPE FAMILY.
801
d. The Godwits (Limosa), in which we find the same very long, wholly grooved, and
extremely sensitive bill, wliich, however, is not dilated at end, nor furrowed on culmen, and is
bent sligJitly upward ; the gape, as before, is exceedingly constricted. Tiie toes show a basal
web. These are rather large birds, witli ctdors and general aspect of Curlews, but bill not de-
curved, and tarsi scutellate behind. They frequent marshes, bays, and estuaries, and are among
the miscellaneous assortment of birds collectively designated "Bay-snipe." There are only .j
or 6 species, of the single genus Limosa.
e. Sandpipers {Tringa, etc.) are a rather extensive group, notable for the variation in
minor details of form shown with almost every species — a fact that has caused the erec-
tion of a number of Tmnecessary genera. Here the bill retains much of the sensitiveness of a
Snipe's, and tlie gajie is likewise restricted ; but the bill is much shorter, averaging about equal
Fio. 557. — American Snipe, about J nat. size. (Kroiu Aiiieri.'aii hieia
to head. One tiivial feature affords a good clew to this gnuip: tiie tail-featln-r^ an- plain-
colored, or with simple edgings, while in almost all species of other groups these featlu-rs are
barred crosswise. In Sandpipers .seasonal changes of i)lumage are very great ; proportion.'^ of
legs and webbing of toes are variable witli tlie species, but the toes are cleft to base (except in
JMicroprdama and Ereunctes), and 4 in nunib«'r (except in C(didiis). Sandpipers belong par-
ticularly to the Nortliern Hemisphere, and breed in hiirli latitudes; they perform I'Xten.sive
migrations, and in winter spread over most of the world. Among tliein are the most diminu-
tive of waders. Tliey are ])robably witiiout exception gregarious, and often Heck tlie beach in
vast multitudes; they live by preference in open wet places, ratlier than in fens and marshes,
and feed by ])r<d)iiii:, like Snipe; the voice is mellow and piping. They are pntty widl distin-
guished from Snipe and Godwits, though Micropidmun connects them with Miicrurham/thiis
and Liiiw.sfi; but shade directly into Tattlers, throngli suc-li genera as Tnjngites and AvlUig.
Nearly all the genera of Sandpipers are de.^icribed in detail beyond. Tiiere are about *i> sperieij.
One generic form of true Sandpiper not represented in this country is the Hroad- billed /-ii/n'co/a
61
802 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL.E.
platyrhyncha, the peculiarity of vvliicli is expressed iu its name. Two isolated and extremely
rare Sandpipers are ^chmorliynchus parvirostris of some Pacific islands, and Prosobonia leu-
coptera of the Sandwich Islands, the latter probably now extinct ; these have the tail barred,
as usual in the next group, but the toes cleft to base, as in most of tlie present group. Their
relations appear to be close with our genus Tryngites, w^hich serves to connect Sandpipers
proper with
/. Tattlers (Totamis, etc.), with which it is ranged, beyond. In this, the largest and most
varied group, the bill has comparatively little of the sensitiveness of that of all the foregoing,
and the gape is longer, extending obviously beyond base of culmen, sometimes to nearly below
eyes. It varies much in length and shape, but it is usually longer than head, very slender, not
often grooved to tip, and is either straight, or bent slightly upward. The body and its mem-
bers are commonly more elongate than in the foregoing ; the front toes have a l)asal web or
two, and the hind toe is always present. The tail is usually barred. These are noisy, restless
birds of marshes, sand-flats, and mud-bars, and apparently do not probe for food to any extent;
they gain their name from their often harsh voice. The Redshanks, Greenshanks, and our
Yellowshanks are typical examples of this group ; most of the species cluster close about these,
and might go in the single genus Totamis. But our genera Tryngites, Actitis, Heteractitis,
Symphemia, and Bartramia are pretty well marked ; so is the genus Pavoncella, which enters
our fauna as a straggler from Europe ; while the extralimital Terekia cinerea and Pseiidototanus
guttifer stand somewhat apart from others, both being semipalmate, and the former having a
long bill like a Godwit's. There are about 20 species in all, universally distributed.
g. Curlews (Numenius) are distinguished by downward curvature, extreme slenderness,
and usually great length of bill, with scutellation of tarsus confined to front (except in one spe-
cies). In size and general appearance they are near Godwits ; they inhabit all parts of the
W(jrld. They all belong to the genus Numenius, which has 10 species (or 9, ifiV. minutus
be separated as Mesoscolopax. viinutus, having the tarsi scutellate behind as well as before).
/(-. Ibidorhyncha struthersi is a remarkable bird of Central Asia, lately made by Dr.
Sharpe type and sole member of a subfamily Ibidorhynckince. It has been called an
Ibis-billed Curlew with the feet of a Plover, and otherwise styled Ibis-billed Oyster-catcher,
Red-billed Erolia, Gorgeted Chlorhynx, etc. The toes are three only ; the tarsi are entirely
reticulate; the bill is very long and decurved, with extensive furrows; the sternum is notched
and fenestrate on each side behind. It is a large bird, over a foot long, with black, gray, and
white plumage, and bloody red feet, bill, and eyes.
i. Phegornis mitchelli is a South American species commonly referred to the Charadriidce,
as it has no hind toe, and in some other respects resembles a Plover; but the toes are cleft to
the base, the tarsi are scutellate, and the bird is referred by late authorities to the Scolopacidcc,
in the vicinity of the genera ^chmorhynclms and Prosobonia.
No other Scolopacidcc than those above mentioned by name, or indicated by the context,
are known to exist.
Artificial Analysis of North American Genera, of Scoi.opacid«.
Toes 3. (Sandpiper) Calidris
Toes 4.
Bill spoon-shaped at the end. (Sandpiper) Eurynorhynchus
Bill not spoon-shaped.
One outer primary emarginate, narrowed. (European Woodcock) Scolopax
Three outer primaries emarginate, narrowly linear. (American Woodcock) Philohela
No outer primaries emarginate.
Toes cleft to tlie base (or with one minute web in one case)
Tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw.
Bill about twice as long as head ; tibiae naked below. (Snipe) ........ Gallinago
Bill little longer than head ; tibiae feathered to suffrago. (Sandpiper) Arquatella
Tarsus about equal to or longer than middle toe and claw. (Sandpipers.)
SCOLOPACID.E: WOODCOCK.
803
Bill slightly curved, longer than head.
Tarsus evidently longer than middle toe and claw Ancylochilus
Tarsus equal to or barely longer than middle toe and claw Pelidna
Bill perfectly straiglit, much shorter than head. Primaries mottled Tryngites
Bill perfectly straight, equal to or longer than head.
Tarsus longer tlian middle toe and claw Tringa
Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw Actodromas
Toes semipaliuate, witli one or two evident basal webs.
Tarsus scutellate iu front only ; bill very long, decurved. (Curlews) Xumpnius
Tarsus scutellate in front only ; bill barely longer than head, straight Ileternctitis
Tarsus scutellate in front and behind.
Tail not barred. One minute web. Primaries mottled Tryngites
Tail not barred. Two full basal webs. Primaries plain. (Sandpipers)
Bill shorter or scarcely longer than head Ereunetex
Bill much longer tlian head Micropaiama
Tail barred crosswise with liglit and dark colors.
Gape not reaching beyond base of bill.
Culnien furrowed at end. Under a foot long. (Snipe) Macrorhawphus
Culmen not furrowed. Over a foot long. (Godwits) Limosa
Gape longer. Length under 9 inches. (Tattlers.)
Bill gi-ooved nearly to tip Aclitis
Bill grooved about half-way to tip Ilelodromtu
Gape longer. Length over 9 inclies. (Tattlers.)
Bill not longer than head, grooved J its length.
Tail more than half as long as wing P-nrlramia
Tail not half as long as wing Paioncella
Bill longer than liead.
Legs bluish. Bill stout. Toes strongly semipalmate. (Willet) . . Symphemia
Legs green or yellow. Bill slender. (Greeiishanka. Tellowshanka) . . Totanu*
($ 1. Woodcocks.)
PHILO'HELA. (Gr. 0tXos-, philoa, loving; eXoj, helos, a bog.) American Woodcock.
First 3 priiiiariL's eiiiargiuate, attenuate, and falcate, abruptly shorter and narrower than 4th.
Wings short and rounded ; when folded, primaries hidden by coverts and inner quills. Legs
short ; tibiae feathered to joint ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and chuv, scutellate before ami
Flo. 558. — Head and attenuate outer 3 primaries of Philohda, uat. size. (Ad. uat. del. E. C.)
licliiud ; toes long and sh'uder, cleft to base. Hill very .^nft and sensitive, much hniger than
head, perfectly straiglit, stout at base, wliere tlie ridge rises higli, knobbed at end of upper
iiiandihle, very deeply grooved nearly all its length; culmen and line of gonys also furmwod
tiiwanlend; gape very short and narrow. Head large ; neck sliort ; ear under eye, which is
very full, set in back upper ci)rner of head. Se.\es alike; 9 largest.
I*, ini'nor. (Lat. minor, smaller — than the European Woodcock. Figs, ."if)!!, .ViS, '».')!»)
.V.MKIUCAN WooDCdCK. T.ITTI.I'. WoODCOCK. LeSSKK WoOOCOCK. WdOIUIKN. HHi-
iiKADKo Snipe. Blind Snuk. WuisTLisd Snipe. Wood.snipe. Nic.ht Pautuiimjk.
804
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL.E.
Night-peck. Bog-sucker. Bog-bird. Timberdoodle. Hookumpake. Shrups.
Labrador Twister. Colors above harmoniously blended and varied black, brown, gray,
and russet; below, pale warm brown of variable shade, not barred. A dark stripe from bill
to eye. Crown from opposite eye with black and light bars ; along inner edges of wings
a bluish-ashy stripe; lining of wings rusty-brown; quills plain fuscous; tail black, spotted,
and tipped; bill brownish flesh-color, dusky at end; feet pale reddish flesh-color. The
Woodcock is 10 or 11 inches long, and IG or 17 in extent; wiug 4.50-4.75; bill 2.50-
2.75; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.50; and weighs usually 5, 6, or 7 ounces. The
Woodhen, as some prefer to call her, is larger, 11 or 12 inches long ; extent 17 or 18 ;
wing 4.75-5.50; bill 2.75-3.00; some good fat ones up to 8 or 9 oz. in weight. Bogs,
swamps, wet woodland and fields, eastern U. S. chiefly ; N. into southern proviuces of Canada;
N. W. to eastern Manitoba; the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, Texas, and
even Colorado, but
^^ A 1 i I ' // casual or rare W. of
-^^ ^ / Hi \ ^^^ 97th meridian ;
' ^^ I w^ \ jjQ extralimital record
except Bermuda ; mi-
gratory, but breeds
throughout its range,
most commonly
northerly; winters
cliiofly in the South.
This is the game bird,
after all, say what you
{)loase of Snii)e, Quail,
or Grouse ! But of
increasing scarcity in
many parts owing to
its persistent pursuit
in spring and sum-
mer, together with the
Fig. 55'J. — American Woodcock, much reduced. (From Lewis.) winter shootilltr in the
South. Eggs usually 4, more rotund than those of most small Waders, corresponding to the
plump form of the bird, averaging 1.50 X 1.18 ; a short broad one 1.40 X 1-20 ; a long narrow
one 1.55 X 1-15; brownish clay-color, more huffy or more grayish, with numberless chocolate-
brown surface- markings and stone-gray shell-spots, none very large or bold ; size and intensity
of markings generally corresponding to depth of ground color; usually laid in April, often
March, earlier in the South. Woodcock liave many curious actions during the mating season,
as their nocturnal " song "-flight. The young are sometimes removed from danger by the
parent carrying them with the feet. Very erratic and capricious iu its movements — surprises
are always in order for the cock-shooter, until he learns to be surprised at nothing this bird does;
which is never safe until brought to table on toast, with his insides inside and his bill under his
wing — poor thing! and even then the bill is likely to be a surprise, if it is presented in a fash-
ionable restaurant.
SCO'LOPAX. (Gr. aKoko-na^, skolopax, Lat. scolopax, name of this very bird.) European
Woodcock. No outer primaries shortened or peculiar, 1st narrowed somewhat on inner web
near end; 1st and 2d longest, 3d little shorter, 4th much shorter; wings long, comparatively,
point of wing extending l)eyond inner secondaries, which only fold about to end of 5th quill.
Generic characters, excepting tliose of wing, much as in Philohela ; same style of bill and feet
and conflguration of body and head; plumage similarly variegated above, but below barred
SCOLOPACID/E: SNIPE. 805
crosswise throughout ; size much superior. Of all Snipe-like birds of this country, loosely
called " Scolopax," this straggler from Europe is the only one to which the name is strictly
applicable.
S. rusti'cula. (Lat. rustictis, a rustic; rusticida, a little countryman; wrongly spelled ms-
ticola by Linnaeus and the A. 0. U.) Eukopean Woodcock. Cockbird : Colors above
harmoniously blended and varied black, brown, chestnut, and yellowish-gray ; under ])arts
brownish-white, regularly wavy-barred throughout with dark brown. A dusky stripe from
bill to eye. Top and back of head brownish-black and brown, divided by three or four cross-
bars of brownish-white and brown. Each feather of upper parts chestnut and black, in varie-
gation, the black usually forming a large subterminal spot. Yellowish-gray tending to form a
scapular stripe on each side of back. Quills and coverts of wing blackish, pretty regularly
varied with dark chestnut bars, on the larger quills tliis chestnut paler and reduced to mar-
ginal indentations ; outer web of 1st primary plain whitish. Upper tail-coverts rich chestnut,
little varied with black, with pale tips. Tail-feathers black, with angular chestnut indenta-
tions of outer webs ; their tips gray from above, viewed from below glistening silvery-white.
Under parts brownish-white, more or less sufl'used with cliestnut-brown on breast, the regular
dusky barring only giving way on the whitish throat, changing to lengthwise streaks on under
tail-coverts. Hen: Unmistakably similar — substantially the same; grayer above, much of
the russet mottling of ^ replaced by hoary-gray. A much " better " bird than our Woodcock ;
a third larger; weight 12-15 oz. Over a foot long; wing 7.00 inches or more; tail 3.50; bill
not much hmger than in our Woodcock ; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw more. I describe
this species with particularity, and sportsmen who get a bird of this sort will do well to report
the fact at once. It was formally introduced to our fauna in the original edition of the " Key,"
1872. There are occasional instances of its capture in this country, and it is entitled to a place
as a straggler from Europe, of which country it is the common Woodcock. See Lewis, Amer.
Sportsm. ed. of 1868, p. 169, footnote (New Jersey); Lawrence, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. X. Y.
1866, p. 292 (Rhode Island and New Jersey) ; Baird, Am. Journ. Sci. xli, 1866, p. 25 (New-
foundland) ; COUES, Am. Nat. x, 1876, p. 872 (Virginia).
(§ 2. Snij^es.)
OALLINA'GO. (Lat. gallina, a hen, whence galUnago, like virago from vir.) True Sxipe.
Bill mucli longer than head, perfectly straight, soft to end, where somewhat widened, grooved
on top, vascular and sensitive, in dried state pitted; lateral grooves running more than half-
way to tip; gape narrow, not reaching beyond base of culmen. Ear imder eye. Tibiae feath-
ered not quite to the joint. Tarsus a little shcn'ter tlian middle toe and claw; toes perfectly
free, cleft to base, slender, and not fringed. Wings rather short and rounded (for this family),
less so than in Scolopax or Philoheht ; no primaries attenuate. Tail short, rounded, of
numerous (in our species normally J 6) feathers, of which the lateral are narrowed, all barred
crosswise. Sexes alike ; seasonal changes of plumage not pronounced. Numerous species of
all countries; one North American, and another straggling to Greenland and Benuuda from
Europe; a third accidental at Hudson's Bay. For indications of them all, see p. 7l>9.
Analysis of Species.
Tail-featherg Ifi ; the .3 outer pairs mostly wliite. Straggler only in N. Am major
Tail-feathers 14. Straggler only in N. Am.
Axillars and flanks wliite, incompletely or imperfectly barred with blackish r/allinago
Tail-feathers IG ; the 3 outer pairs not mostly white. N. Am. at large.
Axillars aiid flanks fully and regularly barred with wliite and blackish delicata
€J. nia'jor. (Lat. major, greater, i. e. than the common Eurojiean G. gaUinago or G. media.)
(Jkeatek Snipe. Double Snipe. C'losely resembling the following two species; but easily
distinguished by the combination of 16 rrctriccs, of whicli the three lat«'ral pairs are narrow,
806
S YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — LI Ml COLJ^.
under 0.25 wide, and white, together with broad white tips of the median wing- coverts.
Europe, Asia, and Africa ; accidental at Hudson's Bay. The North American record of this
species has been overlooked since the bird was described by Swainson in the F. B. A. ii, 1831,
p. 501, as a new species under the name of Scolopax leiicitrns, from Hudson's Bay; the type
specimen is extant in the British Museum, and has been identified with the well-known Gal-
linago major by Dr. Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv, 1896, p. G26 and p. 631 : see Coues,
Auk, Apr. 1897, p. 209. A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 105, No. [230. 1]. Strict
application of the law of priority would require the name of this species to be G. media, after
Frisch, 1763; Gerini, 1773; and Lath. 1787; but it would be a contradiction in terms to
impose upon the " Greater " or " Double " Snipe the designation media.
G. gallina'go. (Fig. 555.) EUROPEAN Snipe. "English Snipe" proper. In size, form,
and general coloration indistinguishable from the next described, but tail-feathers normally
only 14, and the lateral ones not so narrow as in our Snipe, axillary featliers almost entirely
y
Fig. SCO. — The Snipe's family. (From " Sport with Gun and Rod." The Century Co., N. Y.)
white, with slight and sparse dark markings, and feathers of flanks and sides less frequently
and less regularly barred with dark gray. Size of our Snipe, but bill averaging longer — over
2.75. (In the lesser European Snipe, Jack-Snipe, or Judcock, GalUnago {Limnocryptes) galli-
nnla, ihe sides and lining of wings are fully barred as in our S. delicata, but the tail-feathers
are 12, the outer ones little shorter and not abruptly narrower than the rest.) Europe : Only
North American as occurring frequently in Greenland ; accidental in Bermuda. (G. media of
2d-4th eds. of the Key; but this is the original Scolopax gall inago Linn., and therefore GalU-
nago gallinago by A. O. U. rules.)
G. delicata. (Lat. meaning delicate — not in poor health, but dainty, as the bird is when
served on toast. Figs. 557, 560, 561.) American Snipe. Wilson's Snipe. Com-
SCOL OP A CIDJE : SNIPE.
807
.,\^y^r\
MON Snipe. " English" Snipe (so called). Meadow Snipe. Marsh Snipe. Gutter-
snipe. Jack-snipe. Shad-bird. Alewife-bird. Shad-spirit. Adult ^9: Crown
black, with u pale ochrey middle stripe. Upper parts brownish-black, varied witli bright bay
and tawijy ; scapular feathers smoothly and evenly edgeil with tawny or whitish, forming two
lengthwise stripes on each side when wings are folded. Quills and greater coverts blackish-
brown, usually with white tips, and outer web of first primary usually white. Lining of wings
and axillars white, fully and regularly barred with black. Rump black, the feathers with
white tips. Upper tail-coverts tawny with numerous black bars, and tail-feathers black
basally, then bright chestnut, with a narrow subtermiual black bar, their tips fading to whit-
ish ; some lateral ones white, with little rufous tinge and several instead of one black bar.
Belly white; jugulum and fore-breast liglit brown speckled with dusky brown; chin nearly
white; sides of body shaded with brown, and with numerous regular dusky bars throughout;
crissum more or less rufous, with numerous dusky bars. Bill greenish-gray, dusky on ter-
minal third; iris brown; feet greenish-gray. Length of ^ 10..50-1 l.oO; extent 17.50-] D.oO;
wing 4.75-5.25 ; bill 2.50 (more or less) ; tail 2.25; tarsus J. 25; middle toe and claw 1.50.
9 averaging smaller. Weight of various specimens 3 oz. 4 dr. to 4 oz. .'3 ilr. Tliis is the
genuine Snipe, of all the birds loosely so called;
its name of " English " Snipe is a misnomer, as
it is indigenous to this country, and distinct from
any European species, though closely resembling
two of them {G. gallmago and G. gallinida : see
above). Its coinmonest name with sportsmen
is "Jack-snipe," which is well enough in this
country, though if said in England it would be
understood as G. (jullinitlu. In our species the
tail is normally composed of l(j featliers, the two
lateral of which on each side are abruptly smaller,
shorter, and much narrower, resembling under
coverts somewhat; and whole sides of body from
breast to tail, as well as a.xillars and lining of
wings, are completely and regularly barred, as is
also crissum. Ojien wet places of North America,
at large ; migratory; breeds from the Northern States northward, but chiefly beyund U. S. ; S.
into tlie West Indies and South America in winter, tliongh many remain in tlie U. S. The
general habits of this favorite game-bird arc too well known to require renuirk. Esrgs 1^4,
1.55 X 1.15, moderately pyriform, grayish-olive, with more or less brownish shade; markiuys
bold and numerous, most so <m the larger end, of varying shades of umber-brown ; usually also
sharp scratchy lines of black ; shell-spots not very noticeable. Nest a mere dcjiression in <,'rass
or moss of the bog; chicks mottled with white, ashy, ochrey, and dark brown. (Sculopa.r
wiUoni Tem.m. 182G ; G. icilsoni of most authors, as of fornwr editions of tiie Key; G. media
wilsoni liiDGW. ; G. ccelestis wilsoni Stej. ; Scolojxix delicata Oku. id. Wii.s. 1825 ; G. dclicata
A. 0. U. No. 230.)
MACRORIIAM'PIIUS. (Gr. fiaKpot. mnJcrof), long, pd^cpot, /iiinnjiluis, Ixak.) WKn-TOKD
Sniim;. ]?ill as in Gallinaf/o. Wings longer and more pointed, more as in Tiivgn. Tibijp
naked bdow for a space about \ the leiiijth of tarsus. Tarsus longer tli.m middle too and claw.
Ant(>rior toes webbed at base ; webbiui: most extensive betwoon niiddir and outer. Tail
doubly emarginate, uf oidy 12 feathers, all closely and reuularly barred. Sexes alike; suininer
and winter plnma<,'es different (as in Sandpipers). Tliorouyhly sni|)e-like in bill, but other-
wise like loni;-legi,'ed Sandpi|)('rs — near Miernpnhima, for example, and not far from Limosa.
Two allcLxcd s]iecies, or a species and subspecies.
Fio. 501. Tail of Wilson's Snipe. ( From
American Shore Birds," by D. G. Elliot.)
' North
808
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOL.E.
Analysis of Macrorhamphus.
Length 10.00 to 12.50 ; extent 17.50-20.00; wing 5.30-G.OO, average 5.70; bill 2.00-3.00; tarsus 1.25-1.75, average
1.53 ; middle toe without claw 0.90-1.10, average 1.00.
Wing 5.25-5.00, average 5.05 ; bill 2.00-2.55, average 2.30 ; tarsus, average 1.35 ; middle toe alone, average 0.95.
In summer : Belly whitish ; breast and sides speckled with dusky griseiis
Wing 5.40-0.00, average 5.75 ; bill 2.20-3.20, average 2.80 ; tarsus, average 1.00 ; middle toe alone, average 1.00.
In summer : Belly cinnamon-brown ; breast scantily speckled with dusky ; sides barred with dusky
g. scolopaceus
Measurements of nine individuals, which I shot out of one flock in N. Dakota, Oct. 1, 1873, formerly supposed to
include both species, and to show their perfect gradation in size ; now supposed to show individual variation in
31. scolopaceus alone.
Total length . .
Extent of wings .
Wing ....
Whole naked leg .
BiU
10.25
17.50
5.40
3.40
2.20
10.50
18.00
5.50
3.40
2.40
11.00
18.50
5.05
3.40
2.50
11.25
19.25
3 35
2.85
11.50
19.00
5.75
4.00
2.90
11 75
10.50
5.90
4.10
2.90
11.90
19.75
COO
4.00
2.95
12.25
20.25
G.IO
4.10
3.05
1250
19.50
5.85
4.15
3.25
M. gri'seus. (Lat. griseus, gray. Fig. 562.) Ked-breasted Snipe (summer). Brown
Snipe (suininer). Gray Snipe (winter). Robin Snipe (summer). Quail Snipe. Brown-
back (summer). Gray-back (winter). Driver. Sea-pigeon. Dowitcher or Dowitch
(i.e. Dcutscher or Duitsch, meaning "Dutch" or "German" Snipe, as distiiigui.shed from
"English " Snipe; German Snipe was the name of it in former years, from the Dutch tradi-
tions of New York; it was the New York Godwit of some hooks, Scolopax noreboracensis of
others. G- Trumbull notes also the spellings Dowitchee and Doewitch). Adult 9 (^> in
summer: Under parts rich rusty-red, paler or whitish on belly; jugulum, breast, and sides
Fig. 502. — Bill of Blacrorhamphus griseus. nat. size, ir profile, and its end from above. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
fully speckled with dusky. Axillars and lining of wings white, with angular dusky markings.
Wing-quills fuscous, shaft of 1st primary white, of (.)thers brown ; secondaries conspicuously
tipped with white. Above, black, varied everywhere with the reddish color of under parts,
and on back and scapulars with white; lower back snowy-white, very conspicuous in flight;
rump white spotted with black. Tail and its upper coverts black, closely barred with white
or rufous. A dusky line from bill to eye. Bill and feet greenish-black. In winter: Dark
gray above, the feathers with dusky centres and pale gray or whitish edges ; lower back pure
white; superciliary line and spot on under eyelid white; below, white, jugulum, fore-breast,
and sides heavily shaded with gray, leaving chin whitish ; flanks and crissum with wavy dusky
spots or bars. (For dimensions, see above.) This bird is supposed to be restricted to eastern
North America, especially Jilong the Atlantic coast, where it abounds during migration, in pro-
portion of 1,000 to 1 of the next variety. This is the official declaration. But we understand
privately among ourselves, that it is simply an officiality, for the bird flies where it pleases in
North America, to say nothing of the West Indies, Brazil, England, and continental Europe.
Breeds in high latitudes. Among shore birds, this is a great favorite with gunners.
M g. scolopa'ceus. (Lat. scolopaceus, snipe-like. Fig. 563.) Western Red-breasted
Snipe. Red-bellied Snipe. Western Dowitcher. White-tailed Dowitcher.
SCOLOPA CID^E : SANDPIPERS.
809
Greater Gray-back. Greater Long-beak ; and all the other names of the foregoing.
Like the last; more highly colored; averaging larger; bill especially longer (see above).
Weight 2 oz. 7 dr. to 4 oz. 4 dr. Entire under parts rich riisty-red, including belly ; throat
and breast less speckled, sides and Hanks thickly barred, with dusky. Winter and immature
specimens indistinguishable from the last, excepting those surpassing maximum size of the
latter. N. Am. at large, supposed to be rare or casual on the Atlantic side, and declared to be
the only representative of the genus in the West — which would be important if it were a fact.
Like the last, it is abundant ; migratory ; breeds in higli latitudes, Alaska, British Columbia.
Fio. 563. — Western Red-breasted Suipe. (From Seebolini's Cliaradriidae.)
Females of both are larger than males. Both generally iiy in large compact flocks, like Sand-
pipers and shore-birds generally, rather than singly or in wisps like true Snipe ; and prefer
sliores of bays and estuaries, instead of wet meadows. Lggs of this bird and the other are not
peculiar among their allies; 3-4 in number; l.r).'>-1.75 X 1.10-1.15; ground-coK>r as in Gal-
linago, general tone and style of markings the same. The A. 0. U. makes this a full species.
M. scolopaceus, A. 0. U. Lists, No. '2-i2.
(§ 3. Sandjyipers.)
3IICROPA'LAMA. (Gr. fiiKpos, mikros, small; irdkafxr], ])alame, a web.) Stilt Sand-
pipers. Bill much as in the last genus, but shorter, less evidently widened at end and not so
distinctly furrowed on top, sometimes perceptibly curved. Wings long, pointed, 1st primary
longest, rest rajtidly graduated. Tail about half as long as wing, slightly doubly-emartrinate.
Legs very long; tibiae bare an inch; tarsus as long as bill. Feet semipalmate; front toos
connected by 2 evident basal webs. Plumage resembling that of Macrorhumphtts in general
character; its changes the same; sexes alike. These two genera are perfect links between
Siiip(( and Sandpipers. One species.
M. hiinaii'topus. (Gr. iyiavTonovs, liimantojwnn, strap-le^Tged. Figs. 'y(\\, 5«5.").) Stilt
Sanupii'ER. Adult <?9, in summer: Above, blackish, eacii feather edged and tippeil with
wliite and tawny or bay, which on scapulars becomes scalloped. Auriculars chestnut ; a dusky
line from bill to eye, and a light reddish superciliary one ; upper tail-coverts white with dusky
bars. Primaries dusky with blackish tips ; fail-feathers 12, ashy-gray, their edges and a cen-
tral field white; under ])arts mixed reddish, black, and whiti.sh, in streaks on jticnlum, else-
where in bars; bill and feet greenish-black. Lm-rth H..")(M.».(M» ; extent Ui.(K)-17.(K»; wing
810
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLM.
5.00-5.25; tail 2.25; bill 1.50-1.70; tarsus tlie same; middle toe and claw 1.00; tibia bare
1.00. Young, and adults in winter : Ashy gray above, with or without traces of black and bay,
the feathers usually with white edging ; line over eye and under parts white, jugulum and sides
suffused witli color of
^-j, back, and streaked
with dusky; legs usu-
ally pale greenish-
yellow. Very young-
birds, before acquiring
their first winter garb,
are dusky above, most
. of the feathers there
edged with pale buff
or whitish, the upper
tail-coverts almost en-
tirely white. The full
breeding dress is of
brief duration ; birds
FiQ. .564. — stilt Sandpiper. (From Seebohm's Charadriidse.) „„„ nsuallv 'ishv and
white from September to April, both inclusive. N. Am., generally; not observed W. of the
Rocky Mts. ; rare. Breeds in high latitudes ; migrates to West Indies and Central and South
America in winter. Nesting not peculiar; eggs 3-4, about 1.42 X 1.00, pale buff or grayish,
witli usual surface spots of rich dark brown and neutral tint shell-markings.
EKEUNE'TES. (Gr. fpevvqTr]^, ereunetes, a searcher, prober.) Semipalmated Sand-
pipers. Bill normally about as long as head, straight, quite stout for this family, both man-
dibles deeply grooved to the ex-
panded vascular and sensitive
tip. Wings long, pointed ; sec-
ondaries obliquely incised. Tail
moderate, doubly - emarginate,
with pointed and projecting cen-
tral feathers. Tarsus rather
longer than middle toe and claw,
about equal to the normal bill in
length. Bare portion of tibiae
f as long as tarsus. Toes ct)n-
nected by 2 broad basal webs,
and broadly margined. A true
Sandpiper, distinguished from
Actodromas by semipalmate
feet (fig. 48) ; from Micropa-
lama, which is similarly
webbed, by shortness of bill
Pro. 5G5. — Stilt Sandpiper, in breeding dress, reduced,
after Swainson.)
(From Nuttall,
and feet. Very small; sexes alike; summer and winter plumages different.
E. pusil'lus. (Lat. pusillus, puerile, petty. Fig. 566.) Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Peep. Bill, tarsus, and middle toe wiih its claw, about equal to each other, an inch or
less long, but bill very variable, —0.66-0.87, averaging 0.75 <?, 0.85 9; feet semipalmate,
with two evident webs; length 5..50-6.50; extent about 11.75; wing 3.25-3.75; tail
doubly emarginate, central feathers projecting. Adult (J 9 , i" summer: Above, varie-
gated with black, pale bay, and ashy or white, each feather with a black field, reddish
SCOLOPA CIDAL : SA NDPIPERS.
811
edge, and whitish tip; rump and upper tail-coverts, except lateral ones, blackish. Tail-
feathers ashy-gray, the central darker; primaries dusky, shaft of 1st white. A dusky line
from bill to eye, and a white superciliary line. Below, pure white, usually rufescent on breast,
and with more or less dusky
speckling on jugulum and
breast. In winter : -Upper
parts mostly plain ashy-
gray ; specks beneath faint
or obsolete. Young in July'
and August have scarcely
any traces of spots beneath,
being there almost entirely
white, with a light buff
wash across breast ; there
is also more white edging of
feathers of upper parts; but
in any plumage and under
any variation, the species is
Fio. 5G6. — Peep. (From Seebohm's Charadriidae.)
known by its small size and semipalmate feet. North America ; an abundant and well-known
little bird, thronging our beaches during migrations, which extend S. from the Gulf States to
the West Indies and South America. It is only known to breed in high latitudes, from Labra-
dor to Alaska, tliough it commonly appears in the U. S. in August, and may sometimes be
seen in other summer months. The size, general ajtjiearance, and changes of plumage are
much the same as those of Actodromas minutilla, and the habits of these two birds are very
similar. Eggs 3-4, 1.22 X 0.84, of usual shape; ground from clay-color (usual) to grayish
or greenish-drab or decidedly olivaceous, usually boldly spotted and splashed with umber
or chocolate brown, massed at larger end; sometimes more uniformly spotted in smaller
pattern.
E. p. occidenta'lis ? (Lat. occidentalis, western.) Western Semipalmated Sandpipeu.
Ascribed to western North America, but also said to be "frequent" or "plentiful" on the
Atlantic coast ! The extreme variation in length of bill in the genus Ereunetes is from O-.'iO
to 1.25. In oceifZentoZiis as alleged the bill ranges ^ 0.85-0.95, average 0.88, 9 1-00-1.15,
average 1.05; the average of the $ being tiius over the extreme of the same sex of pusillus
proper, and the minimum of the ^ occidentalis ('([ual-
ling the average of 9 imsillus. We also observe in
occidentalis a tendency to richer rusty or diestuut
and black coloration on the back, and heavier black
streaks on the breast, .sometimes forming arrow-
heads which reach along the sides of the belly. A'.
p. occidentdlia? " nn allei:ed variety, proiiaMy un-
'^AA tenable " of former eds. of the Key. A full species
in A. 0. U. Li.'-ts, E. occidentalis, No. 247.
EURYNORIIYN'CIirS. (Gr. fipiKo). eitruno, I
Fio. .'-.(iT. — Bpoon-billed Sandpiper. (From See- dihitc ; /jiryxor, /iri/^/c/jO.v, beak. Fig. 5<;7.) SpooN-
bolim'g CharadriidiE.) ,, i.-n i i i i
iiii>i,Et> Sandpiper. Hill about as long iis liead,
straight, spatulate at end, the "spoon" being about as wide as long, lozongo-shajKHl, with
distal angle well marked, lateral angles rounded off. proximal <ino of ctnirse running into post
of bill ; both mandibles .share tins extraordinary dilation to about eipial extent. The expan-
sion is remarkably vascular, doubtless changes somewhat in dryiny, and nuiy not bo tjuite alike
in different specimens. Excepting this prodigy of a bill, the characters are those of ordin.iry
812
SYSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLM.
Sandpipers, especially small species of Actodromas. Toes entirely free ; hind toe extremely
small ; middle toe and claw a little shorter than tarsus. One species. (See Harting, Ibis,
1869, pp. 426-484; figured also in Newton's Diet. 1894, p. 813.)
E. pygmae'us. (Lat. pygmceus, dwarf. Figs. 568, 569.) Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
Spathebill. Adult 9; ill breeding plumage: General appearance of a Stint (as Actodromas
minutilla, for example), and size little greater. Coloration of upper parts almost exactly as in
the species just named, the feathers being black,
with indented light chestnut-red edgings, and
mostly grayish-white tips; crown simply streaked
with reddish and black. Under parts white ;
wliole throat, breast, and sides of neck overlaid
with bright chestnut (as in a highly plumaged
Sauderling) ; breast behind this colored area, and
sides of body, spotted with dusky. Primaries
plain dusky, with blackish outer webs and ends, and mostly white shafts; secondaries mostly
white from the base; greater coverts white-tipped. Bill and feet black. Length about
6.00; wing 3.90; tail (almost gone), probably 1.75; tarsus 0.90 ; middle toe and claw 0.80; bill
0.90, the spoon 0.45 wide; this singular instrument probably acting as a sifter or strainer rather
than as a shovel, in dabbling in soft mire. (Described from No. 92,281, Mus. Smiths. Inst.,
Plover Bay, E. Siberia, June 26, 1881, E. W. Nelson, figured in colors in Nelson's Birds of
Fig. 568. — Spoon-billed Sandpiper
bohm's Charadriidae.)
(From See-
^,,;~i;-\V'
Fig. 5G9. — Spoon-bill Sandpiper. (From " Nortli American Shore Birds," by D. G, Elliot.)
Bering Sea, etc., ''Voyage of the Corwin," Washington, 4to, 1883, pi. opp. p. 87; see also
Nelson's Alaska, 1887, p. 112. Only one other specimen in this plumage was known to exist
in 1884, being that figured in Ibis, 1869, p. 426, pi. 12 ; see also Harting, P. Z. S. 1871, p. Ill,
for the original North American record of this specimen, in the Barrow collection, taken in
summer of 1849 by Captain Moore of the ship "Plover," on Choris Peninsula, Kotzebue
Sound, Alaska.) "Winter plumage: Forehead, cheeks, and entire under parts white; upper
parts (except forehead) dusky, the feathers margined with pale grayish. Young: Back and
scapulars dusky, the feathers bordered terminally with dull whitish, these borders becoming
SCOLOPACIDJ^: SANDPIPERS. 813
rusty on anterior portion of back and scapulars ; wing-coverts dusky centrally, with still darker
shaft-streaks, and margined witli brownish-gray, the greater tipped with white ; top of head
dull grayish, spotted with dusky, the feathers edged with rusty ; rest of head, neck (except
behind), and lower parts white, clouded with light grayish -brown, and suffused with dull
buffy anteriorly" (RiDGW. Man. 1887, p. 160). Some specimens are smaller than the
above; wing down to 3.35; culmen and tarsus each 0.80. Asiii, especially India, breeding
on the eastern Arctic coast of Siberia, and also on the Arctic coast of Alaska. At the time
I wrote the 2d edition of the Key (1884), as then stated, only some 25-30 specimens were
known, mostly from India, and there was scarcely another specimen in this country than the
adult 9 I described as above ; others have since been taken, but the bird is still a rare one
iu collections.
ACTODKO'MAS. (Gr. aKTX}, akte, tlie seashore; bpofxds, dromas, running.) Pectoral
Sandpipers. Spotty-throat Sandpipers. Bill about equal to head or tarsus, short,
straight, very slender, somewhat compressed, tip punctulate, scarcely expanded, acute. Grooves
on both mandibles very deep, and extending nearly to tip. Nostrils situated very near base of
bill. Feathers extending on lower mandible much beyond those on upper, and half as far as
those between rami. Wings long, pointed ; 1st primary usually longest; tertials long, slender,
Howing. Tail rather long, deeply doubly-emarginate (in one species cuneate), central featli-
ers much projecting; upper tail-coverts moderately long. Tibia bare for more than half length
of tarsus; the feathers very short, making the exposed portion nearly as great. Tarsus about
equal to middle toe and claw. Toes long, slender, very narrowly margined, entirely free at base.
A group of several species, including the smallest representatives of the family, agreeing iu
form and also in having the jugulum and fore-breast streaked or spotted, usually also with a
brownish or ashy suffusion. Reduced to a subgenus of Tringa in A. 0. U. Lists. There is
much to be said in favor of this; but practically it makes no difference, and it is most cou-
venient to make no change from former editions of the Key among the genera of Sandpipers.
Analysis of Species.
Tail graduated, with acuminate feathers.
Jugulum ruddy brown, with very small sharp dark streaks. Upper tail-coverts and rump with block central
field. (Alaska only in N. Am.) acuminata
Tail not graduated ; its featliers, except central pair, not acuminate.
Jugulum with brownish or ashy suffusion, thickly streaked. Upper tail-coverts and rump with black central
field.
Largest; length 9.00 ; wing .5.25. Crown much darker than hind neck, the transition abrupt. Chin im-
maculate. Edgings of feathers on upper parts Ught chestnut-red, not making indentations toward the
shaft. Suffusion on jugulum very deep, the darker streaks narrow, distinct. Bill and feet dusky-
green m<icii/<i/a
Medium; length 7.25; wing 4.80. Crown not conspicuously darker than hind neck. Edgings of feath«-r«
on upper parts liglit reddish-yellow, scarcely brighter on scapulars, making indcnt.ition« toward shaft.
Suffusion on jugulum very light, the d.irker markings rounded, somewhat obsolete. Bill and feet black.
bitiriti
Smallest ; a miniature of the preceding ; length 5.75 ; wing 3.40. Edges of feathers chestniit-red, usually
more or less indented, their tips lighter. Bill black ; legs dusky-green ; bill, tarsus, and middle to* with
claw, each, about 0.75 minulilla
Very small, like the last ; bill about 0.75 : tarsus 0.85-0.90, and middle toe with claw rather longer still
damajmisit
Jugulum with little or no brownish or ashy suffusion. Upper tail-coverts white.
Medium; length 7. .'"><• ; wing 4. SO Jugulum thickly streaked with narrow dark lines. Upper t..
immaculute, except outermost. Central tail-feathers nearly black
Large; length 9..VJ ; wing 5.7.5. Jugulum thinly markeil with oval sp<Jt« or stn^ks. Upper taiUoivrl*
with dark arrow-heads. Central tail-feathers scarcely dorker than lateral f cooprri
A. iiiiiiu (illii (Lat. minxtilla, very mimite ; <lim. of minutKS, .siikiU. V\l'. "wH.) AMERI-
CAN StinT. Wilson's Stint. Least Sandpiper. I'eep. Smullrst of Sandiupvrs; Icncth
5. '-)()-( ;.(I0; extent about ll.(H); wing 3.2r>-.3.r)<l ; tail 2.(KI or l--- : bill, i.o -us. and middle tou
814
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — L IMI C OLM.
with claw, about 0.75 ; bill exceptionally np to 0.90. Bill black ; legs dusky-greenish. Upper
parts in summer with feathei's blackish centrally, edged with bright bay and tipped with ashy
or white; in winter, in general simply ashy. Quills blackish, secondaries and greater coverts
tipped with white. Tail-feathers gray with whitish edges, central ones blackish, usually
with reddish edges. Eump
_---s:==^-^ ===-.=^^-_ blackish. Crown not con-
spicuously different from
hind neck ; an indistinct
whitish line over eye, and
dusky one from eye to bill.
Chestnut edgings of scapu-
lars usually scalloped. Be-
low, white; jugulum and
sides of body for some dis-
tance with ashy or brownish
suflFusiou, thickly spotted
and streaked with dusky.
Young with breast faintly
streaked as in winter adults.
This species and £'. pusillus
are usually confounded under
the common name of " sand-
FiG. 570. — Little Stint. (From Seebohm's Charadriidse.)
peeps," or "peeps," and look much alike; but a glance at the toes is sufficient to distinguish
them. North, Central, and S. Am. and West Indies; very abundant during migrations; acci-
dental in Europe. Breeds from Gulf of St. Lawrence and Assiniboia to high latitudes, returning
to U. S. in July and August; wintering S. from Gulf States and California. Eggs 3-4, 1.15
X 0.80, of usual shades of pale brownish or grayish buff, marked in variable pattern with
dark, rich, reddish-brown surface-spots and dots, and others of neutral tint in the shell.
A. damascen'sis. (Gr. Aa/Aao-K/ii/dy, Damaskenos, Lat. Damascenus, of Damascus, capital of
Syria, in Hebrew Dameseq, in Arabic Dameshq, whence it is evident that s should appear in
the name; compare damask, damaskeen, and other words of the same origin.) Damascene
Sandpiper. Long-toed Stint. Middendorff's Stint. Resembling the last somewhat
in coloration, and of about the same size. Shaft of only fii-st primary white ; lateral tail-feathers
gray ; feet brown. Middle toe and claw longer than tarsus or culmen ; tips of outstretched toes
reaching beyond end of tail ; points of folded wings not reaching to end of tail ; four outer pairs of
rectrices of equal lengths. Length 5.75; wing 3.50; bill 0.75; tarsus 0.85-0.90 ; middle toe and
claw 0.90-0.95. An Asiatic stint, which was taken on Otter Island in Behring's Sea, June 8,
1885. Totanus damacensis, Horsfield, Trans. Linn. Soc. xiii, 1821, p. 129; Tringa dama-
censis Swinhoe, Ibis, Oct. 1863, p. 413; P. Z. S. J 863, p. 316; Ridgw. Auk, April, 1886,
p. 275; Man. 1887, p. 158 ; Actodromas damacensis Stej. Expl. Kamtschatka, 1885, p. 116;
Tringa damascensis, Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 886; 4th ed. 1890, p. 905; Tringa (Acto-
dromas) damacensis, A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 89, No. [242.1.]; Tringa subminuta
Middendorff, Rcise, ii, 1853, p. 222, and of most authors.
A. bair'di. (To S. F. Baird.) Baird's Sandpiper. Form and proportions typical of the
genus. Bill small, slender, rather shorter than the head, equal to the tarsus, the tip scarcely
expanded, its point very acute. Grooves in both mandibles very long and deep, that of the
lower very narrow. Feathers extending on side of lower mandible much farther than those
on upper, about half as far as those between rami. Wings long ; 1st and 2d primaries about
equal, but varying, 3d much shorter; inner secondaries long, slender, flowing. Tail rather
long, but slightly doubly-emarginate, central feathers rounded, projecting but little. Toes
SCOLOPACID.E : SAXDPTPERS. 815
long, slender, slightly margined, middle with its claw about equal to tarsus. Adult ^ 9 , in
breeding plumage : Entire upper parts very dark brownish-black, deeper on rump and lighter
on neck behind, feathers bordered and tipped with light reddish-yellow ; on scapulars the tips
broader and nearly jnire white, and the margins brigliter, making several deep indentations
toward shaft. Upper cail-cuverts long, extending to within 0.50 of tips of central tail-feathers,
fuscous (sometimes buff-tipped), except outer series, which are white with dusky nuirkings.
Central tail-feathers brownish-black, rest successively lighter, and all with a narrow border
of white. Jugulum with a very decided light brownish suffusion, with rounded obsolete spots
and streaks of dusky. Throat and under parts generally white, immaculate. Bill, legs, and
feet black. Young in August : Dimensions and proportions as in adult. Upper parts a nearly
uniform light ashy-brown, deeper on rump, each feather with a central dark field and with a
light edge, these whitish edgings usually conspicuous. Traces of the brownish -black of the
adult on scapulars. Breast and jugulum with the suffusi(m very light reddish-brown, the
streaks sparse and very indistinct. Length 7.00-7.50; extent 15.25-16.50 ; wing 4.50-4.80;
tail 2.25; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, about 0.87. Colors much as in minutilla;
edgings of upper plumage rather tawny than chestnut; jugular suffusion pale, rather fulvous,
the streaks small and sparse, sometimes almost obsolete. Size of fuscicollis, but not easy to
confound with that white-rumped species. N. and S. Am. ; a few records for the Pacific coast,
rare on the Atlantic coast, common in the interior; the most abundant small Sandpiper in
some parts of the West, during migrations ; S. iu winter to Peru and Chili. Breeds in Arctic
and subarctic regions, Alaska, Barren Grounds, etc. Eggs 3-4, 1.30 X 0.92, clay-colored,
grayer or more buffy in different specimens, spotted with rich umber and chocolate-browns of
varying shades ; in some cases the markings fine and innumerable, in others massed at the
greater end, sometimes with black tracery also ; pale sliell-spots usually evident. June, July.
A. macula' ta. (Lat. maciilata, spotted.) Pectoral Sandpiper. Grass-snipe. Jack-
snipe. Grass-bird. Meadow Snipe. Cow-snipe. Brown-back. Broavnie. Dowitch.
Triddler. Hay-bird. Fat-bird. Short-neck. Squat-snipe. Squatter. "Creaker"
or Krieker (i. e. German Kriecher, one who squats, crouches, or cringes.) Bill a little longer
tlian head, moderately stout, straight or very lightly decurved, the tip more expanded and
punctulate than in type of the genus. Grooves in both mandibles long and deep. Wings
long, pointed, 1st primary decidedly longest; inner secondaries very long, narrow, an<l fiuw-
ing. Tarsus equal to middle toe, both about equal to bill. Tail ratlier long, deeply doubly-
eraarginate, central feathers pointed and greatly projecting. Adult <J 9 in spring : An
ill-defined white line over eye, and a more distinct one of dusky between eye and bill. Cn»wu
streaked with brownish-black and light chestnut, conspicuously different from neck behind,
which is streaked with dusky and liglit ochreous. Upper parts generally brownisli-black,
every fcatlier edged witli asliy or dark chestnut-red, brightest on scapulars, tijis usually lighter,
and margius never making deep indentations toward shaft. Rump and upper tail-coverts
bhicU, buff-tipped ; outer series of the latter white, with sagittate spots of dusky. Primaries
deep dusky, almost black, tlie shaft of the first white, of the others brown. Secondaries and
greater coverts dusky, edged and tipped witli white. Lesser coverts dusky, fading into light
grayish-ash (m edges. Central tail-feathers brownish-black, lighter on edges, the lateral liglit
ashy, margined with white. Jugulum and breast witli a heavy wash of ashy-brown, and with
numerous well-defined streaks of dusky ; tlie suffusion extending on sides under wings to
some distance, wliere the dusky streaks are mostly shaft-lines. Chin, upper throat, and under
parts generally, white, immaculate. Bill and feet dusky-greenish. Young in Septcmlier :
Edges of feathers of upper parts generally, and of inner secondaries and central tail-feathers,
light bright chestnut, and the tips pure white. Lesser wing-coverts broadly edgetl and tipped
with liglit ferruginous. Suffusion on breast and jugulum with a yellowish ochreous tinge not
seen in ;idiilt, and streaks less distinct. Other parts as in adult. Not known to have a plain
816 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOL/E.
ashy and white winter plumage like Tnost Sandpipers. Length 9.00-9.50 inches; extent
16.50-18.00; wing (average) 5.25; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw about 1.10; $ notably
larger than 9 ; $ wing nearly or about 5.50 ; bill and tarsus 1.10 ; 9 wing scarcely 5.00 ; bill
and tarsus about 1.05. Three Americas, West Indies, Greenland, Hawaii, and Europe; thus
of wide and general dispersion ; in U. S. during migrations, when abundant in wet grassy mead-
ows and muddy flats. More common east than west. It goes very far N., quite to the Arctic
Ocean, and breeds only in high latitudes ; eggs 3-4, only distinguishable from those of the two
preceding speeies by their superior size, about 1.45 X 1.00. In some respects of habit it is quite
snipe-like; it never flocks on beaches with the smaller Sandpipers, and it has at times a way-
ward towering flight, like that of a Snipe. During amours, this Sandpiper has the power of
inflating the throat to a wonderful extent, forming a swelling which hangs like a great goitre
upon the breast (see E. Adams, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 130; Nelson, Auk, 1884, p. 218, and his
Alaska, 1887, pi. 8). This action recalls that of Pouter-pigeons, and the appearance is that
of the (J Ruff under similar excitement. At such times it utters a resonant musical note.
"Pectoral Sandpiper" is a book-name, seldom spoken, the bird being better known as the
"Grass-snipe," and "Jack-snipe" ; but both these names are objectionable, as it is not a Snipe ;
and "Jack-snipe" moreover, is the proper name of an English species of GaUinago (G. gal-
linula) not found in this country, where G. delicata commonly takes the same designation.
A. fuscicol'lis. (Lat. fuscus, fuscous, dusky; colliim, the neck.) White-rumped Sand-
piper. Bonaparte's Sandpiper. Bill quite stout, moderately long, equal to head or
tarsus, tips somewhat expanded. Grooves on both mandibles long and deep. Feathers ex-
tending on lower mandible but little beyond those on upper. Wings long, pointed, 1st pri-
mary decidedly longest ; inner secondaries long, narrow, and flowing. Tail moderate, quite
deeply doubly emarginate, central feathers somewhat pointed and considerably projecting.
Tarsus rather longer than middle toe. Toes long, slender, and slightly margined. Crown
and upper parts generally light brownish-ash, each feather with a large fleld of dusky toward
its end, and on crown and middle of back edged with light yellowish-red, deepening into bright
sienna on scapulars. Superciliary stripe white. Lesser wing-coverts dark brownish-ash, fad-
ing into light ashy on edges, and with shaft-lines of blackish. Secondaries and greater coverts
light grayish-ash, edged and tipped with white. Inner secondaries very dark brownish-ash,
fading into light ashy on edges. Primaries deep dusky, their shafts white in central portions,
and innermost edged with white. Rump brownish-black with ashy margins. Upper tail-
coverts white, their outer series with sagittate spots of dusky. Central tail-feathers brownish-
black, the rest very light grayish-ash, broadly edged and tipped with white. Jugulum and
breast M'ith a scarcely appreciable wash of light ashy, with numerous, distinct, linear-oblong
streaks of dusky brown; these extend as minute dots nearly or quite to the bill, and as narrow
shaft-lines along sides to vent. Rest of under parts white, immaculate. Lower mandible flesh-
colored for half its length ; rest of bill, with legs and feet, black. Length 7.50 ; extent 15.00 ;
wing 4.90; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, rather less than 1.00. Young in August:
Upper parts nearly uniform dark ash, the black of the adults showing at intervals, but princi-
pally on scapulars, where also reddish margins of the feathers appear. Jugulum and sides
under the wings with an ashy sufl'usion, more conspicuous than in the adult, but much more
restricted, and the streaks more obsolete and indistinct. Central pair of upper tail-coverts
usually dusky. Other parts as in the adult. North and South America ; Greenland ; Europe.
Breeds from Labrador northward; Barren Grounds; migratory through the U. S. east of the
Rocky Mts. ; a common beach bird. Eggs 1.35 X 0.95, not distinguishable from those of ^.
bairdi. (A. ftonrf^o/f/i of former eds. of the Key; antedated by T. fusdcollis Vieill. 1819. )
A. coo'peri? (To Wm. Cooper.) Cooper's Sandpiper. Bill considerably longer than
head, exceeding tarsus, straiglit, rather stout, tip scarcely expanded. Feathers extending on
side of lower mandible scarcely farther than those on upper. Wings long, pointed, first pri-
SCOLOPACID^: SANDPIPERS. 817
mary decidedly longest ; inner secondaries moderately long and rather slender. Tail moderate,
slightly hilt decidedly doubly emarginate, central feathers projecting. Tarsus rather longer
than middle toe; tibia bare for half the length of tarsus; toes all long, slender, and slightly
margined. Adult in spring: Upper parts a nearly uniform light grayish-ash, each feather
with a central brownish-black field, deepening into pure black on scapulars, where also the
edgings of some feathers have a reddish tinge. Long inner secondaries sooty-brown, fading
into light ashy on the edges. Secondaries and greater coverts dark grayish-ash, edged and
broadly tipped with white. Primaries deep dusky, almost black on outer vanes and at tips,
the innermost edged with white ; shafts of all brown at base and black at tip, the central por-
tion white. Upper tail-coverts white, with sagittate spots of dusky. Tail-feathers ashy-brown,
the central pair darkest. Under parts white; jugulum, breast, and sides of neck with a slight
reddish tinge, and, together with sides, with numerous streaks and oval spots of dusky, which
become large and V-shaped on flanks. Length 9.50; wing 5.7.5; tail 2.75; bill L25; tarsus
1.12. Long Island, May 24, 1883; only one specimen known, still extant in U. S. Xat. Mus.
It is still uncertain whether this be a good species or an unusual state of T. canutus or A. ma-
cula ta ; A. 0. U. removes it to the Hypothetical List, No. II.
A. acumiiia'ta. (Lat. acwmmata, acuminate.) Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. A large species,
of the size and with somewhat the general aspect of the Pectoral Sandpiper. Tail graduated,
almost cuueate, all the feathers more or less acuminate, the projecting middle pair particularly
so. Bill about as hmg as head ; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw; toes perfectly free. Crown
bright chestnut, streaked with black, bounded by decided whitish superciliary lines; diflferent
from hind neck. Upper parts with pattern of coloration of those of maculata, the feathers being
black, with bright chestnut edges, and many of them also with whitish tips, the edgings not
making scallops, and particularly straiglit and firm on the long inner secondaries. Central
field of rump and upper tail-coverts black, scarcely or not varied with reddish tips of the feath-
ers, the sides of this ai'ea white with dusky touches. Tail-feathers dusky, the middle ones
darker or black, all firmly rimmed about with chestnut, butf, or whitish edging. Primaries
blackish, their shafts mostly white; secondaries dusky, successively acquiring white tips and
edges; greater coverts dusky, white-tipped. Entire under parts white, more or less suffused
on jugulum, breast, and sides with a light ruddy brovA'n (much as in Podasocys nwntanus),
the jugulum alone with a set of small sharp dusky touches, being an extension across throat
of better pronounced streaks of sides of head, neck, and brea.st, leaving chin definitely pure
white. The effect is quite different from that produced by the heavy streaking of maadata.
Bill changing from greenish-yellow basally to blackish toward tip; feet greenish-yellow.
Length 8.00-9.00 ; winsr 5.2.5-5.. 50; tail 2.25-2.50; bill 1.00; tarsus 1. 10-1.20; middle tue and
claw the same. (Described from several late summer and early fall specimens, taken in Alaska.
An Australian specimen before me is smaller (wing under 5.00, etc.), and, excepting crown,
lacks any reddish of upper parts, all the edgings being simply gray ; ruddy sufi'usiou of breast is
scarcely seen.) An interesting species, widely diff'used in the Old World, found in summer in
Alaska, where it is common in some localities, as Saint Michael's, and where it doubtless breeds;
extent of migration in America, if any, unknown. Figured in Nelson's Alaska, 1887, pi. 7.
ARQUATKL'LA. (Lat. anjitatrUa, dim. of arquata, for arcuata, bowed.) FEATilER-I.Ea
Sandi'ipku.s. Kock Sandpipers. Bill, tarsus, and middle toe obviously not of ot\ni\\
lenirths. Tarsus shorter than bill or middle toe and claw ; tibial feathers reaching suffnigo.
Toes very louir. broadly margined, and flattened underneath. Hind toe very short; claws
short and blunt. Tail moderate, wedge-shaped. Bill variable, always longer than head,
straight or slightly decurved, very slender, much compressed, tip scarcely expanded, irroove
on lower mandible shallow or olisolete. A generic group established by Baird, 18.58. upon
the well-known "Purple" Sandpiper, to which two other species have been added: reduced
to a subgenus of Tiinria by the .\. 0. U. The f<dlowini: analysis is taken from Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, V, 1880, p. 1(52.
818
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLjE.
Analysis of Species.
Breeding dress: Crown streaked with yellowish gray, or grayish-white; scapulars and interscapulars irregularly
spotted and indented with dull buff, or whitish, and tipped with white ; fore-ueck distinctly streaked with dusky ;
breast dull gray, everywhere spotted with darker. Winter dress : Back and scapulars sootj'-black strongly
glossed with purplish ; the feathers bordered terminally with dark plumbeous-gray ; fore-neck uniform mouse-
gray, or brownisli-plumbeous. WingS.OG; culmenl.20; tarsus 0.99 ; middle toe without claw 0.90 . inariiima
Breeding dress : Crown streaked with deep rusty ; scapulars and interscapulars broadly bordered with bright fen u-
ginouB ; fore-neck irregularly clouded with dull pale buff or soiled white and sooty-plumbeous, the breast more
coarsely clouded, witli more or less of a black patch on each side. Winter dress: Like that of •snaritima, but
the plumbeous borders of dorsal feathers broader and lighter, or more bluish. Jugulum streaked or otherwise
varied with white. Wing4.SG; culmenl.13; tarsus 0.95; middle toe without claw 0.8G coiiesi
Breeding dress: Crown broadly streaked with ochraceous-buff ; scapulars and interscapulars broadly bordered with
bright ochraceous-rufous ; fore-neck pure white, sparsely streaked with brownish-gray ; breast white, streaked
anteriorly and clouded posteriorly with dusky, latter forming more or less of a patch on each side. Winter dress :
Similar to the corresponding stages of each of the foregoing, but very much paler, the whole dorsal aspect being
light cinereous, the scapulars and interscapulars with small, nearly concealed, central spots, the wing-coverts
very broadly edged with pure white; fore-neck with white largely predominating. Wing 5.10: cuhnenl.33;
tarsus 0.98; middle toe without claw 0.90 ptilocnemis
A, niari'tima. (Lat. mnritima, maritime. Fig. 571.) Purple Sandpiper. Eock
Sandpiper. Rock-snipe. Eock-bird. Winter Rock-bird. Winter-snipe. Bill
little longer than head, much longer than tarsus, straight or nearly so ; tibial feathers long,
reaching suffrage, though the legs are really bare a little way above; tarsus shorter than
middle toe and claw. Length about 9.00; extent about 16.00; wing 5.00; tail 2.66, much
rounded; bill 1.20; tarsus 0.90-1.00; middle toe 1.00 or a little more. Breeding dress:
Upper parts black, conspicuously varied on head, neck, back, and scapulars, with chestnut or
cinnamon and pale buff or whitish, the
darker reddish colors edging or indenting
the sides of the feathers, the paler colors
chiefly tipping their ends ; rusty-red also
suffusing sides of head, separated from
the black and reddish crown by a pale or
whitish superciliary stripe. A lighter
tawny shade invades jugulum and breast;
otiierwise, under parts white, streaked on
jugulum and breast with blackish, else-
where nebulated with dusky- gray, but no
definite blackish area formed. Rump and
upper tail-coverts brownish-black, un-
marked. Wings plain fuscous ; lesser
coverts narrowly, greater broadly, tipped
with white, secondaries mostly VA-hite in
increasing amounts from without inward, and shaft of 1st primary white. Inner tail-feathers
plain dusky, outer ashy-gray. Adult in winter : Entire upper parts a lustrous, very dark,
bluish- or blackish-ash, with purple and violet reflections, each feather with a lighter border.
Greater and lesser wing-coverts, inner secondaries and scapulars edged and tipped with white ;
secondaries mostly white ; primaries deep dusky, the shafts dull white except at tip, where
black. Upper tail-coverts and central tail-feathers brownish-black witli purplisli reflections,
the outer pairs of the former white, barred with dusky. Lateral tail-feathers light ashy. Jugu-
lum and breast bluish-ash, each feather of the latter edged with white, and the ash extending
along sides beneath wings. Eest of under parts white, immaculate. Legs, feet, and bill at
base light flesh-color ; rest of bill greenish-black. Most immature birds of first fall and winter
resemble this, but are duller, without gloss. Young : Upper parts much the color of adult,
but each feather broadly edged and tipped with light buff or reddish yellow. Light edging of
■Purple Sandpiper. (Prom Seebolnu'.i Cliai'adriidse.)
SCOLOPACIDJE: SANDPIPERS. 819
wing-coverts ashy instead of pure white. Under parts everywhere thickly mottled with ashy
and dusky, deepest on breast and juguluni. Chicks in down are very pretty: grayisli-brown
mottled with black; back, wings, and rump spangled with white points; head grayish-white
tinged with fulvous, variously marked with black ; lores with two parallel black stripes ; below,
grayish-white. A species of circunipohir distribution, breeding and often wintering in high
latitudes; in eastern North America S. in winter to the Middle States, casually to Florida;
chiefly maritime, but also occurring on the Great Lakes and other inland waters ; it prefers
rocky shores covered with seaweed. Eggs 3 or 4, of usual pyriform shape, about 1.45 X 1-00,
<5lay color with olive shade, with large bold markings of rich umber-brown of varying sliade,
with neutral tint sliell-markiugs; markings over all the surface, but largest and most massed
at greater end.
A. coues'i. (To E. Coues.) Aleutian Sandpiper. Coues' Sandpiper. Very near the
last. Following is the original description, in substance. Breeding dress, ^ 9 : Above fuli-
ginous-slate ; feathers of crown, back, and scapulars broadly edged with rusty-ochraceous, or
bright cinnamon, the central field of each feather nearly black, much darker than wings or
rump, some of the scapulars and interscapulars tipped with white in some specimens. Lesser
•coverts narrowly, greater coverts broadly, bordered terminally with white ; greater coverts
broadly tipped with white, forming a conspicuous cross-bar; several inner secondaries cliiefly
white; otliers, also inner primaries, narrowly skirted and tipped with white. Rump, upper
tail-coverts, and middle tail-feathers, uniform fuliginous dusky, other rectrices paler, or dull
cinereous. A conspicuous long wliitish superciliary stripe, reaching to uape, confluent with
whitish of under side of head, thus posteriorly bounding a large sooty-brown auricular area ;
.anterior portion of lores, and forehead, dull smoky-grayish; neck, jugulum, and breast dirty
whitish, sometimes soiled with dingy buff, and clouded or spotted with du'l slate, sooty-jdum-
beous, or dusky-blackisli, this sometimes forming a large patch on each side of breast. Other
under parts pure wliite, sides with a chain of slaty spots and streaks, crissum streaked with
dusky ; lining of wing pure white. IJill mostly blackish, lighter on basal third ; feet dark
greenish, drying blackish ; iris brown. Winter plumage : Above, soft smoky-plumbeous,
scapulars and interscapulars glossy purplish-dusky centrally, the plumbeous borders of the
feathers causing a squamous appearance; he<id and neck uniform plumbeous, excepting throat
and a supra-loral patch, which are streaked whitish ; jugulum squamated witli wiiite, breast
similarly, but more broadly marked. Wing, tail, and rump, as in summer. Young, first
plumage : Scapulars and interscapulars black, broadly bordered with bright rusty and bufly-
white, the latter chiefly on longer outer scapulars and lower back ; wing-coverts broadly bor-
dered with huffy-white; pileum streaked black and ochrey; juguium and breast pale buff, or
buffy-white, streaked with dusky. Downy young: Above, briglit rusty-fulvous, irregularly
mottled with black ; back, wings, and rump flecked with yellowish-wliife papilht ; Jiead above
deep fulvous-brown, striped with velvety black from forehead to occiput, where contlueut with
a cross-bar of the same ; lores with two parallel stripes of same. Lower parts white, distiuctly
fulvous on sides. Length 8.00-9.00; extent 15. 00-10.00; wing 4.50-5.15, average 4.8(3; tail
2.10-2.35; cuhnen 0.98-1.25; average 1.13; tarsus 0.88-1.00, average 0.95; middle too with-
out claw 0.78-0.90, average 0.8(5. Eggs 1.45 X I0(), indistinguishable from those of A. mari-
■tima, laid in May and June. Commander Islands, Aleutian Islands, and coast of Alaska, all
the year round; extent of migratiiais unknown, if any. Hest biography in Nelson's Alaska,
1887, p. 103, with cidored jd. (5.
A. ptilocne'mis. (Gr. nriKnv, ptilon, a feather: KiTjfjiii, knrmis, a prcavo; the crus being
feathered.) PuvmL'>F Saxupiper. Elmott'.s Sa.nkpipeu. Rla('K-hrea.stei> Sasd-
PIPEH. Adult (J 9 in breedini,' ilre.ss : With somewhat the .ippearanct- of a sunnner 7V/i»/h<i
al])iiiit, l)ut the black area jjectoral, not abdominal. Crown, interscapulars, and soapnlars
black, completely variegated with rich chestnut, ochrey, and wliitisli. the Ixnly i.f each feather
820 SYSTEMA TIC SYjYOFSIS. — LIMICOL^.
being black, with one or another or all of the lighter markings; coronal separated from dorsal
variegation by a grayish-white, dusky-streaked cervical interval. Lower back, rump, and
upper tail-coverts blackish, little variegated with chestnut. Secondaries nearly all pure white,
a few of the outermost and innermost touched with grayish-brown near end. Primaries gray-
ish-brown with white shafts except at tip, fading to white on inner webs toward base ; several
inner ones also largely white on outer webs, and tipped with white. Central tail-feathers
brownish-black; next pair abruptly paler, grayish; rest white or whitish with pale gray tint.
Front and sides of head, superciliary line, tufts of flank-feathers, and entire under parts, white,
interrupted on breast with a large but not well defined nor perfectly continuous blackish area,
and marked on upper breast and sides with a few sharp blackish shaft-lines. A dusky auricu-
lar patch. Legs and bill dark. Length about 9.50-10.00; wing 4.80-5.30; tail 2.30-
2.50; bill 1.10-1.40! average 1.30; tarsus 0.90-1.00; middle toe and claw 1.05-L20.
Winter plumage as iu A. coiiesi. First plumage : Upper parts much as in adults, but rusty
markings in curved rather than angular lines, and much narrower; edges of wing-coverts
ochrey. Interior tail-feathers rusty-edged. Throat and breast more or less suffused with
rusty ; no black pectoral area, but jugulum, breast, and sides suffused with rusty. Chicks
in down (July) : Below, silvery-white ; above, rich reddish-brown, varied with white, with
curious little round dots, like mildew. Each such spot is as large as a pin-head, and, under
a lens, is seen to be tlie enlarged brushy end of a down-feather, whence several tiny bristles
sprout. Each such plume is white at base, then black, then white-tufted as said ; the dotted
areas thus correspond to the areas of black variegation, but there are, also, a black undotted
frontal line, loral stripes, and some other markings. These chicks are easily distinguished
from those of A. mariiima, but not from those of A. couesi. Prybilof or Fur Seal Islands
iu Bering Sea, where it breeds, N. to St. Matthew and St. Lawrence Islands; coast of Alaska
iu winter; common. Resembling both the foregoing, but perfectly distinct from either; larger
and lighter colored than A. couesi. Eggs 4, 1.50 X 1-07, otherwise like those of the fore-
going, laid in June ; young on wing early in August.
PELID'NA. (Gr. ireXiBvos, pelidnos, gray, livid.) Dunlin Sandpipers. Purees. Bill
stout, much longer than head or tarsus, slightly decurved, tip somewhat expanded and punctu-
late ; grooves in both mandibles deep and distinct. Wings moderate ; inner secondaries long
and flowing. Tail moderate, doubly-emarginate, central feathers projecting. Legs rather
long ; tarsus not shorter than middle toe and claw, if anything longer. Bare portion of tibia
more than half the tarsus. Toes rather long, cleft to base, narrowly margined. Contains a
few species or subspecies, in summer reddish above, with a great black abdominal area, in
winter chiefly ashy above and white below. (A. 0. U. reduces to a subgenus of Tringa.)
Analysis of Subspecies.
Smaller: length about 8.00 ; bill, average, 1.40; tarsus little if any longer than middle toe and claw; tarsus and
middle toe together 1.75 alpina
Larger : length about 8.50 ; bill, average, 1.70 ; disproportionately longer, stouter, more decurved ; tarsus decidedly
longer than middle toe and claw ; tarsus and middle toe together 2.00 o. pacifica
P. alpi'na. (Lat. alpina, alpine.) European Dunlin. Purre. Differing as above said
from the North American species. Straggler to Greenland, Hudson's Bay, Long Island, and
Washington, D. C. Auk, 1886, p. 140 ; 1893, p. 78 ; but the Florida and Texas records dubi-
ous (Auk, 1887, p. 186, p. 219).
P. a. pacifica. (Fig, 572.) American Dunlin. Black-bellied Sandpiper. Red-
backed Sandpiper. Black-heart. Red-back. Lead-back. Ox-bird. Brant-bird.
Brant Snipe. Crooked-billed Snipe. Fall Snipe. Winter Snipe. Simpleton.
Stib. liill longer than head or tarsus, compressed at base, rather depressed at end, usu-
ally appreciably decurved. Length 8.00-9.00; extent 15.00; wing 4.50-5.00; tail 2.00-
SCOL OP A CID.E : SA NDPIPERS.
821
2.33; bill 1.50-J.75; tibia bare about 0.50; tarsus 1.00 or rather more; middle toe and claw
1.00 or rather less. Adult in summer: Above chestnut-red, each feather with a central black
field, and most of them tipped with whitish ; tail-feathers and wing-coverts ashy-gray ; greater
coverts tipped with white; quills dusky with pale shafts; secondaries mostly white, and inner
primaries edged with the same ; outer webs of primaries blackish, some inner ones white-edged
toward base. Under parts white; belly with a broad, jet-black area; chest and jugulum
streaked with dusky. Bill and feet black. Adult in winter: Above, plain ashy-gray, with
dark sliaft-lines. Below, white, jiigulum and chest with dusky streaks aud an ashy suflPusion.
White edgings of inner primaries very con-
spicuous. Young generally similar. In first
plumage somewhat resembling summer
adults, with rufous, buS"y and black above and
coarsely black spotted below. The suimner
dress is long worn ; it is assumed more or less
perfectly in April, and many birds come into
the U. S. from the North still wearing it in
August and September. North America and
some of northeastern Asia, breeding only in F'o- 572. — Bill and foot of Pelidna alpina padfica,
1 ■ 1 1 ... ] • ^- ., 1 T- o 1 ^^^- size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
high latitudes, migrating through U-.S. and
wintering S. from California and the Gulf and S. Atlantic States, pi-eferably coastwise ; common,
in flocks, on beaches and elsewhere, and like otlier shore birds an object of sport to gunners,
who give it a great variety of names, some of them shared with other species. Eggs 4, 1.45 X
1.00, buff of a varying olive or brownish shade, fully spotted with rich chestnut-brown. This
is altogether a larger and handsomer bird, with a disproportionally longer and more curved bill
than the European, from which it was first separated as T. ulpina var. americana by Mr. Cassin
in 1858, and named Pelidna alpina americana by myself in 1861 ; it is so given in all former
editions of the Key. But the name americana is unluckily preoccupied by Brehm for another
species; wherefore the A. 0. U. adopts for this one the w&w.g pacifica, which I gave in 18G1 to
some of the largest and longest-billed specimens I had seen, which I thought might possihlv
be subspecitically diff"erent froui the rest. Tiiis has not proved to be the case, however, and
our common bird is now Triufja (Pelidna) alpina 2)acifica, A. 0. U. No. 243 a.
ANCYLOCHI'LUS. (Gr. ayKvXo;^eiXor, agkuloclieilos, having a curved bill.) CuRLEW
Saxdpipek.s. Bill much longer than head, slender, comprcs.sed, considerably decurved, tip
not expanded, rather hard. Grooves in Itoth mandibles very narrow but distinct. Wings lon^r,
pointed. Tail very short, nearly even. Legs long, slender; tarsus and tibia both lengthened,
the latter ex))osed for nearly or quite half the length of the former, which is nearly as long as
hill. Toes moderate, slender, slightly margined, the middle one about f the tarsus. One spe-
<-ies, noted for its resemblance to a miniature Curlew. (As a subgenus of Tringa, '' Ancy-
locheilus,^^ iu A. 0. U. Lists.)
A. ferrusiu'eus. (Lat. ferriifjineiis, rusty-red, of the color of ferrugo, iron-rust, as the l»ird
is in full dress on the under parts.) Ci'rlew Sandpipeu. FERKirc.iXEoir.s Saxdpipkk.
I'vG.MY Curlew. Adult : Crown of head and entire upper parts lustrous greenisii- black, each
feather tipped and deeply indented witli bright yellowisli-red. Wing-coverts ashy-brown, each
frathcr with a dusky shaft-line and reddish edging. Primaries deep dusky, their shafts brown
at bas(! and black at tip, the central portion nearly white. I'pper tail-coverts white, witli
broad bars of du.sky, and tinged at tlieir extremity witli reddish. Tail light gray witli greenish
reflections. Sides of neck and entire under ])arts uniform deep browuish-red. Under tail-
coverts barred witli dusky- Axiliais and under wing-coverts white. Bill an<l lous greenisli-
l>lack. Young in autumn: Crown of lirad and back hrownish-bl.ick, with a slii,'ht greenish
lustre, each feather edged with white or leddish-ytllow. Kump plain dusky ", ujiper tail-coverts
822 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LIMICOL.E.
whitf. Wiug-covcrts with broad grayish -white borders. Tail liglit ashy, edged and tipped
witli white, c-entrul feathers with a subtenniiial dusky border in addition. Under parts entirely
white, breast and sides of neck finely streaked with dusky, former with a light buflF tinge.
Length about 8.50; wing 4.90-5.20; bill 1.40-1.60, average 1.50; tarsus 1.20; toe 0.90; tibia
bare 0.70. Inhabits most of the Old World ; in America very rare, little more than a straggler
along tlie Atlantic coast (for particulars f>f a dozen or more instances of its occurrence, see New
England Bird Life, vol. ii, p. 224, and Auk, 1893, p. 293 and p. 296)'; also known to occur in
Alaska (Point Barrow, June 8, 1883). The eggs long remained unknown, and when these
special desiderata were discovered, they were found to be iudistinguisliable from those of some
related species, as might have been expected; they measure about 1.50 X 1-05. The bird is
known to breed on the Yenesei River in Siberia (Popham). A. subarquatus of former eds. of
the Key; T. subarquata of most authors, after Scolopax subarquata Guld., 1774, antedated
by T.ferruginea Bruxn. 1764; Trimja (Ancylocheiltts) ferruginea, A. 0. U. No. 244.
TRIX'GA. (Gr. rpvyyat, truggas; Lat. tryngas, tnjnga, or tringa, a sandpiper.) Robin
.Sandpipers. Knots. Bill about as long as, or rather longer than, head, straight, stout,
somewhat compressed, widening uniformly from the middle to the slightly expanded, rat'her
hard tip ; culmen depressed on terminal half to the expansion at tip, and obsoletely furrowed.
Both mandibles deeply grooved to tip. Nostrils very large and placed far forward in the upper
groove. Feathers extending on lower mandible mnch fiirther than on upper, and nearly as far
as those between rami. Wings long, pointed, 1st primary decidedly longest. Secondaries
moderately incised. Tertials short, broad, and comparatively stiff. Tail rather short, nearly
even, central feathers projecting little if any. Legs short and very stout; tarsus usually shorter
than bill ; longer than middle toe. Tibial feathers reaching nearly to joint ; tibise bare for
nearly f the tarsus. Toes very short and stout, free at base, widely margined ; outer lateral
longer than inner. Hind toe present, well developed. Claws short, stout, blunt, much curved,
dilated on inner edge. Size large, form stout. {Tringa Linn., 1758, formerly used for all the
sliort-billed Scolopacidce, now restricted to a few species like the Knot, w4iich is taken as the
type by elimination.)
T. canu'tus. (Named for King Canute by Linnaeus, who accepted the dubious tradition that
connected this bird witli a story of the Danish king Knut, Cnut, Canut, etc. Newton (Diet.
1893, p. 498) traces the connection to Camden's Britannia, 2d ed. 1607, p. 408: ^' Knotts, i.
Canuti ernes, vt opiuor e Dania enim aduolare creduutur." The name appears in the poems of
Micliael Drayton, b. 1563, d. 1631, sub. 1596-1630, and Knotts are named in MSS. of the 16th
century. Sir T. Browne has Gnatts or Knots, ca. 1672. Edwards has Knot, 1760. Other forms
are Gnat, Knat, Knet, etc Fig. 573.) Knot. Red-breasted Sandpiper. Red Sand-
piper. Asii-coLORED Sandpiper. Freckled Sandpiper. Grisled Sandpiper.
Gray-back. Silver-back. Robin-snipe. White Robin-snipe. Robin-breast.
Beach-robin. Robin. Red-breast. Buff-breast. White-bellied Snipe. Horse-
foot Snipe. May-bird. Largest of North American TringecE. Adult (J 9 , in summer :
Ui»per parts brownish-black, each feather broadly tipped and edged with ashy-white, tinged
with reddish-yellow on scapulars. Rump ashy, barred with dusky; upper tail-coverts white,
witli transverse sagittate or crescentic bars of brownish-black. Tail grayish-ash, edged with
asiiy-white. Outer webs and tips of primaries deep dusky, inner much lighter. Second-
aries and coverts grayish-ash, broadly edged and tipped with ashy-white. Line over eye and
most under parts uniform brownisli-red, fading into white on flanks and under tail-coverts,
which latter are marked with sagittate spots of dusky. Bill and feet greenish-black. Adult
(J 9 , in winter : Above, plain ashy-gray, only varied by indistinct dusky shaft-lines on most
parts, but rump and upper tail-coverts white with dusky bars; below, white, with some dusky
markings on the breast and sides; thus rpiite different from the "Robin" plumage of summer,
but easily recognized by the generic characters. Young in autunm : Upper parts a uniform
SCOL OP A CIDJE : SANDPIPERS.
823
dark ash, or cinereous, each feather tipped with ashy or pure white, and having a subterminal
edging of dusky-black, producing a conspicuous set of bhiek and white semicircles, very char-
acteristic of the species in this plumage. Indistinct line over eye, and whole under parts white,
more or less tinged with light reddish ; throat, breast, and sides with rather sparse, irregularly
disposed lines and sp(4s of dusky, which become transverse waved bars on the latter. Length
I0..50; extent 20.50;
wing 0.50; tail 2.70;
bill al)out 1 .40 ; tarsus
1.20; middle toe 1.00;
tibia bare 0.60. A
large handsome spe-
cies, inhabiting most
of the world in the
course of its extensive
migrations ; in Amer-
ica, chiefly along the
Atlantic coast, but also
in the interior, about
large lakes and rivers;
winters fnmi Florida
to Soutli America.
Breeds only in high
latitudes, and tlius far
only known to do so
on our Arctic coast, where it was first found by Parry's E.xpedition on the Xurth Georgian or
Parry Islands in abundance, in summer; soon afterward by Captain Lyons on Melville Penin-
sula (Auk, July, 1885, p. 312, Newton, Diet. p. 499); by Col. H. W. Feilden in 1876 on the
northern coast of Grinuell Land and the shores of Smith Sound (Ibis, 1877, p. 407 ; Xares' Narr.
Fig. 573. — Red-breasted Sandpiper. (From Seebohm'8 Charadriida-.)
Flo. .'■i74. — SandprlitiR. (Prom Spohnbiii's rimrndriida'. )
ii, lf<78, p. 211 : nestlings <.u July :«), u..\v in I?riti.-<h Museum); and by Geu. A. W. Groely
on tlie nortiieru shore of Lady Franklin Ray, hit. 81° 44'; also. Point Harrow, Alaska (Mur-
<i<'idi), and said tu breeil S. to hit. .').5'' on Hudson's ]V.\y (Nelson). No autlientic ecus known
824
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLM.
KUDDY
to exist to date. Greely's egg, cut from oviduct, later lost, was 1.10 X 1-00, sea-green, closely
dotted with i)in-heads of brown ; probably immature.
CALI'DKIS. (Gr. Ka\lhpi^, kalidris, Lat. calidris, name of some beach bird, perbaps this
one Fi<r 574 ) Sani.erlings. Bill stout, straight, about as long as head or tarsus; tip
thickened"^ expanded, and rather hard, culmen just behind it somewhat concave. Nostrils far
forward. Wings long, pointed ; tail short, doubly emarginate, central feathers projecting.
Tibiae bare for § the length of tarsus ; toes very short, widely margined. No hind toe. (Gen-
eral characters of Tringa proper, but 3-toed. See fig. 39.) One species.
C. arena'ria. (Lat. arenaria, relating to arena, sand. Fig. 575.) Sanderling.
" Plovkr." Adult cJ 9 , in summer : Entire upper parts and neck all around variegated with
black, liirht ashy and brisht reddish ; on back and scapulars each feather having a central black
field, and bein- broadly margined and tipped with ashy or reddish. Under parts white, immac-
ulate. Outer webs and tipsV primaries deep brownish-black, inner light ashy. A white spot
at base of inner prima-
ries. Secondaries mostly
^ pure white; outer vanes
and part of inner on
the latter half, dusky.
Greater coverts dusky,
broadly tipped and nar-
rowly edged with pure
white. Rump, upper
tail-coverts, and central
tail-feathers dusky,
tipped and narrowly
edged with ashy-white ;
lateral tail-feathers very
light ash, nearly white.
Bill and feet black.
Length 7.50-8.00; ex-
tent 15.00-16.00; wing
4.90; tail 2.25; bill
about 1 .00 ; tarsus rather
less ; middle toe and claw 0.75. Adults in winter : No traces of reddish. Upper parts very light
ash or pale pearly-gray, each feather fading into white on the edge, with a narrow shaft-line of
dusky, and some of the wing-coverts usually darker than the rest ; scapulars dusky, edged with
whitish. Entire under parts pure white. In a usual immature dress (and that of the adults
during the spring change) there are traces of the reddish on upper parts generally, and ou
breast. Each feather above brownish-black, regularly indented and tipped with ashy-white,
thus giving to the upper parts the appearance of being evenly mottled. There is a buff tinge
on breast, and also on tips of rump feathers; bend of wing is nearly as dark as in adult. At
all times the under parts from the jugulum are pure white. But in any plumage the Sander-
ling is instantly recognized by its having no hind toe. A typical beach bird. Inhabits the
sea coasts of nearly all countries at some seasons ; North America at large in migrations, and
southerly during winter, abundant coastwise, also in the interior (m large bodies of water ; win-
tering from California and Virginia to Chili and Patagonia. Breeds only in high latitudes ; nest
and eggs discovered by R. Macfarlaiie in June, 1863, near Franklin Bay ; one of these (figured
by Newton, P. Z. S. 1871, p. 56, pi. 4, fig. 2) measured 1.43 X 0.98; coloration pale olive-
brown, finely spotted with dark brown, the markings heavier and more intricate at the butt;
other specimens from our Arctic coast (Feildeu, Ibis, 1877, p. 406), from east coast of Green-
land, and it is believed from Iceland ; eggs usually 4.
-Sanderling, J uat. size. (From Brehm.)
SCOLOPACID.E: GOD WITS.
825
(M- Godwits.)
L,I310'SA. (Lat. limosa, muddy, miry; limus, mud, slime.) Godwits. Bill much longer
than head, longer than tarsus, curved a little upward. Culmen flattened toward end, but not
furrowed ; end of bill not notably enlarged or punctulated. Lateral groove of both mandibles
reaching nearly to end of bill ; symphyseal groove less extended. Gape of mouth moderate,
scarcely cleft beyond base of culmen, as in Snipes and Sandpipers, not as usual among Tattlers ;
no frontal antise. Wing long and pointed ; tail short and square. Tibia denuded below for a
moderate space. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, scutellate before and behind, reticu-
late on sides. Toes short and stout, much flattened underneath, and widely margined ; outer
and middle semipalmate, inner and middle with a slight web. Size large; general aspect
Curlew-like, but bill straight or slightly recurved, not decurved. In character of bill interme-
diate between hard-billed Tattlers on the one hand, and soft-billed Sandpipers and Snipes on
the other; especially near 3Iacrorhumphus, to which Limosa is nearly related in some other
respects, as seasonal changes of plumage of most species. Sexes similar in plumage ; 9 larger
than (J, who does duty as an incubator. Two North American species, and two others in
Alaska and Greenland, from Asia and Europe respectively.
Analysis of Species.
Bar-tailed Godwits.
Rump, tail, and its upper coverts barred throughout with blackish and rufous. Lining of wings chestnut. No
extensive barruig on under parts No great seasonal changes of plumage. Feathers not extending on side of
under mandible far beyond those on upper Jedon
Rump blackish, tail and its upper coverts barred with white and bUck. Lining of wings and axillars white, with
dusky marks '■ l>("ieri
Black-tailed Godwits.
Rump blackish, upper tail-coverts mostly white, tail black with white base and tip. Under parts in summer in-
tense ferruginous, barred throughout. Lining of wings mostly blackish. Feathers extending on side of lower
mandible to a point beyond those on upper hxmastica
Rump, tail, and its coverts substantially the same as in L. hcemaslica. Lining of wings and axillars mostly white.
White spaces on primaries and secondaries limosa
L. fed'oa. (Derivation and meaning of fedoa unknown, formerly conjectured to be a perversion
of Lat. fceda, ugly, ungainly, unseemly, and so given in 2d-4th editions of the Key, probably in
error. The word goes back to Turner, 1544, p. 38, " Anglorum goduuittam, sive/ef/o«/«," and
has been variously applied to Godwits and some other
birds before and since Linnjeus named this species
Scolopax fedoa in 1758. Newton (Diet., p. 248) re-
gards it as a Latinized form of some English name of _„^mi^^fn»fAiimmm j <?v
the European God wit, " now lost apparently beyond ^^^Hi^S^^S^i^ / ^^
recovery." Fig. 570.) Great Marbled Godavit. ^^Si^8^!8jgi%i}^.^
American Bar-tailed Godwit. Common Marlin.
Red Marlin. Brown Marlin. Spike-billed
Curlew. Spike-bill. Badger-bird. Feathers
not extending on side of lower mandible to a point far «^T-i*^,._
bi-yonil those on upper. Kuuip, tail, and its coverts "^_, ^^""^jfr^
liarrcd throughout witli blackish and the body-color. ^^^
I.,ining of wings chestnut; axillars the same, more or —
less barred with lilack. General color rufous or light
dull cinnamon-red, nearly uniform on under parts, richer F'°- r.Tn. - Godwit. greatly reduced. (From
, "i ,. , -11 Tenney, after Audubon.)
.■111(1 more chestnut on liiunir of wmgs and axillars;
usually marked with dusky on juiruhnii. bnast, and sides; chin white; on all upper parts
variegated with the lirowiiish-black central field of each feather; Idarkisli predominating.
826 S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOL.E.
leaving rufous chiefly as scallops and tips of the feathers. This rufous very variable in
intensity ; usually paler on upper than on under parts, and strongest under wings ; in young
birds nearly or quite plain, in old ones more or less barred vi'ith dusky on the breast and sides.
Primarifs rufous, successively darkening from last to first, outer vrebs and ends of the few outer
ones blackish, shaft of 1st white. Bill livid flesh-colored, blackish on about terminal third;
legs ashy-blackish. Largest of the genus: length 16.00-22.00 inches; extent 30.00-40.00;
wing somewhere about 9.00; tail 3.00-4.00; bill 3.50-5..i0, generally about 4.00; tarsus 3.00,
more or less; middle toe and claw 1.50; few birds vary more in size. Sexes not distinguish-
able, but 9 averaging decidedly larger than the $ ; birds at and near the extremes here given
are ? , and conversely. There is no such seasonal difiierenee of plumage as is shown by all the
other Godwits. This is the largest of the "bay-birds" excepting the Long-billed Curlew;
conspicuous by its size and reddish color among waders that throng shores and muddy or sandy
bars of bays and estuaries during migrations. Temperate North America ; winters southerly to
Cuba and Central America ; breeds chiefly in the upper Mississippi and eastern Missouri regions,
in. Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, both Dakotas, and thence to the Saskatchewan plains, Manitoba,
and British Columbia ; does not appear to go far N. along the Atlantic coast. Nests anywhere
on prairie, not necessarily near water; eggs 3-4, about 2-28 X 1-60, light olive-drab, numer-
ously but not very boldly spotted with various umber-brown shades, and the usual stone-gray
shell-spots ; they thus difl'er decidedly from those of all other Godwits, and the di9"erence in
color is parallel with that C)f the plumage of the birds themselves. The origin and sense of
the name "godwit" are involved in an obscurity that has never been cleared up, and may
never be. It is apparently a native English word, and has been in use in some form for over
400 years ; some of its by-forms are goduuitta, goodwit, and godwin. The derivation from
Anglo-Saxon god, good, and toiht, a vi'ight or creature, is factitious, — too easy to be true ;
and that which makes it "God's wit," is mere juggling with words, though it is soberly trans-
lated in Latin Dei ingenium by Casaubon, 1611. Almost equally beside the mark is the at-
tempt to derive godwit from goaihead (the English translation of Gr. alyoKtcpaXos, aigokephalos,
one of the old names of a European Godwit); for this, while not impossible, is far-fetched, and
lacks all the links required to connect the two words. See Century Diet, and Newton's Diet.
under the word "goodwit."
L. lappon'ica bau'eri. (Lat. of Lappland. To one Bauer.) Pacific Bar-tailed God-
wit. A subspecies of the common European Bar-tailed Godwit, and closely resembling it,
but distinguishable by the general paler and more cinnamon -rufous color of the adults in
summer, and especially by the coloration of the rump, upper tail-coverts, and under surface
of the wings. In L. laj}ponica proper the rump is white with dusky markings in the central
field of most of the feathers; and the upper tail-coverts are white with bruad dusky bars.
In L. I. baueri the rump is blackish, with white edgings, the axillaries are white with dis-
tinct dusky bars, and the lining of the wings is more extensively mottled with dusky. Adult
J" 9 ) in summer: Cinnamon-brown, variegated on the upper parts with dusky, tawny, and
whitish ; wing-coverts gray, with dark shaft-streaks and wliitish edgings. Bill light red-
dish on the basal half, the rest blackish ; feet blackish; iris brown. In winter: Grayish-brown
above, the feathers with dusky shaft-streaks and paler edges; below, whitish, quite pure on
the belly, overcast with gray on the throat and breast, there streaked with dusky, the streaks
changing on the sides of the breast to bars which extend along the sides of the body to the cris-
sum; tail-feathers mostly plain gray, but their coverts, the rump, and the under surfaces of the
wings retaining the marks of the sub.'^pecies. Young birds resemble the winter adults, but are
more or less buffy, and liave the tail-feathers more like those of the summer adults, the rectrices
being blackish with numerous irregular bars and some wliite edging ; rump dusky, and axil-
laries barred. Smaller than i. fedoa, about the size of i. hcemastica. Length 14.50-16.00;
wing 8.50-9.50; tail 3.00 or more; tarsus 2.00-2.40; bill 3.20 ^-4.40 9 ; the 9 is larger than
SCOLOPACID.E: GODWITS.
827
the $, and especially longer billed, as usual iu this genus ; and she seldom acquires whule-
colored under parts. L. baueri Naum. 1836 — rejected as a nomen malum by most authors.
L. lapponica baueri, A. 0. U. Check List, 1886, No. 250; Nelsox, Alaska, 1887, pp. 1 lo-
ll? (best description and account of habits). L. brevipes, L. austrulasiana, and L. novce-
zealandice Gray, 1844-47 ; L. lappjonica novce- Zealand ice Kidgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. iii
1880, p. 200; Bd. Brew, and KidCxW. Water Birds, 1884, p. 258. L. /ox« Peale, 1848!
L. uropijgialis Gould, 1848, and of most authors, as of all former eds. of the Key. This last
is the name under which the bird was originally introduced to our Fauna (Trans. Cliicago
Acad. 1869, p. 293, p. 320, pi. 32). This Godwit is of wide dispersion in Oceauica, New
Zealand, Australia, and eastern parts of Asia to Alaska, N. to Point BaiTow on the Arctic
coast iu summer, and casually S. on our Pacific coast even to Lower California ; common m
Alaska, where it arrives in May or early in June, breeds and departs in August or September;
young flying by middle of July. Eggs laid in June; average size about 2.22 X 1-47, rather
resembling iu color those of L. fedoa than those of L. hamastica.
L. hpemas'tica. (Gr. olfiaariKoi, haimastikos, of bloody-red color. Fig. 577.) HUDSONIAN
GouwiT. Red-breasted Godwit. American Black-tailed Godwit. Black-tail.
White-rump. Spot-rump. Ring-tailed Marlin. Field Marlin. Goose-bird.
Feathers on side of lower
mandible reaching to a point
far iu advance of those on
upper. Adult ^ ^ , in sum-
mer: Rump blackish. Most
upper tail-coverts conspicu-
ously white ; longest coverts
and the tail-feathers black
with white bases, those of
the tail-feathers most exten-
sive, and the latter also
white-tipped. The appear-
ance of the parts connectedly
is therefore of a black rump,
then a broad white bar, then
a broad black bar, then a
narrow white bar. Lining
of wings sootjr-blackish,
mixed with some white; ax-
illaries black. Under parts
rich ferruiii neons or chestnut-
red, everywhere crossed witli
numerous irregular blaclc
bars, several on each feather,
and usually also crossed, es-
jx'cially behind, with similar
wliite hars, sucl) variegation
of black, white, and red most
pronounced on under tail-
coverts; chin whitish. T^'p-
por parts blackisli (brownisli-black witli irn'onish gloss), intimately mixed with rufous and ixin.y
or whitisli. tliese lii^litcr colors fonniiiir indrnt.-itions on edtres of each featlicr. I'riniaries black-
ish, witli wliite shafts and white l)asal spaces ; tluir coverts the same, witli wliite tips. Bill
Sf'1^.
-as*-
Fia. r.77. — Rla<k tailed Ocxlwit.
by D. G. Elliot.)
(Kroiii "Niirtli AnuTii-an
828
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLM.
light orange or reddish, the fenninal third black; feet black. Length 14.50-16.50; extent
25.00-28.00; wing 7.50-8.50; tail 3.00-3.50; bill 2.75-3.50; tibia bare 1.00 or more; tarsus
2.25-2.55; middle toe and claw 1.30. ? averages larger than $ ; weight 9.00-9.50 oz. ;
$ 7.50-8.00 uz. Adult (J 9 , in winter : Specific characters of wings and tail much the same as
in summer. General plumage plain dull gray, whitening on the head, neck, and under parts,
where more or less shaded with pale huffy gray. Bill flesh-colored w\l\\ blackish end ; feet slaty.
Immature and transitional plumages are intermediate between the foregoing. For example:
Upper parts dark ash, with black sliaft-lines ; back varied more or less with black patches and
wliitish or rufescent markings. Under parts whitish, more or less rufescent, with traces of black
barring. Breeds in higli latitudes in northern N. Am. ; migrates through eastern U. S. but
apparently not common anywhere; not W. of Rocky Mts. except Alaska; W. Cuba in mi-
gration; winters in southern S. Am. Eggs 4, 2.18 X 1-40, very heavy brownish-ohve, witli
the usual markings obscure, of still darker brownish shades of the ground color, sometimes
nearly whole colored ; they are strikingly different in tone from those of the Marbled Godwit,
but probably indistinguishable from those of the European Black-tailed Godwit, L. limosa, of
wliich the Hudsonian Godwit is the strict American representative.
L, limo'sa. (For etym. see the generic name.) European Black-tailed Godwit. Yar-
WHELP. Shrieker. Barker. Very like the last ; characters of rump and tail substantially
the same, but at once distinguished by the mostly white (not blackish) lining of wings and ax-
illaries. In full plumaged birds the tail is black, with broad white bases and narrow white
Fig. 578. — Willet, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
tips of the feathers ; the basal white occupying about a third of the middle pair of feathers, in-
creasing in extent on successive ones to two-thirds or more of the lateral pair, and the white
tips best marked on the middle pair, very narrow or wanting on the lateral pairs ; longest
upper coverts black like most of the tail-feathers, shortest ones white like the bases of the tail-
feathers and lower rump; upper rump and lower back blackish. Wings with much white,
conspicuous in flight ; lining of wings and axillars white, either pure or varied with some dark
markings ; large white bases of inner primaries and outer secondaries ; white tips of the greater
coverts. Fore-neck and breast chestnut, shading to white on the chin and belly, barred on the
breast and sides with dusky. General plumage of the upper parts rufous and dusky-brown, in
streaks and bars. Adults in winter plain gray and white on the body, but wings and tail pre-
serving their specific characters. About the size of the Hudsonian Godwit; bill longer, 3.75-
5.00. Europe, Asia, Africa ; only North American as occurring casually in Greenland. Scolopax
limosa Linn. 1758 and 1766; Limosa li7nosa Briss. 1760: A. 0. U. No. [252]. S. belgica
Gm. 1788; L. belgica of authors ; Totanns ccgocephalus Bechst. 1809; L. tcgocepliala of most
authors, as of 2d-4th eds. of the Key (but not Scolojjax cegocephala Linn., ■which is the Euro-
pean Bar-tailed Godwit, his S. lapponica, the L. lapponica of authors). L. melanura Leisler,
1813, and of many authors.
SCOLOPACID.E: TATTLERS.
829
(§ 5. Tattlers.)
SYMPHE'3IIA. (Gr. (rvfi(pr]ij.i, sumjjhemi, I speak with.) Semipalmate Tattlers. Bill
longer than liead, straight, its tip not expauded, knobbed, nor notably sensitive; grooved about
half its length only; cuhnen not furrowed. Gape of mouth reaching beyond base of culmen.
Bill much stouter than usual in Tattlers. Legs stout. Feet semipalmate, with decided web
between inner and middle as well as outer and middle toes. Tarsus longer than middle toe and
claw, scutellate before and behind. (General characters of Totanus, but bill and feet stout,
latter bluisli, and toes semipalmate. See fig. 49.) One North American species.
S. semipalma'ta. (Lat. semipalmata, half-webbed. Figs. .578, 579.) Semipalmated Tat-
tler. Semipalmated Snipe. Duck-sxipe. Spanish Plover. Stone Curlew. Pied-
AviNGED Curlew. Willet. Will-willet. Pill-willet. Pill-will-willet. Bill-
Willie. Humility. Adult J" 9 , hi summer: Upper parts ashy, confoundedly speckled to
greater or less extent
with blackish ; this
sometimes giving the
prevailing tone, but in
lighter-colored cases
blackish restricted to
an irregular central
field on each feather,
throwing out angular
processes and tending
to become transverse
bars. When such dark
fields prevail, the up-
jier parts become quite
lilackish, speckled
with ashy-white, like
Totanus melanoleucus,
f(ir examjile. Fur-
thermore, there is of-
ten a sliylit rufescence.
Under parts white, sometimes with a rufous or brownish tinge, jugulum and breast spotted and
streaked, sides barred or arrow-headed, with brownisli-black. Axillars and lining of wing,
edge of wing and primary coverts, sooty-blackish. Primaries blackish, with a great space white
at base, partly overlaid and concealed by primary coverts, partly showing conspicuously as a
speculum ; shafts white along this space. Most secondaries white ; most upper tail-coverts
white, the shorter ones dark like rump, the longer ones barred like tail. Tail ashy, iuconi-
plctely barred witli blackish; lateral feathers jiale, or marbled with white. Bill dark; legs
blui.sh. Length about IG.OO; extent about 28.00; wing 8.00; tail 3.00; bill •-I.()0-2..")0; tarsus
the same or a little more; middle toe and claw |.r)7. $ 9 i" "'inter, and young: Character of
wing as before. Above, light ashy, nearly or quite uniform; tail corresponding with this gray
state ; upper tail-coverts white. Below, white, shaded with ashy on jugulum, breast, and sides.
Every stage occurs between the two here described. Younger birds, before the first full winter
])lnniage, have buff" or tawny edgings of the grayish-brown feathers of the upper parts; and the
sides are mottled with buff and gray. In the down, chicks are brownish-gray marked with
tiusky above, the front and sides of head and all lower parts wliitish, with a dusky spot before
the eye and two dusky streaks behind it. Temperate North America at large, N. to r)<5° at least
in tlie interior, but chietlv U. S.; breeding throupliont its U. S. range, but rarely ami locally on
Fig. 579. — WiUets. (From Lewis. )
830 S YS TEMA riC S YNOPSIS. - LIMICOLM.
the Atlantic coast beyoud Now Jersey ; resident in the Southern States, but in winter also mi-
grating to the West Indies and South America; not common on the Atlantic coast beyond
Massachusetts. A large, stout Tattler, known at a glance by its white- mirrored black-lined
wings and blue legs, too plentiful (for such a wary, restless, and noisy bird) in marshes for the
convenience of gunners, as its shrill reiterated cries, incessant when its breeding places are in-
vaded, alarm the whole neighborhood. Breeds by pairs or in small companies in fresh or salt
marshes; nest a slight affair in a tussock of grass or reeds just out of the water; eggs 3-4,
1.90-2.12 X 1.45-1.55, averaging 2.00 X 1-50, less pointedly pyriform than usual in this family,
brownish or buffy-olive or clay color, boldly and distinctly spotted and splashed with umher-
brown shades, little massed at the great end, with the usual shell-markings.
S. s. inorna'ta. (Lat. inoniatus, unadorned.) Western Willet. Candlestick Plover.
Averaging lather larger than the last, with longer and slenderer bill, fewer and finer markings
on a paler ground of the upper parts, and duller, more confused or broken markings on the
under parts, which are often suffused with a dull pinlcish-salmon color; middle tail-feathers
unmarked or only faintly barred. Wing 8.00; tail 3.30; tarsus 2.60; bill 2.25-2.75. Western
North America, E. to the Mississippi Valley, breeding from Manitoba to Texas, in migratiou
and during winter occurring sparingly along the S. Atlantic and Gulf States ; Mexico, in winter.
Neither the physical cliaracters nor the geographical distribution ascribed to this form appear
to be well founded. Brewster, Auk, Apr. 1887, p. 145; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 887;
4th ed. 1890, p. 905. A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 95, No. 258 a.
TOT'ANUS. (Ital. fotajio, some bird of this kind.) Tattlers. Tell-tales. Gambets.
Horsemen. Bill longer than head, straight or nearly so, if anything rather bent up than
down, very slender, without expansion at tip or furrow on culmen, lateral grooves little if any
more than half its length; gape reaching beyoud base of culmen. Wings long, pointed; tail
short, even or little rounded, barred in color. Legs very long and slender ; tibife much de-
nuded below ; tarsi longer than middle toe and claw, more than half as long again as middle
toe alone, scutellate before and behind. Toes with decided basal webbing between outer and
middle toe, that between inner and middle slight. Legs green or yellow (in our species), red
in some others (as the Common Redshank of Europe, T. totanus or T. ealidris, type of the
genus, and the Spotted Redshank of the same country, T. fuscus). In England the birds
of this genus share with those of other genera the name Sandpiper; but ours are not so called.
We have two well-known species of Yellow-legs, and a third, the Greenshank of Europe,
has once occurred as a straggler. The latter is the type of the genus Glottis, but does not
seem to differ in any respect of form from our Yellow-legs, and all three may well go together
in the subgenus Glottis, as arranged in the A. 0. U. List ; the subgenus Totanus then being
restricted to such species as the Redshank just named, and the Marsh Sandpiper of Europe,
T. stagnatilis.
Analysis of Species.
Legs red. (Subgenus Totancs.) A straggler to Hudson's Bay totanus
Legs not red. (Stib(/e?)us Glottis.)
Legs not yellow. A straggler to Florida nebularitis
Legs yellow. Two common birds of N. Am.
Length over 12 ; wing over 7 ; tail 3 or more ; bill over 2 ; bent up a little, short-grooved . . melanoleucus
Length under 12 ; wing under 7 ; tail under 3; bill under 2 ; straight, long-grooved fiavipes
{Subgenus Totanus.)
T. tot'anus. (For etym. see the generic name.) European Redshank. Common Pool-
Snipe. Of medium size in the subgenus: Length 9.50-10.00; wing about 6.00; bill 1.50;
tarsus 1.65. Legs orange-red: bill black, with red base; iris brown. In any plumage dis-
tinguished from its allies by the combination of white rump with secondaries nearly all white,
Europe, Asia, Africa ; in America a straggler to Hudson's Bay. One of the best known Tat-
SCOLOPA CID^ : TA TTLERS.
831
tiers, strangely overlooked by two generations of American ornithologists since its original
description as a bird of this country from a Hudson's Bay specimen in the British Museum in
1831. Scolopax totaniis Linn. 1758. Totanus calidris Bechst. 1803, and of authors; S\v.
and Rich. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, p. 391 ; Nuttall, Man. ii, 1834, p. 15.5. See also Edwards'
pi. \i)\) of su|)posed albino Redshank from HiuLson's Bay. Not heretofore taken into the Key.
A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 18!>9, p. 128, Hypothetical List, No. 11.2. See CouES, Auk,
Apr. 1897, p. 211.
{Subgenus Glottis.)
T. nebula'rius. (Lat. like nehulosus, nebulous, cloudy, misty, foggy.) European Greex-
siiANK. Size and form almost exactly as in 2\ melanoleucus (see next) ; bill with the same
upward set or bent about the middle, or rather more so. Length 12.50-14.50; wing 7.00-
7.75; tail 3.50; bill 2.15-2.25; tarsus about 2.50. Coloration nearly as in our Yellow-legs,
i)ut lower back, rumj), tail and its coverts white, with dark markings chiefly restricted to broken
bars or other variegation of the tail-feathers alone; legs not bright yellow, but of some
obscure color commonly called "green" or greenish, but apparently rather yellowish-gray
or grayish-olive, more livid or darker on the joints. Europe, etc. ; only North American in
one alleged instance of its occurrence in " Florida." Audubon's original specimen is e.Ktant,
and is the Greensliank ; but the record has never been repeated, and is open to suspicion.
T. glottis AuD. folio pi. 169, 1835, 8vo, pi. 346, 1842, and of most authors, as of previous eds.
of the Key; Glottis fioridanus Bp. 1838. Bn. B. N. A. 1858, p. 730. Scolopax nehidarius
GuNN. 1767; Totanus (Glottis) nebularius, A. 0. U. No. [253].
T. nielanoleu'cus. (Gr. /Lte'Xar, melas, black ; }\.(vk6s, leukos, white. Figs. 580, 581.)
Greater Tell-tale. Greater Yellow-.siiaxks, or Yellow-legs, or Yellow-shins.
Winter Yellow-legs. Big Yellow-legged Plover. Big Kill-cu or Cucu. Long-
legged Tattler, Snipe, or Plover. Stone-snipe. Stone-bird. Yelper. Bill
Fio. 580. — Greater Yellow-shanks, iiat. size. ^Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
Straight or .sliglitly inclined upward, not with regular curve, but as if bent near the middle,
and grooved for rather less than half its length ; black or greenish-black. Legs very long
and slender, chroine-yeUow. Length usually 13.00-14.00, but ranging 12.50-15.00; extent
23.00-25.00; wing over 7.00, usually nearer 8.00; tail 3.00 or more; bill 2.00 or more; tar-
sus 2.50; miildle toe and claw 1.70. Length from end of bill to end of outstretched feet
about 17 or 18 inches. Adult ^ 9 • Abuve, blackish, more or less ashy according to season,
everywhere sjteckled v.-ith whitish, in a series of imlentations along edge of each feather: the
markings spotty on back and wings, streaky on brail and neck. A slight white superciliary
line. Upper tail-coverts mostly white. Under parts wliite, jugulum and fore-breasl streaked,
sides and Hanks, lining of wings and axillars, barnil and arrnw-licadrd. witli the cnlor of back.
832
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOL^.
Tail like back, with numerous white bars, generally broken on the middle feathers. Primaries
blackish, with black shafts, mostly with white tips; secondaries and their coverts the same,
but their edges marbled, spotted, or broken-barred with white. The seasonal changes of
plumage are inconsiderable, consisting chietiy in the tone of the upper parts — more blackish
and wltite in summer, more gray and ashy in winter and in the young ; and in the emphasis of
dark markings of under parts. Very young birds have the white speckling somewhat buffy.
Nortli America at large ; in the U. S. chietiy as a migrant, and in winter in the Gulf States
and southern California, though at that season it also extends through Central and much of
South America ; breeds from Nebraska and middle portions of the Mississippi Valley N. to
high latitudes ; abundant ; like the last and the next species, a noisy, restless denizen of
marshes, bays, and estuaries. Eggs 3-4, 1.70 X 1-25, grayish or deep buflf, irregularly
spotted with rich dark brown. Rarely taken.
T. na'vipes. (Lat. fladpes, yellow-fot»t. Fig. 58J .) Lesser Tell-tale. Lesser Yel-
low-shanks. Yellow-legs. Common Yellow-legs. Summer Yellow-legs.
Yellow-legged Plover. Little Kill-cu or Cucu- A miniature of the last; colors
/y^^l^^
Fig ">-~1 —Greater Ytllow-shauks and Little Yellon-sUauks. (From "North American Shore
Birdb,"' bj D. G. Elliot.)
the same; legs comparatively longer; bill grooved rather farther (more than half its length),
perfectly straight. Length under 12.00, usually 10.00-11.00; extent 19.00-21.00; wing under
7.00, averaging about 6.40; tail 2. .50; bill always under 2.00, about 1.50; tarsus 2.00; mid-
dle toe and claw, and bare tibia, each, 1 .2.5. The legs are thus relatively longer than those of
the foregoing, probably at a maximum in its genus and family, and only exceeded proportion-
ally by those of the Stilt (Himantopus) . In comparison with the dimensions of T. melanoleucus
the difference in all dimensions is decided; there is a break between tbe largest ^on^es and
smallest melanoleucus; both species hold their characters steadily, with only moderate variabil-
ity, and no one has seen an equivocal specimen of either one. Each has a profusion of popular
names, mostly shared in common but with some qualifying term, as the two species are readily
discriminated by gunners. When "Yellow-legs" is said without qualification, the present
species is generally meant. North America at large, abundant in eastern portions, less com-
mon in western, in same places as last. Nesting reported in some of Northern States, but breeds
SCOLOPACID.E: TATTLERS.
833
chietiy beyond U. S., where it reappears late in the summer or early in the fiill ; winters in the
Gulf States, but also pushes its migration through Central and most of South America, and
has occurred casually in Europe. Eggs 3-4, pointedly pyriform, 1.58-1.78 X about I.IG;
ground clay-color, buffy or creamy, not olivaceous, the markings showing boldly on the pale
ground, but in great diversity, some eggs being heavily splashed with blotches confluent about
the great end, others having small clean-edged spots all over tlie surface ; markings rich
umber, chocolate, or blackish, with neutral-tint shell-spots.
HELODRO'3IAS. (Gr. tXos, helos, a marsh, and 8po(ids, dramas, running, i. e. a runner.)
Green Tattlers. Bill uioderately longer tlian head, perfectly straight, very slender, grooved
a little beyond its middle. Legs not very k)ng for this group ; tarsus little exceeding middle
toe and claw; bill and logs b(jtli dark -colored. Only the most rudimentary web between inner
and middle toe ; a moderate one between outer and middle. Upper parts dark-colored ; tail
rounded, fully barred with white. Small, Rhyacophilus of all previous editions of the Key, as
of most American authors since Baird, 1858 ; but this has as its type the short-billed Wood
Sandpiper of Europe, R. glareola. Name therefore changed to Helodramas Kaup. Nat. Syst.
1829, p. 144, type Tringa oeroplms (sic) Linn., which is strictly congeneric with our Solitary
Sandpiper. Helodromas was reduced to a subgenus of Totanus in the A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95,
but appears to be sufliciently distinct, as I showed in Auk, Apr. 1897, ]t. 211, and as admitted
by A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 10.5. Besides some differences in external form,
it has the peculiarity, among its immediate all, of a single-notched sternum (compare figs, on
pp. 344 and 366 of Seebohm's work) ; and the European species has long been known to
nest in trees, contrary to the rule; in the whole order Limicolcc; "the hen laying her eggs in
the deserted nests of other birds — Jays, Tlirushes, or Pigeons — but nearly always at some
height (from 3 to 30 feet) from the ground." (P. Z. S. 1863, pp. 529-533; Newton, Diet.
1896, p. 812.)
Analysis of Species.
Length 9.00-10.00 ; upper tail-coverts white ; legs grayish-blue ochropus
Length 8.00-9.00 ; upper tail-coverts like back ; legs greenisli, drying blackish solilarius
H. och'ropus. (Gr. wxpos, ochros, pale, sallow, wan; ■novs, pons, foot. Fig. 582.) Ei'RO-
PEAN Green Sandpiper. Upper parts Idackish-brown, with faint olivaceous metallic gloss,
streaked on head and neck, s])eckled on bacdi
and wings, with white; upper tail-coverts
white. Tail white at base; lateral pair of
rectrices white, others marked witli white and
blackish in bars. Below, white, juguhim and
sides marked with dusky. Bill blackish ; iris
brown; feet "grayish-blue, greenish on the
joints.'' Length 9.00-10.00; wing about
5.50; tail2..50; bill 1.30-1.50; tarsus 1.30.
Nova Scotia and Hudson's Bay ; a straggler
from Europe (see Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878,
p. 49). Rhi/acophilits ochropus of 2d-4th eds.
of the Key; Totanus (Helodromas) ochropus,
A. 0. U. No. [257]. Helodromas ochropus
CouES, Auk, Apr. 1897. p. 210: A. O. U.
Suppl. Li.st, Auk, Jan. 1899. p. lOti.
H. solita'riiis. (Lat. solitaritis, siditary;
solus, alone. Fig. 583.) AMERICAN Green
Sanopiper. Solitary Sandpiper. Solitaky TArri,i:K. .Adult ^? 9: .Mmivc. dark lus-
trous olive-brown, strrakcd on licad ami neck, tlscwlicri' timly spi/cklcd, witli wliitc ; no cou-
Fio. S.'l'i.— Sternum of Green Sandpiper.
bohni'8 Chnradriidnp. ')
(From See-
834 S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LI MI COL J^.
tiiiuous white on rump or upper tail-coverts. Below, white ; jiigulum and sides of neck shaded
with brownish and streaked with dusky ; sides, axillaries, and lining of wings regularly barred
with dusky. Tail beautifully and regularly barred throughout with black and white ; white
prevailing on outer feathers, where the dark bars may be broken, and white reduced to a
series of marginal spots on middle feathers. Primaries and edge of wing blackish, unmarked ;
secondaries Tike back, mostly unmarked, inner ones gradually gaining white spots. Bill
blackish; legs dull greenish (drying quite black, like many scrophulariaeeous plants).
Length 8.00-9.00, usually between these figures; extent 15.50-17.00; wing 4.75-5.40; tail
2.25; bill 1.12-1.24; tarsus 1.20-1.30: middle toe and claw 1.12-1.20. Little seasonal differ-
ence in adult birds ; winter plumage lighter
and not lustrous, less speckled and streaked.
Young : Above, lighter and less olivaceous
brownish, without gloss, the speckling less,
or else of a rusty tinge. Suffusion of jugulum
paler and more restricted. White around and
over eye better defined. Bill and feet ashy-
FiG. 583. — Solitary Sandpiper, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. greenish. North America at large, N. to
^- *^-) Alaska ; the representative of H. ochropus.
Breeds from the Nortliern States northward, if not also through much of its U. S. range; I
found a pair in 1883 in the mountains of West Virginia, under circumstances which left no
doubt that they were settled for the summer. Winters, chiefly extralimital, in Central and
South America, but also in our Southern States. Common during migrations ; a shy, quiet
inhabitant of wet woods and meadow brooks and ditches and secluded grassy pools, rather
than oi marshes, with rather sedate manners, except the curious bobbing up and down of the
head, which is as habitual with this species as the teetering of the tail of the Tip-up. A more
graceful action is that of the biixl as it alights ; when the long pointed wings are lifted till their
tips nearly touch, and then are slowly folded. The note is a mellow and melodious whistle.
Authentic eggs have been long special desiderata (see CouES, B. N. W. 1874, p. 499; Brewer,
Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 197; Coues, New England Bird Life, ii, 1883, p. 240; Bull.
U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 20, p. 97; RidCxW. Man. 1887, p. 106.) The single egg taken in 1878
in Vermont described as light drab with small round brown markings and faint purplish shell-
marks at greater end.
H, s. ciQnamo'meus? (Lat. cinnamon-colored, as the spots on the back of the young are.)
Western Solitary Sandpiper. Young: Similar to the last; "larger, the wings grayer,
the light spots on the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts brownish-cinnamon instead of white
or bufty whitish; the sides of the head with more whitish, especially on the lores. No well-
defined loral stripe." Wing 5.10-5.49; tarsus 1.22-1.30; bill 1.15-1.30. Lower California.
Tots, cinncwiomeus Brewster, Auk, Oct. 1890, p. 377; range extended as " Pacific coa.st
region, eastward to the Plains," A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 256 a; Hel sol. cinna-
momeus, A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 105.
ACTI'TIS. (Gr. oKTr], akte, a headland, promontory, coast-land, sea-shore, strand, with suffix
-iTis, denoting agency, a doer. Compare JEriialitis, of identical meaning. The grammatical
gender of both names is feminine. This is the genus Tringoides of all former editions of the
Key, as of most authors; but Tringoides Bp. 1831 is a synonym of Actitis Illtger, 1811, as
now restricted; type Tringa hijpoleucos Linn., the common Spotted Sandpiper of Europe, with
which ours is strictly congeneric.) Spotted Sandpipers. Bill straight, only about as long
as head or tarsus, grooved for about f its length. Tibife scarcely denuded for half length of
tarsus. Tarsus about as long as middle toe and claw. Outer and middle toes webbed for
length of their first joints ; inner cleft. Tail fully half as long as wing. Upper parts glossy,
under spotted on white ground ; bill and feet pale. Of small size.
SCOL OP A CIDJE : TA TTL ERS.
835
Fio. 584. — Spotted Sandpiper, nat. size.
(Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
A. macula' ria. (Lat. maculana, spotted. Figs. 584, 585.) Spotted Sandpiper. Saxd-
LARK. Peet-weet. Teeter-tail. Tip-up. TiLT-UP. Adult (J 9 > i" Slimmer : Abovc,
silken ashen-olive (quaker-color — as iu our Cuckoos) with a coppery lustre, finely varied
with blackish, in streaks on head and neck, elsewhere in wavy or otherwise irregular cross-
bars. Line over eye, and entire under parts, pure
white, with numerous sharj) circular black spots,
larger and more crowded iu the 9 than in the ^.
Secondaries and their coverts broadly wliite-tipped :
some white feathers along bend of wing ; axillaries
and lining of wings white, latter with an oblique
dusky bar. Primaries and most secondaries brown-
isli-black, with brown shafts and large white basal
s]»aces, concealed iu folded wing, conspicuous in fliglit.
Upper tail-coverts and middle tail-feathers like back ; lateral oues successively acquiring white
tips; outer with several incomj)lete white bars. Feet pinkish-white, drying yellowish. Bill
tlesh-color, black-tipped; sometimes much of culmen dusky; sometimes much of under man-
dible orange. ^: Length 7.25-7.G0 ; extent 13.00-13.50; wing 3.80-4.00; bill, tarsus, and
middle toe with claw, each 0.95-1.00. 9: Length 7.60-7.90; extent 13.50-14.00; wing
3.90-4.10. In winter: Above, less glossy, with little if any blackish variegation, chiefly on
tlie wing-coverts ; some
mere dusky shaft-streaks
on otlier upper parts.
Below, white, usually en-
tirely free from spotting,
and with a slight gray cast
on the breast. Young :
Nearly as in winter adults,
but with some buflFy bar-
ring on the wing- and
tail-coverts ; entirely
white below. Downy
young : Below, white ;
above, mottled with dark
brown and buff; a sharp
black stripe from top of
head down middle of
back, and another through
eye. North America at
Fio. 585. — Spotted Sandpiper. large, extremely common
everywliere near water, and breeding throughout the country; winters iu the Soutliern States
and beyond to Brazil ; casual in Europe. Nest a slight aft'air of dried grasses, on the ground,
often in field or orchard, but generally near water; eggs normally 4, exceptionally 2, 3. or 5,
pointed, creamy, huffy, or clay-colored, bh>tched with blackish and neutral tint ; about 1.30 X
l.(X) or rather less. These and Kildeer's etrgs are the ones oftenest found iu amateur cabinets,
doing duty fortho.se of most small waders; and the bird itself is the best known of its tribe,
under the familiar names above given, and others equally ]ucturesque, alluding to its habit
of balancing on its legs with a see-saw movement of the hind parts of the body. .\s often
as the Teetcr-tail stops runniuir. the fore ])arts are lowered a little, tlie head is drawn in,
the legs are slightly bent, while tlie tail b,,Iis up with a jerk anil is drawn down airain witli
the remilaritv of clock work — as if the tail were si)riug-hiMi:«'d. always liable to tly up. and
836
S YS TEMA TI C S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLjE.
P. pug'nax
Chevalier.
requiring constant presence of mind to keep it down decently. It is amusing to see the male
perform during the mating season, swelling with amorousness and self-sulficiency, puffing up his
plumage till he looks twice as big as usual, facing about this way and that, saluting all points
of the compass with his hinder parts — for such is the original way the Tip-up has of conduct-
ing his courtships.
PAVONCEL'LA. (Ital. name of the European Lapwing; the word means "little peacock,"
being diminutive form of pavone, the Peacock, Lat. 2)avo; it was first transferred to the Ruff,
and used as a generic name, by Leach in 1810, and in this usage antedates Machetes Cuv. 1817,
the usual name of this genus, as in 2d-4th editions of the Key ; 1st edition had Philoinachus, as
adopted by Gray, Baird, and others, after Moehring, 1752.) Fighting Sandpipers. Bill
straight, about as long as head, shorter than tarsus, grooved nearly to tip. Gape reaching
behind culinen. Outer and middle toe webbed at base ; inner cleft. Tarsus longer than mid-
dle toe and claw. Tail about half as long as wing, barred. $ in breeding season with face
bare and beset with papillae, and neck with an extravagant frill or ruffle of elongated feathers ;
9 without these ornaments. Sternum single-notched. Polygamous — polygynous and
polyandrous.
(Lat. p?(/7no.r, pugnacious. Fig. 586.) Ruff, ^. Reeve, 9- Combatant.
Gambetta. Paon de Mer. Equestrian Sandpiper. Adult (J, in wed-
ding dress : Varied above with
black, brown, buff, and chest-
nut, the sides of rump white;
under parts white, breast and
sides and crissum black, spotted
with white ; tail brown, barred
with chestnut and white ; quills
dusky, with white shafts ; wing-
coverts ashy-brown. Bill black-
ish, flesh-colored at base ; legs
dingy yellow ; iris dark brown ;
warty excrescences yellow or
pink ; feathers of ruff endlessly
varied in color — it is hardly pos-
sible to find any two specimens
exactly alike, and difficult to sort
out these frills in even the most
general terms ; inore than a
dozen different styles are cata-
logued by some writers ; but it
is believed ou good grounds that
the same individual grows the
same kind of a cape each year
during his life. Length about
12.00; wing 7.00; tail 3 00;
bill 1.50; tarsus 2.00. 9 much
smaller, lacking the ruff and
tubercles, etc. A widely dis-
tributed bird of the Old World, notorious for pugnacity, salacity, and profligacy ; occasionally
killed on the coast of New England and the Middle States, etc. (Lawr. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist.
N. Y. V, 1852, p. 220, Long Island; Coues, Pr. Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 296, New England;
Brewster, Am. Nat. vi, 1872, p. 306, Massachusetts, and Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 19,
Fig. 58G. — The Ruff, ^, in full feather, J nat. size.
(From Brehm.)
SCOLOPACID/E: TATTLERS. 837
Maine ; Wheatox, Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 83, Ohio. Forest and Stream, Oct. 7, 1880,
p. 186, Massachusetts; Skton, Auk, Oct. 1885, p. 336, Ontario; Hrimley, Auk, July, 1892,
p. 299, North Carolina; Osgood, Shooting and Fishing, Mar. 26, 1891, p. 432; Palmer,
Auk, Oct. 1894, p. 325, Virginia; these being all the records I know of to date. See also
Freke, Zoologist, Sept. 1881, p. 376, and for a South American record. Ibis, 1875, p. 332.)
The names Kuff and Reeve are botli very old ; of the latter T have found no attempted expla-
nation worth citing; of the former Newton has (Diet. p. 798) : " It seems to be at present
unknown whether the bird was named from the frill, or the frill from the bird. In the latter
case the name should possibly be spelt Rough (c/. ' rough-footed ' as applied to Fowls with
feathered legs [and ' rough-legged ' to Hawks in like state], as in 1666 Merrett (Pinax, p. 182)
had it."
BARTRA'ailA. (To Wm. Bartram.) Bill straight, rather .shorter than head, much shorter
than tarsus, about efjual to middle toe; culmen a little concave in most of its length; upper
mandible grooved | its length. Gape very wide and deep, reaching below eyes. Feathers on
side of lower mandible scarcely or not reaching opposite those on upper, and not filling in-
terramal space. Tail very long, more tlian ^ the wing, graduated. Wings moderate, pointed.
Tibiae denuded for nearly the length of middle toe. Tarsi scutellate before and behind, much
longer than middle toe and claw. Outer toe moderately webbed ; inner cleft to base. Size
medium; neck and logs long; head small; coloration highly variegated; sexes alike; no
great seasonal changes. One species.
B. longicau'da. (Lat. ?on<7US, long ; caM(/a, tail-) Bartramian Sandpiper. Bartram's
Tattler. Upland Sandpiper. Upland Plover. Uplander. Hill-bird. High-
land Plover. Field Plover. Pasture Plover. Grass Plover. Prairie Plover.
Prairie Snipf,. Prairie Pigeon. Papabote. Quaily. Adult $ 9 '■ Above, blackish,
intimately variegated with tawny or whitish edgings of all the feathers ; blackish prevailing
on crown and back, the lighter colors on neck and wings; on scapulars and long inner sec-
ondaries the black resolved in regular angular bars on a greenish-brown field. Rump and
most upper tail-coverts brownish-black, unvaried ; a few of the longer coverts barred to corre-
spond with tail. Middle tail-feathers dark ashy-brown, with j)aler or rufescent edges, and
irregular or broken bars, throughout; other tail-feathers becoming orange-brown, with numer-
ous irregular or broken bars or spots of black ; with one broad, firm, subterminal black bar,
and tips white for a distance increasing on successive feathers. Under parts dull soiled white,
or tawny-white, rufescence strongest on jugulum and breast, jugulum streaked with blackish,
and sides with sharp arrow-heads of the same. Axillars and lining of wings pure white, regu-
larly barred with black. Primaries brownisii-bhick ; 1st at least, and sometimes all, barred
with white on inner webs; shaft of 1st white, of others brown. Secondaries like jjrimaries,
but usually barred with white (tu both webs, inner ones gradually assimilating with back in
character of markings. Bill yellow, with black ridge and tip; feet dull yellowish, drying
darker; iris dark brown. Length 11.75-12.75; extent 21.50-23.00; wing 6.25-7.00; tail
about .3..50; tarsus 1.7.)-2.00; bill, and middle toe and claw, 1.00-1.25. Downy yt«ung : Va-
riegated above with white, brown, and black; whitish below; bill bluish with dark tip; legs
clay-color. They are 5 or G inches long before any feathers sprout; in first featherings they
arc plainer dusky above than the adults, with firmer linflfy margins, less streaked below, niul in
general huffier; but they speedily acMjuire a iilumagc hardly different from that of old birds, and
it never varies much afterward — I know no other wader so much alike at all ages ami seasons,
in both sexes. North America at larire, rare W. of the Rocky Mts.. in profusion on jtrairie.s of
the interior, and common eastward; but less abundant than formerly on tlio New England
coast ; N. to Nova Scotia and the Yukon. Breeds N. from the middle districts ; winters almost
entirely extralimital, i)nshing far into South America ; casual in Kuropo. A fine game binl : but
those who only know it when its fears are excited by incessant persecution have little idea what a
838 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLA:.
goinle and confiding creature it is when at home on the western prairies. Nest anywhere on
prairie, in June; eggs normally 4, averaging 1.75 X 1-28; clay-color or pale creamy-brown
without olive shade ; spotted all over, but most thickly at large end, with small, sharp, rounded
surface-marks of umber-brown, among which are purplish-gray shell-spots ; spots rarely if
ever larger than a split pea, and seldom confluent.
TRYNGl'TKS. (Gr. rpvyya^, trurjgas, a sandpiper, with suffix -t/js, -tes.) Marble-WING
Sanui'IPERS. Bill shorter than head, very slender, tapering, and acute, grooved nearly its
whole length, thus much as in Tringa; but gape of mouth extensive, and end of bill not dilated
and sensitive. Frontal feathers embracing base of upper mandible in nearly transverse outline,
and extending quite to nostrils; those on side of under mandible reaching farther still, those of
chin completely filling the interramal space,- such extension of feathers making bill appear
remarkably short. Wings of ordinary shape. Tail about h as long as wings, rounded, with
projecting central feathers. Tibiae denuded below for a space less than length of middle toe.
Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Toes cleft to base, or with only rudimentary basal
webbing. Primaries peculiarly marbled in color. Tail not barred. Related to Tringa in
many respects ; but the acute and hardened tip of the bill, and long gape, are totanine, and on
the whole the affinities of the single species seem to be with Sartramia, so far as our genera are
concerned, though there is an undoubted relationship with JEchmorhijnchus cancellatus and
Prosobonia leucoptera — those rare and perhaps extinct Sandpipers of the Sandwich and some
other Pacific Islands.
T. rufes'cens. (Lat. rvfescens, rufescent, reddish. Fig. 587.) Buff-breasted Sand-
piper. Adult ^ 9, in breeding plumage: Above, brownish-black with a greenish gloss,
every feather broadly margined with tawny or yellowish-brown, the latter the prevailing tone.
Under parts buff or fawn-colored, without markings except a few small blackish spots on sides
of breast. Central tail-feathers greenish-brown, blackening at ends ; others paler, often rufes-
cent, with white or tawny tips and subterminal black bar; and usually, also, some black mar-
bling or streaking. Primaries and secondaries ashy-brown, blackening at end, the extreme tip
white — most of the inner webs of primaries, and both
webs of secondaries, pearly white, speckled and marbled
with black. This curious tracery, best seen from below,
is diagncjstic ; though the precise pattern varies inter-
minably. The patch of under coverts at bases of prima-
ries has the same character. Axillars white ; lining of
wings white or rufescent. Iris brown. Bill brownish-
FiG 5S7. - Buff-breasted Sandpiper, nat. black; legs greenish or yellowish. Length 7.50-8.25;
size (Ad nat del EC^ ^ cd cd */ c '
extent about 16.00; wing 5.00-5.25; tail 2.50; bill along
culmen 0.67-0.75, along gape 1.00; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw under 1.00. Fall plu-
mage : Under parts less rufescent, frequently simply tawny-whitish ; broad ochrey or tawny
edgings of feathers of upper parts replaced by narrow whitish streakings, in a set of semicircles.
Wings and tail as in spring. North America at large, especially the interior, and a frequent
European straggler, but apparently nowhere abundant, unless in the migrations in the Gulf
States; only migratory in the U. S. ; S. in winter through South America; breeds in high lat-
itudes, quite to the Arctic coast. Eggs usually 4, pointedly pyriform, 1.40-1.50 X 1.02-1.10;
the ground clay, sometimes slightly olivaceous, often quite grayish ; markings extremely bold
and sharp, in heavy blotches and indeterminate spots all over the surface, but largest and most
numerous at greater end ; colors rich umber-brown, of varying shi'de. Nearest these blotched
samples are splashed ones, with markings massed at greater end, elsewhere splattered in small
pattern. Others are spotted with narrow markings radiating from large end, almost wreathing
about greatest diameter. All with the usual neutral-tint shell-markings ; most with scratchy
blackish marks over all. (T. suhmficollis of A. 0. U. Lists.)
SCOLOPACIDJE: CURLEWS. 839
HETERACTI'TIS. (Gr. ertpos, heteros, different, otherwise ; and Actitis, which see, p. 834.)
SiiORT-LEGGED Tattler. Bill totanine, longer than head or tarsus, straight, rather stout,
much compressed, both mandibles grooved for |— § their length, witii intlected tomia beyond.
Gape of mouth extending beyond base of culmen ; feathers of equal extent on sides of both
mandibles, those of chin reaching much farther. Wings long, pointed, folding about to end of
tail; 1st and '2d quills subequal and longest. Tail short, less than half the wing, nearly even.
Legs short, somewhat rugous, and either reticulate except on front of tarsus where imperfectly
or incompletely scutellate, or more completely scutellate both behind and before ; tibiai denuded
for a space about half as long as tarsus; tarsus little longer than middle toe and claw, shorter
than bill ; outer lateral toe longer than inner ; a large basal web between outer and middle, a ru-
dimentary one between middle and inner; hind toe long, about equalling 1st joint of inner toe.
Two species (?) remarkable for variation in character of tarsal envelope and nasal grooves.
Ours is the one with tarsi more or less reticulate, and nasal grooves long. (Ileteroscelus Bd.
1858, of former eds. of the Key, antedated in entomology by Heteroscelis Latu. 1825. Heter-
actitis Stej. Auk. 1884, p. 236, and A. 0. U. Lists.
H. iiica'na. (Lat. incamcs, -a, -urn, quite gray.) AVAxnEUiNG Tattler. Adult ^^ 9 =
Upper parts perfectly uniform dark plumbeous, or slaty-gray, including the wholly unmarked
tail, wing-coverts, and inner quills, longer quills gradually blackening, shaft of first primary
nearly all wliite; a white line over eye. Lining of wings, axillars, and sides of body colored
like back, but varied vpith white. Under parts in general white; in one plumage (winter)
without markings, but heavily shaded on neck, breast, and sides with color of back ; in another
(summer) heavily marked with blackish-plumbeous — speckled on throat, streaked on neck,
wavy-barred on breast, belly, sides, and crissum. Bill said to lie dull greenish or dark-horn
bluish in life, when dry black, apparently pale at base of under mandible; feet dull greenish-
yellow; iris brown. Brownish young like the winter adults, but indistinctly spotted with
white on scapulars, inner secondaries and upper tail-coverts, and faintly mottled with white on
the sides of the under parts. Length 1000-11.00; wing G.50-7.00; tail 3.00; bill 1.50-1 .GO,
with nasal groove reaching its terminal third ; tarsus 1.25-1.35, mostly reticulate ; middle toe
and claw a little less. A species of very wide distribution among the islands of the Pacific,
common in summer on the shores of Alaska, and extending thence S. to the Galapagos Islands
on the American coast. In Alaska these birds are found from May to October, on the most
rugged and rock-ribbed shores both of the islands and the mainland, and doubtless breed in that
part of the U. S. " The attempt to distinguish this species is attended with the utmost diffi-
culty," as Dr. Sharpe says, and may not be satisfactorily accomplished till we know more of
their plumages; in spite of the fact that some specimens differ almost generically in some
structural characters, as above pointed out, others are intermediate in the same respects. Tho
other supposed species is the Polynesian Tattler, H. brevipes, supposed to differ in having short
nasal grooves, tarsi mostly scutellate behind as l)efore, upper tail -coverts barred with wiiite, and
hss dark barring on the under parts than in H. incanus,. the belly and vent being plain white.
This one occurs on the Commander Islands in Bering Sea, and may be expected im tlie Aleu-
tians. The present species is Ileteroscelus inainHS of fnrmer editions of the Key. in>\v Hete-
ractitis incanus of the A. O. U. List, No. 25l> — regardless of the grammatical gender of the
new generic name.
(S^fi. Curlews.)
NUME'NIUS. (Gr. vios, neos, new: fj-rjinj, nienc, the moon; the long curved bill, like a
crescent. Fig. 588.) ClRLEW.s. Will.MHKELS. Bill of very variable length, always lonyor
than head, prol)al)ly always exceeding tarsus, somctinuvs more than length of entire leg; slen-
der, curved downward, tip of upper mandible kntd)bed ami overhanging v\n\ of lower; obso-
letely grooved nearly to end. (iape of mouth extendeil Ix yonil l)a.»<e of cnlineu. Feathers
reaching about eiiualiy far on sides of eacli mandililc. Wings and tail ordinary; latter barred
840
S YS TEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLjE.
in color. Legs rather stout ; tibias largely denuded below ; tarsus much longer than middle
toe and claM', scutellatc! in front only, elsewhere reticulate, scutellate behind also in N. minntiis,
now made type of Mesoscolopax on this account. Toes short and thick, tlattened underneath,
well webbed at base and broadly margined on sides. Of
large and medium stature, and plump form. Coloration va-
riegated ; rufous usually prevailing. Sexes alike ; changes
of plumage not pronounced. A cosmopolitan genus of
about 9 species: in character of bill unique, in that of the
legs very similar to Limosa. In fact, barring the bill,
Numenius longirostris closely resembles Limosa fedoa. It
is a curious fact that some Old and New World representa-
tives of both these genera differ fi'om each other in a sim-
ilar manner, in respect of the coloring of the wings and
tail. Compare Limosa fedoa with L. lapponica; L. hce-
mastica with L. limosa ; Numenius longirostris with N. arquata; N. hudsonicus with N. phce-
opus. We have 5 perfectly good species of Curlews, 3 of tliem common native birds, one a
Fio. 588. —Long-billed Curlew, greatly
reduced.
iMil
Fig. 589. —The European Curlew, yumenius arquata, i uat. size. (From Brehm.)
straggler from Europe, one a straggler to the Pacific coast. They well illustrate the whole
genus; of which certain species having the crown with a light median stripe between dark
lateral areas, as N. phceopus and N. hudsonicus, are known as Whimbrels.
SCOLOPACID.E: CURLEWS.
841
Analysis of Species.
Feathers of thighs bristle-tipped tahiliensis
Feathers of thighs normal.
Rump white, more or less spotted with dusky.
Upper tail-coverts and under wiug-coverts white spotted aud barred with dusky phceopus
Rump, upper tail-coverts, and lining of wings not white.
Primaries varied with rufous. General coloration strongly rufous, especially below; lining of wings deepest
rufous, little or not varied. Large ; bill 4-G-S inches longiroslris
Primaries varied with rufous or whitish. General coloration scarcely or not rufous ; lining of wings entirely
varied. Medium-sized ; bill 3-i inches hudsonicus
Primaries not varied with rufous or whitish. General coloration scarcely or not rufous ; Uning of wings en-
tirely varied. Smallest ; bill under 3 inches boreahs
N. longiros'tris. (Lat. longus,\ong; rostrum, hvAk. Fig. o90.) Long-billed Curlew.
I?iG Curlew. Hen Curlew. Sickle-bill. Sabre-bill. Smoker. Mowyer. Bill
of extreme length and curvature, measuring from 4 to 6 or 8 inches, rarely a little more still ;
in some young birds under 3.00; commonly 5.00-6.00. Of largest size: length 20.00-24.00
Fig. 590. — Curlew.
or more; extent say 38.00; wing 10.00-12.00; tail about 4.00; tarsus 2.75-3.50. Plumage
very similar to that of the Godwit, Limosa fcdoa : ])rcvailing tone rufous, of varying intensity
in different specimens, usually deepest on lining of wings, v/hich are little varied with other
color. Primaries varied with rufous. Top of head variegated with blackish and rufous or
whitish, without distinct pale median and lateral lines. Upper parts brownish-black, speckled
with tawny or cinnamon-brown, each feather having several indentations or broken bars of
this cidor; rufous prevailing on wing-coverts. Tail-feathers and secondaries cinnamon-brown,
with pretty regular dark bars throughout. Under parts rufous or cinnamon of varying inten-
sity, usually deepening to chestnut under wings, fading to whitish on throat; jugulum and
fore-breast with dusky streaks wliich tend cm sides of breast and body to arrow-heads or more
Fio. 5'.11. — Whimbrel. (From Seebolini'.s Cli.ir.uinul.i.)
or less complete bars; lining of wings, axillars, and crissum, innstly umnarUed. tlinugh some
spots may appear. No white on rump, tail, or wings. Hill black, mudi of under mandible
palo flesh-color or yellowish ; legs dark bluish-gray, drying darker. Little variation in plum-
age with sex, age. or season. Chicks hatch in wliitish down, tini:'d with yellow bt low aud
butf above, tliicklv blntclird abovi- witli brownisli-black ; bill .straight, an inch long. Like
842
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LIMICOLJE.
_^
other exceptional developments of parts of birds, this member grows to indeterminate length.
Up to the time the bill is not over 3-4 inches long, the species may be distinguished from N.
hudsoniciis by strong rufescence of under parts, which are nearly clear of dark markings, and by
lack of pale median stripe on crowu, which marks a Whimbrel. This is our representative of
N. arquata, the com-
mon Cui'lew or Whaup
of Europe. Entire tem-
perate North America;
breeds in much of range,
especially on prairies of
Northwest ; migratory
northward, resident in
some of the South, but
also south in winter
to Central America
and some of the West
Indies ; uncommon in
East north of Flor-
ida ; formerly nested
aboundingly on the
South Atlantic coast.
Eggs 3-4, not very pear-
shaped, more like hen's
Fig. 592. — European Whimbrel. (From Seebohm's Charadriidae. ) po-p-e • '> 45— *? 80 V 1 80—
1.90; clay-colored, tending either to darker olivaceous shades or to buff; spotting generally
pretty uniform and of small pattern (in some cases blotched or massed at greater end) of sepia,
chocolate, or umber-brown ; paler shell-markings usually numerous and evident.
N. phae'opus. (Gr. ^aids, ^j/to«os, dusky, swarthy ; ttoOs, ^o?*s, foot. Figs. 591, 592.) Eu-
ropean Whimbrel. Jack Curlew. Titterel. In stature and general appearance resem-
bling the Hudsonian Curlew; at once distinguished from that species by the white rump, upper
tail-coverts, and lining of wings, spotted or barred M'ith dusky. An extensively distributed
Old Wtirld species, only North American as occurring in Greenland. (Auk, 1889, p. 217.)
N. tahitien'sis. (Of Otahiti. Fig. 593.) PACIFIC Whimbrel. Otahiti Curlew.
Bristle-bellied or Bristle-thighed Curlew. Of medium size, about equalling iV.
phcEopus; length 17.00-19.00; extent about 34.00; wing 9.50-10.50; tail 4.00; bill 2.75-
3.75; tarsus about 2.25. Crown with light me-
dian and superciliary lines dividing dark areas,
as in other Whimbrels ; upper parts brownish-
black with the usual tawny variegation ; no
white on rump, tail, or lining of wiugs ; tail and
its coverts tawny, coverts spotted or streaked
with dusky, rectrices pretty regularly and firmly
barred with about 6 dusky bands, tipped with
tawny-white ; lining of wings and axillars fully
barred with tawny and dusky. Primaries black-
ish, varied to some extent on inner webs, shaft
of 1st white. Under parts pale tawny, chin
white, jugulum thickly streaked, sides more
loosely barred, with dusky, but most of under parts immaculate, and many feathers, especially
of flanks, ending in long glistening bristles. Bill livid flesh-color and blackish ; feet livid
Fig. 593. — Pacific Island Whimbrel.
SCOL OP A CID/E : C URL E WS.
843
v^^--^/K^
bluish ; iris brown. Alaska, not common, perhaps only a straggler from Asia ; a \vell-kno\vn
and abundant Whimbrel of various Pacific islands, first added to our Fauna from a specimen
taken at Kadiak by F. Bischoff, May 18, 1869, recorded as N. femoralis in Am. Nat. 1874,
p. 435; next found by Nelson, May 24, 1880, noted as N. tahitiensis iu "Cruise Corwin,"
1883, p. 90, and figured in Nelson's Alaska, p. 1:>I, pi. 9; A. 0. U. Lists, No. [268]. N.
taitensis Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 646.
N. hudson'icus. (Of Hudson's Bay. Fig. 594.) American Whimbrel. HudsOxMAN
Curlew. Jack Curlew. Jack. Striped-Head. Crooked-billed Marlin. Of me-
dium size ; bill mod-
erate in length, stout,
curved. Bill 3-4
inches long. Length
16.00-18.00; extent
about 32.00 ; wing
9.00-10.00; tail 3.50;
tarsus 2.25-2.50.
General tone of col-
oration scarcely ru-
fous ; under parts, and
variegation of uj)per,
being whitish or
o ch rac eo u s. No
white on rump, tail,
or lining of wings.
Top of head uniform
blackish-brown, with
well-defined whitish
median and lateral
Fio. 504. — HudsoDian Curlew, much reduced. (From Lewis.)
stripes (as in plupopas, but neither longirostris nor horeulis). Upper parts brownish-black,
speckled with whitish, ochraceous or pale cinnamon-brown, in same pattern as in longirostris,
but dark in excess of light colors, and these never strongly rufescent. Tail ashy-brown (not
rufous), with numerous narrow blackish bars. Primaries fuscous, marbled or broken-barred
with pale color (pattern as in longirostris, tone not strongly rufous). Lining of wings and
axillars rufescent, but spotted or barred throughout with dusky. Under parts soiled wiiitish
iir somewhat ochraceous, only obscurely rufescent on crissum, if anywhere; jugulum and fore-
breast with dusky streaks which, as iu other species, change to arrow-heads or incomplete bars
on sides of breast and body. Bill blackish, some part of lower mandible pale ; feet livid blu-
ish, drying dark. The North American representative of JV. pihccopus, but obviously different;
generally distributed, more common, on the whole, than either longirostris i>r borealis ; more
common coastwise tlian iu interior ; breeds in high latitudes to extreme northern part of tiie
cimtinent, migratory through the U. S., wintering from L. California, Louisiana, and West In-
dies through Middle and South America to Patagonia. Eggs usually 4, of intermediate size, not
distinguishable with certainty, the markings being as in other species; 2.12-2.30 X about 1.(50.
Obs. This Whimbrel is perfectly well known to gunners, who mostly call it "Jack," and
never Eskimo or Esquimaux Curlew, the latter beiug a mistake confined to books, and trace-
able back through Nuttall and Wilson to Pennant. Neither is it the Doui^^h-bird or Doc-bird
of the people, this name belonging to the following species.
N. borea'lis. (Lat. borealis, northern. Fig. 595.) E.sqI'Imai x or Eskimo Ciulkw.
I)()U(iH-BiRD or DoK-BiRD. Fi'TE. Of smallest size ; bill short, slender, aud little curved.
Bill 2.00-2..")0. Length I2.00-l.-).0(»: extent :ibout 28.00; wing under 9.(M); tail 3.00; tar-
844 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PALUDICOL^.
sus 2.00 or less. General tone little rufescent, under parts and variegation of upper rather
ochraceous than rufous. Top of head variegated throughout, without median light line,
but with tolerably well-defined whitish superciliary stripes. Upper parts brownish-black,
speckled with ochraceous or very pale cinnamon-
brown, the general effect as in Imdsonicus; dark
coloration in excess of the pale. Tail barred much
as in hudsonicus, the broader light bars often ru-
fescent. Primaries and most secondaries plain
fuscous, entirely lacking the variegation seen in the
foregoing. Under parts ochraceous, or somewhat
rufescent, very variable, frequently whitish, marked
as in other species with dusky streaks, arrow-heads,
or bars, but these more numerous, frequently occu-
pying all the under parts, excepting chin and mid-
dle of belly. Axillars and lining of wings rufescent,
barred throughout with dark brown. Bill black,
with base of lower mandible pale or yellowish ; feet
greenish -black. In handling perhaps 100 fresh-
killed birds, I have noted much variation in tone,
but the species is unmistakable. Eastern North
America at large, breeding in the Arctic regit»ns,
Fio. 595. -Eskimo Curlew. ^^^^ migrating through the U. S., as far as south-
ern South America. More common in interior than on Atlantic coast of U. S. ; west to Kansas
and Nebraska. Extraordinarily abundant in some places during migration, as in Labrador,
where it fairly swarmed in the past in August. Often occurs with Golden Plover. In northern
regions, feeds chiefly on the crow-berry, Empetrum nigrum. Nest in open plains. Eggs 4,
1.90-2.12 X 1.33-1.40; olive-drab, tendmg to green, gray, or brown in different cases, with
large, bold, and numerous markings of bistre, chocolate, and sepia, tending to aggregate on
the greater end, with ordinary stone-gray shell- marks.
Order PALUDICOL^: Marsh Birds.
(Alectorides of the KEY, 1884-90. — Paludicol^ of the A. 0. U. 1886-95.)
{Nearly equivalent to Geranomorph^s: of Huxley, J 867.)
Like the " order" Picarice (see p. 537), this is a miscellaneous assortment or " polymor-
phic group " of birds, held together because ornithologists would not know what to do with its
members if these were taken apart. It contains all Wading Birds of what may be called the
Crane-Rail type, as distinguished from tlie Plover-Snipe type, which is comprehended by the
preceding order Limicolce — the name Paludicolce being now adopted by way of verbal antith-
esis with Limicolce.
In the present state of ornithology the " order" Paludicolce is insusceptible of satisfactory
definition ; I have seen no attempts to define it that were not lamentable failures, and am indis-
posed to add one of my own to the number. This house of refuge — I wisli I could say, house
of correction for refractory birds — contains a few impoi'tant families of Waders which cannot
be assigned either to Limicolce or to Herodiones without spoiling the definition of those orders,
and which are consequently inmates of this home for the destitute — this organized charitable
institution — called Paludicolce or Alectorides.^ Aside from certain unconformable families, to
1 The inept name Alectorides, which I was driven to adopt in the 2d edition of the Key, 1884, was proposed in 1820
by Temminck for an order containing the genera Psophia, Dicholophus, Glareo/a, Palamedea, and Chauna — not a Crane
or a Rail in the lot, and not a gallinaceous bird to justify the etymology of the word (Gr. aAcKTwp, alector, a cock).
PALUDICOLJL: MARSH BIRDS. 845
be ])resently specified, Pahuliculine birds corresi)on(l to Huxley's Geranomorphee; palate scbi-
zoijnathous ; nasals schizurhinal iu the Crane type, holorhinal in the Rail type ; angle of man-
dible truncate ; no basipterygoids ; sternum long and narrow, entire or single-notched behind;
carotids two; cfeca two; no pulviplumes; classificatory muscles of the thigh too variable for
utility ; connection or relations with Limicolce through Otididce, with Herodiones through Eurij-
pijgidce; with Anseres through AnhimidoE; and probably with Raptores through Cariamidce.
The character of this group may be best developed by analyzing its contents; and in the
]>rocess of so doing we shall find it much easier to see how the several families difi'er than how
they agree witii (me another. It will also apj)ear that they difi'er by different ilegrees of unlike-
uess, and heni^e that certain suborders or superfamilies of Puludicolee must be recognized.
1. Fam. Otidid^. Bustards are an important, well-defined, and circumscribed family of Old World birds, consist-
ing of 12 genera and upward of 30 species. They are the inosculaut group by which the present order is linked with
Limicokp, having decided relationships with Thick-knees (tK'f/u/ienijHie; seep. 7G7). Such combination of characters
has caused their alternate reference to each order ; but the balance of evidence is in favor of their position under Palu-
dicoke, and the sum of their peculiarities warrants the recognition of a suborder Otides. Thus, the palate is schizogna-
thous, but the nasals are liolorhinal ; no basipterygoids; cervical vertebrie KI-IS; sternum double-notched on each side
of its posterior border : long c;tca present ; carotid single or double ; no oil-gland ; no intrinsic syringeal muscles ;
ambiens present, but not femorocaudal (formula normally B X Y) ; plumage aftersliafted ; wing aqulntocubital ; rec-
trices l(!-'.;o ; the stout feet 3-toed, lacking hallux, with reticulated tarsi, and scutellations on top of toes ; bill short and
stout, somewhat as in gallinaceous birds, with pervious nostrils reached by frontal antise. These birds inhabit open
places, where they run with velocity, and also fly well ; they nest on the ground, lay colored eggs, and the chicks are ni-
difugous. They are mostly stout birds, some as big as a Turkey, others no larger than Grouse. Some are noted for the
possession of a gular air sac, capable of immense inflation, and for the extraordinary appearance they present when " show-
ing off," under amatory excitement, the effect of which is heightened by curious long whisker-like bristles or other pe-
culiarly modified feathers, and great variegation of the general plumage. The best known species is the great Bustard of
Europe, Otis tarda ; another is the little Bustard of the same country, Tetrax telrax ; a third one sometimes found in
Europe is Iloubara macqueeni ; but all these are also Asiatic. The other species of Bustards inhabit either Asia or
Africa or both, the greater luimber of species occurring in the latter continent.
2. Fam. Cariamid,s;. This consists of two South American birds, Cariama cristala and Chunga burmeisteri, so pe-
culiar that they constitute a suborder Caeiam^e. Some evidence of raptorial relationship is afforded by their resemblance
in several respects to the African Serpent-eater or Secretary-bird, Serpenlarius secretarius ; and some ornithologists have
gone so far as to classify Cariamas under Raptores. But if the relation in this case could be shown to be one of real affin-
ity, it might be nearer the mark to remove Serpeiitariu.i from among birds of prey and bring it into the present connec-
tion ; and to do so would certainly not hurt I'aludicohr as an order of birds ! The Cariama and the Chunga are large
birds, with moderately long legs (for this order) ; four toes ; short stout bill ; and a helmet-like crest. The myological
formula differs in the two species ; both lack the femorocaudal, and Chunga also lacks the accessory femorocaudal ; the
palate is not typically schizognathous, and the raptorial characters are exhibited by the osteology. There are two long
cseca, and the digestive system in general is Crane-like, as is also the pterylosis (though the wing is quintocubital) ;
the oil-gland is nude. The nest is built on trees, and the eggs are two. The balance of evidence favors the retention
of the family in the Crane group, though it is excluded from the Alectorides of Sclater, Sharpe, and other British
authorities.
3. Fam. Anhimid.e (commonly called Palantedeidw). This is another puzzling family, probably entitled to ordinal
rank, and if kept among Paludicoliue birds certainly forming a suborder Anhim*:. It consists of only three species, of
two genera, Anhima (or Palamedea) cnrniila, the Homed Screamer or Unicorn-bird ; Chauna chavaria, of authors, the
Crested Screamer or Chaka (now called C cristata) ; and C. ilerbiann of authors (now called C. chaiaria ). How anom-
alous is the " .all-together " of these birds may be judged from the fact that they offer a point of resemblance to the
Jura-ssic Arrhwopleri/x in absence of uncinate processes of ribs, as is the case with no other living birds; nitestinal
diar.icters resemble in some respects those of struthious birds ; the skeleton is distinctly anserine, in most respects, with
some peculiarities of its own besides the one just mentioned, such as position of basipterygoids ; the respiratory organs
are al.so somewhat anserine ; but the remarkable development of the subcutaneous air-cells produces an emphysematous
condition like that of Pelicans ; the pterylosis is peculiar, in the almost entire absence of apteria ; the myology is equiv-
ocal. The external aspect of these birds is hardly less remarkable than their anatomy : bill of gallinaceous ap|>earnnce ;
head small ; feet large and stout, with tibiie naked below, tarsi reticulate, hallux long and low down, anterior toes connected
by small webs, and claws long and strong, especially the hinder one ; wings ample, with enlarged secondaries, and a (uur
The name was galvanized into something like life by Dr. Sclater in 1S80, when it was made to cover six fomiliea — Arn-
inidir, Knrypygiilir, Gruidir, f'.iop/iii<lir, Curianiidn-, Otididir, and at the same time an order Fulicarirr wa« invented
for the two families Ratlid(P (including Riiils, Gallinules, and Coots) and Hetit>milhid(T. These two orders rontiiuie to
Ih- sanctioned by Dr. Sclater, Dr. Sharpe, and other leaders of the B. O. C They correspond i>reciholy with my two sub-
orders Onti/ormes and Italli/ormrs of previous editions of the Key, 18.S4-90; and I continue to uphold tliem both per-
force, /nut de miruT, under the names Gnte.i and I'alli, as per A. O. U. — except that I keep Arnmiis with the former,
instead of changing it to the latter. These two suborders together constitute my former order AUctoruitt — the present
order Paliidicoltr of the Key. as of the A. O. U.
846 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PALUDICOLM— GRUES.
of liorny spurs on each. In Palumedea there are 14 rectrices, and a slender horn on the forehead 5-6 inches long ; the
species of Chauna are not unicorns, but crested, with naked lores, and have 12 tail-feathers. These birds range ni size
2-3 feet long. Sucli birds as these can belong to " PaiudicolcB " under no possible definition of this order, and I only
notice them in this, their traditional position, to show that they do not belong here. They would go better witli Anxeres,
where they are now usually assigned ; and may still better constitute a separate order of birds, as that instituted for
their reception by the name of Pulamedere by Dr. Sclater in 1880.
4. Fam. Heliornithid^. This famUy is another puzzler ; the greatest difference of opinion still prevails concern-
ing it, as usual in cases where our information is deficient. It is a small group, consisting of the South American Sun-
bird or Fin-foot, Ileliornis fulica (or Surinamensis) ; the African Podica senegalensis and another species, and tlie Asiatic
Heliopais personata. The question is, whetlier they are most nearly related to Coots, and thus to Rails, as those orni-
thologists think who refer them to Fulicarim ; or to Grebes, as some suppose. They agree with both these diverse types
in their most obvious external feature, which is, that the toes are lobate, being garnislied with wide scalloped flaps in
their whole length. Thus far the case is equivocal, and the ambiguity does not entirely disappear on anatomical investi-
gation ; palate schizognathous without basipterygoids ; nasals holorhinal ; no occipital fontanelles and no supraorbital
fossae ; sternum long, single-notched behind, with a low keel, to which the furculum is ankylosed ; accessory semitendinosus
absent (formula A B X), and biceps cruris peculiar in its relations ; caeca moderately developed ; oil-gland tufted ; plu-
mage not aftershafted ; tail well developed, with 18 rectrices; neck long and slim, and head small. These birds are thor-
oughly aquatic, able to dive as well as to swim. We are insuflSciently informed concerning their reproduction ; the young
of the South American bird are said to hatch naked and to be only two in number. If the birds are properly placed in the
present order at all, they certainly belong with its Ralline division.
No doubt attaches to any of the following families, which are evidently members of an order of birds to which
Cranes belong :
5. Fam. Eueypygid^. Represented by Eurypyga helias and E. major, the Sun-bitterns of South America, the
first of which formerly called Ardea helias, Scolopax sokaHs, and by other names, as Caurale, a word coined by Buffon
as equivalent to Tailed Rail (Rale a queue), and becoming in English Caural or Carle. This is the form by means
of which the present group of birds is related to or even connected with Herons ; its general aspect may be called
that of a Heron-like Rail. The plumage is very beautifully barred and spotted, somewhat as in Tiger-bitterns, and dis-
played to great advantage in some of the bird's " showing-off " performances ; the legs are rather short, the neck is long
and slim, the head small, the bill long and slender; the length is about 18 inches. The wings are very ample, with long
aquintocubital secondaries, as in Herons ; the tail is likewise long and full. The tibiae are bare below, the tarsi scutel-
late before and behind ; the hallux is fairly well developed. The bill is long-grooved, with linear, pervious, and somewhat
operculate nostrils. The muscular formula is A B X Y ; palate schizognathous ; nasals schizorhinal ; no basipterygoids,
supraorbital fossae, or occipital fontanelles ; sternum single-notched on each side behind ; caeca small ; oil-gland nude ;
the plumage includes pulviplumes ; rectrices 12, and primaries 10. The young hatch downy, but stay in the nest, and
are long fed by the parents ; the nature is therefore altricial or nidicolous, but ptilopsedic ; the eggs are colored.
6. Fam. Rhinochetid.e. The Kagu of New Caledonia, Rhinochetus jubatus, alone represents this family. The
structural characters are very nearly those of Eiirypyga ; the caeca are better developed, and the muscular formula is
A X Y. The plumage is aftershafted ; the wing quintocubital. The nostrils have a remarkable structure, in the pres-
ence of an elastic sheath-like operculum ; this appears to have some function in connection with the bird's mode of feed-
ing, and it is upon this peculiarity that the generic name was bestowed (pi;, ptvds, ftris, hrinos, nostril, and 6\eT6s,
ochetos, a channel, pipe, or tube. ) The plumage somewhat resembles that of the foregoing, and the bird has a similar
method of showing it off ; but its most marked feature is the long pendent crest which hangs down over the neck behind
like a sort of mane (whence the specific name jubatus, maued). The habits are nocturnal, and in captivity quite frolic-
some ; the nest, eggs, and mode of propagation are unknown.
7. Fam. Mesitid.*:. Another monotypic family, confined to Madagascar and consisting only of Mesifes variegata.
This bird was misunderstood long enough to be misrepresented as a kind of Rail, Pigeon, or Fowl, and even an Oscinine
Passerine. Its structure is closely correspondent with that of the Kagu and Sun-bittern. Bill slender, with long, linear,
slitlike, and operculate nostrils ; 5 pairs of powder-down patches present ; tail-feathers 10 ; a bare space about eye ; tarsi
scuteUate before and behind ; hallux long and completely insistent.
The last three families are so obviously well related to one another, and so distinct from the others above described,
as well as from the Cranes and Rails proper to be next noticed, that, so long as they are retained under an order Pulu-
dicoke or Alectorides, they should form one of its suborders ; and for this the name Eurypygce may be used, as derived
from that of the earliest known genus of the suborder.
All remaining Paludicoliue birds are four families, either of the Crane type or of the Rail, and as such represent
two suborders of Pahtdicolce, Grues, and Balli ; both of which occur in North America. These are more particularly
those to which Huxley's term Geranomorphce applies.
Suborder GRUES: Cranes, Agamis, and Courlans.
(Gruiformes of the KEY, 1884-90— Grues of the A. 0. U. 1886-95.1)
Represented in North America by two families, Gruidce and Aramidee, and in South
America by a third, Psophiidce. The latter consists of five or si.x: species of the single genus
' Except that the A. O. U. places Aramus under the other suborder, Ralli.
GRUID/E: CRANES. 847
PsopJiia, of which the best known is P. crepitans, the Agami or Trumpeter; they are hirge
birds of Craue-like aspect, with something suggestive of Emus in their form and carriao-c.
A notable anatomical character consists in a number of separate supraorbital bones ; the nasals
are holorhinal; the cfeca are long; the trachea of the ^ is immensely elongated, forming a
subcutaneous convolution along the abdomen; the plumage is soft; wing quintocubital ;
rectrices only 10. The Agamis live in flocks in the woods, nest on the ground, and lay two
whole-colored eggs ; they have such small power <jf flight that they often drown in trying to
cross streams, and the habitat of some of the species is restricted to one or the other side of
certain rivers.
Family GRUID^ : Cranes.
As already explained, Cranes are related to Rails in essential points of structure, though
more resembling Herons in general aspect. All are large birds, some of immense stature ; legs
and neck extremely long ; wings ample, but incised along posterior border, from shortness of
outer secondaries ; tail short, of 12 broad feathers. The head is generally, in part, naked and
papillose or wattled in adult, vvith a growth of hair-like feathers, or (in Balearica) an upright
tuft of curiously bushy plumes, like a wisp of straw. The general plumage is compact, in
striking contrast to that of Herons; but the inner wing-quills, in most cases, are enlarged and
flowing, and the wing is aquintocubital ; in some genera feathers of the neck are elongated,
as in Herons; there are no powder-down patches. The sternum is enlarged, and its keel is
hollowed to receive a fold of the windpipe, as in Swans, and some Storks and Ibises (p. 208),
but truncate behind and neither notched nor fenestrate: there are occipital fenestrae, but no
basipterygoids, and the supraorbital fossae are margined; the palate is schizognathous, and
the nasals are schizorbinai. The caeca are several inches long, and the oil-gland is tufted.
Leg-muscles variable (formula A BXY, BXY, or X Y). Details of external form are:
Bill equalling or exceeding head in length, straight, rather slender but strong, compressed,
contracted opposite nostrils, obtusely pointed; nasal fossae short, broad, shallow; nostrils
near middle of bill, large, broadly open and completely pervious; tibiaj naked for a great
distance; tarsi scutellate in front; toes short, webbed at base; hallux very short, highly ele-
vated ; inner anterior claw lartic. There are about 18 species of Cranes, of nearly all parts of
the world ; .'} are American, and these, like most of the family, fall in the single genus Grus
(in a broad sense ; several species represent as many subgenera). Apart from Grux may be
named Bugeranus caruncidatus, the Wattled Crane of Africa; Tetrapteryx paradisea, the
Stanley Crane of the same continent ; Anthropoides rirgn, the Numidian Crane or Demoiselle,
very elegant ; and 'S species of Crowned Cranes of Africa, composing the genus Bidearicu, which
have a singular tuft of strawy plumes on the nape, like a pouipon to whisk-broom : BB. paco-
ninn, chrysopelargus, and gibbericeps.
GIIUS. (Lat. grus, fern., a crane.) Cranes. Of maximum size and length of neck and
legs; colcjr white or gray in adults, rusty in the young. Head without crest; more or le.ss bare
of feathers in adult, carnuculate, witb hair-like bristles; forehead low. Character of bill, legs,
and wings typically as above said. Tail short, 12-featliered. Tarsus l)roadly scutellate in
front. Toes short, middle about ^ as long as tarsus; inner rather exceeding outer, with en-
larged claw. Inner wing quills lengthened, curved, pendent beyond primaries when the wing
is folded. Nest on the tri-ound ; eggs few, commonly two, spotted; young ptiiopa-dic, covered
with copious, persistent down, and able to run about soon after being hatched though li>ng re-
(piiring to be fed by the jiarents. This genus, which formerly indudetl the whole tainily, is now
divided into several subgenera, based on difl'erenccs in the extent and character of the nakedness
of the head. Our Sandhill Cranes belong to Grm in the strictest sense; the Whooping Crane
to Liiitnogvranus. Notable exotic Cranes are G. ^/r^.s of Europe ; G. jdjioncnsis ; G. (Leuco-
848 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PALUDICOL.E — GR UES.
geranus) leucogeranus, the great White Crane of Asia ; G. (Antigone) antigone, of India ; G.
(A.) australasiana; and G. (Pseudogeranus) leucauchen, of Asia.
Analysis of Species.
Adult white, with black primaries. Nakedness extending backward in points on top and sides of head. (Subgenus
LiMNOGERANUs) americona
Adults gray. Nakedness forked on top of head by a point of feathers, and not reaching on side below eye. (Grus
proper.)
Smaller : wing under 20.00 ; bill 4.00 or less ; tarsus 8.50 or less canadensis
Larger : wing over 20.00 ; bill 5.00 or more ; tarsus 9.00 or more mexicana
(Subgenus Limnogeranus.)
G. america'na. White Crane. Whooping Crane. Adult with hare part of head
extending in a point on occiput above, on each side below eyes, and hairy. Bill very stout,
gonys convex, ascending, that part of the under mandible as deep as the upper opposite it.
Adult plumage pure white, with black primaries, primary coverts and alula; bill dusky green-
ish ; legs black ; head carmine, the hair-like feathers blackish ; iris yellow. Young with the
head feathered ; general plumage whitish varied with rusty-brown. Length 50 inches or rather
more; extent about 90.00; wing 24.00; tail 9.00; tarsus 12.00; middle toe 5.00; bill 6.00, its
depth at base about 1.40. In the adult, the windpipe is quite as long as the bird itself — 50
inches or more, and over two feet of it is coiled away in the keel of the breast-bone, which is
entirely hollowed out to receive these extraordinary convolutions (fig. 99) ; the voice is singu-
larly raucous and resonant. Temperate interior North America, but of irregular distribution,
not well made out; said to have been common in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and to
have extended up the coast to the Middle States. Now scarcely known in the Eastern and
Middle States. The chief line of migration appears to be in the interior, along the Mississippi
Valley ; Mexico, Florida, and Texas to Minnesota and Dakotas, where the bird breeds (as well
as farther southward), and thence spreading in the interior of the Fur Countries, as in Mani-
toba, Assiniboia, and Saskatchewan. So wild and wary a bird must be much influenced by
settlement of the country. Eggs 2 (or 3?), about 3.75-4.05 X 2..50-2.G5, light brownish-drab,
rather sparsely marked, except at great end, with large irregular spots of dull chocolate-brown
and lighter reddish -brown, with paler obscure shell-markings ; sliell rough, with numerous
warty elevations, and punctulate. G. clamator Bartr. 1791. G. struthio Wagl. 1827. G.
hoyanus Dudley, 1854. Limnogeranus amerieanus Sharpe, 1893.
(Subgenus Guvs.)
G. eanadeu'sis. (Of Canada.) Northern Brown Crane. Little Brown Crane.
General character of the species next to be described ; nakedness of head and color of plumage
substantially the same. Smaller: length about 3 feet; wing 18.00-19.00; tail 7.00; tarsus
6.75-8.50; bill along culmen 3.00-4.00! its depth at base 0.75; middle toe scarcely 3.00; tibia
bare about 3.00. Supposed to be confined in breeding season to Arctic and northern Nortli
America from Hudson's Bay to Alaslca, thence migrating through western U. S. to western
Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southward in Mexico. (Supposed to be true canadensis
Linn. 1758, ex Edw. pi. 133, 1750. G. fratercidus Cass.)
G. mexica'iia. (Of Mexico.) Southern Brown or Sand-hill Crane. Common Brown
or Sand-hill Crane. Adult with bare part of head forking behind to receive a pointed ex-
tension of occipital feathers, not reaching on sides below eyes, and sparsely hairy. Bill moder-
ately stout, with nearly straight and scarcely ascending gonys, that part of under mandible not
so deep as the upper at the same place. Adult plumage plumbeous-gray, never whitening ;
primaries, their coverts, and alula, ashy-brown, little darker than the general plumage, shafts
of primaries white. Young with head feathered, and plumage varied with rusty-brown, long
persistent in full-grown birds. Nestlings quite reddish. Smaller than americana; larger than
canadensis; length 3| to 4 feet, averaging about 44.00 inches; extent 80.00; wing 22.00; tail
ARAMID.E: CO URL A NS. 849
9.00; tarsus 9.50-10.50; bill aloug culnieu 5.00-<;.00, its depth at base 1.00; middle toe 3.50.
This species has been said to Lick tracheal cunvulutious, which is uot true of the adult. The
trachea is at first simple aud straight, not entering sternum ; in the adult, about 8 inches of
windpipe is coiled away in the breast-bone, the anterior half of tlie keel of which is excavated
to receive the folds (fig. 100). The disposition is the same as in americana, but much less
extensive — 8 inches as against about 27 — a difference in degree, not of kind. Temperate
North America, rare or irregular in the East exc(-pt Florida and Georgia, abundant in the West
and some of South ; apparently breeds in sufficiently wild places throughout its range ; now
hardly on the Atlantic coast N. of Florida and Georgia. Eggs (2) cannot be distinguished from
those of G. aniericnna by color or texture of shell, or dimensions ; the specimens examined
average less capacious, and relatively more elongate, from 4.10 X 2.40 down to 3.05 X 2.10,
average near 3.90 X 2. GO ; but this series probably include eggs of canadensis. (G. canadensis
of most authors, apparently not of Linn. 1758; commonly confounded with the foregoing, and
by some formerly considered the young of G. americana: see Aud. folio pi. 261, 8vo, pi. 314.
Probably G. mexicana Briss. Orn. v, 1760, p. 380, and P. L. S. Muller, 1776, p. 110, but
this is not certain, though adopted by the A. 0. U. The earliest unequivocal name is G. pra-
tensis Bartr. 1791, p. 144 and p. 218, which I adopted in 2d-4th eds. of the Key, and now
relinquish with reluctance to my colleagues. G. poliophau Waol. 1827.)
Family ARAMID^ : Courlans.
Consisting of a single genus, with two species, of warmer ])ortions of America; closely
allied to Gruidce in essential points of structure, and forming a connecting link with BaUidce.
Osteological and pterylographic characters completely Crane-like ; digestive system as in Rails;
caeca 2, situate close together; oil-gland tufted; carotids 2; syringeal muscles one pair;
feinorocaudal absent (formula B X Y). Tlie general aspect and whole economy of these birds
are as in Rails ; the eggs are numerous. (A. 0. U. List places this family under the suborder
Balli.)
A'RAMUS. (Etym. ignot.) Courlans. Bill twice as long as head, slender but strong,
compressed, both mandibles grooved for about § their length, contracted opposite nostrils, ter-
minal portion enlarged aud decurved. Nostrils long, linear, pervious. Head completely feath-
ered to bill ; tibise half bare ; tarsus scutellate anteriorly, as long as bill, longer than middle
toe; toes cleft, hinder short, elevated, outer longer than inner; wings short, rounded, with
falcate 1st primary clubbed at the end; inner quills folding over primaries when closed; tail
short, of 12 broad feathers. The extraliniital species is A. scolopaceus, smaller tluui ours, less
spotty above and less streaky below.
A. gigan'teus. (Lat. giganteus, gigantic. The bird would be a giant if it were a Rail, but
is a pygniy among Cranes.) Greater Courlan or Courliri. CrviN(i-hiri». Cluck-
ING-HEN. Carau. Limpkin. Choctdate-brown with a slight (divaceou.s or other gloss,
paler on face, chin, and throat, most of the i>lumage sharply spotted «»r streaked witli white.
Downy young black, like the chicks of Rails. Length 24.00-28.00; extent 40.00-44. (K»; wing
12.00-14.00; tail 6.00-7.00; bill and tarsus, eadi, 3.50-5.00. Florida, some of the West
Indies, and S. to Central America. This remarkable bird lives in marshes like a Hail, and
is noted for its hoarse vociferati<m ; tlie nest is built on the ground or near it. in inassis of
reeds, grassy hummocks, or low thick bushes; the eggs are indefinitely numerous, like tliose
of some Rails, about a dozen, subelliptical, 2.30 X 1-70 on an averaee but varyinu' mncli, drab
or bufTy, s])otted and S[dashed with brown and neutral tints. Aramus pictus of 2d-4tli viU. of
the Key, after Tantalus pictus Bartr. 1791, the earliest and best name. liallus giganteus
Bp. 1825. Aramus scolopaceus, of authors, referring to the North American bird. Aramus
giganteus Ud. 18.18, and A. O. U. 1886-95.
64
850 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. - PALUDICOL.E — RALLL
Suborder RALLI : Hails and Kalliform Birds.
(FuLicARLE of the B. 0. C — Kalliformes of the KEY, 1884-90. — Ralli of the A. 0. U.^)
Represeuted in North America by the single fiunily BaUidce, ;uh1 consisting only of this
family, with the probable addition of the Heliornithidce, for the remarkable characters of which
see ]). 846. Exclusive of these, the characters of the suborder Balli are those of the fauiil
Ballklee.
Family RALLID^: Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots.
This is a large and important family, abundantly represented in most parts of the world.
They are paludicoline or marsh-inhabiting birds of medium to very small size, generally with
compressed body and large strong legs (the muscularity of the thighs is very noticeable), en-
abling them to run rapidly and thread with ease the mazes of reedy marshes to which they are
almost exclusively confined ; while by means of their long toes they are prevented from sinking
in mire or floating vegetation. The wings are never long and pointed as usual in LimicolcB,
being in fact of the shortest, most rounded and concave form foundamong Waders ; the flight
is rarely protracted to any great distance, except during the extensive migrations which some
of the species perform ; and several of the generic types of Rails or Gallinules now existent
have lost the use of their wings altogether. The tail is always very short, generally of 10 or
12 soft feathers, rarely 14. Details of bill and feet vary with the genera ; but the former is
never sensitive at the tip, as it is in Woodcocks, Snipes, and most true Sandpipers, and the
hallux is longer and lower down than it is in Shore-birds. Nostrils pervious, of variable shape.
Head completely feathered ; general plumage ordinarily of subdued and blended coloration,
lacking much of the variegation commonly observed in Shore-birds ; sexes usually alike, and
changes of plumage not great with age or season. The fi)od, never probed for in the mud, but
gathered from the surface of the ground or water, consists of a variety of aquatic animal and
vegetable substances. The nest is a rude structure, placed on the ground, or in a tuft of reeds
or other herbage; eggs numerous, generally variegated in color; young hatched clothed, and
soon able to shift for themselves, these birds being thus ptilopaedic and prsecocial or nidifugous.
The general habit is gregarious, and migratory ; many species occur in vast multitudes, though
their skulking ways, and the nature of their resorts, withdraw them from casual observation.
Some species swim habitually ; such being Coots, of the subfamily FulicincB.
More technical characters of the Rail type, especially in comparison with the Crane type
of Paludicolce, are found in the holorhinal nasal bones, which are schizorhinal in the true
Cranes, and in the notched instead of entire posterior border of the sternum. The plumage
is normally aftershafted, and the oil-gland tufted. There are a gall-bladder, long caeca, and
two carotids ; the ambiens is present, the formula otherwise A B X Y. The skull is of
course schizognathous, and there are no basipterygoids. There appear to be upward of 150
species of Ballidre, referred to 50 or more modern genera, and generally divided into 3 sub-
families— Rails and Crakes in one, Gallinules in another, and Coots in the third; all three
are fairly well represented in this country. But we have none of the strange flightless forms
of Rails or Gallinules, to which a wholly exceptional interest attaches in view of the light
they throw upon the problem of artificial extermination or natural extinction of birds. Although
the ordinary Ralliform birds occur in profusion, some of them dispersed over wide areas, such
is not the case with all. The type is an old one, and <ni the whole degenerate, and in a lan-
guishing state. Many fossil remains indicate the recent extinction of species of genera still
multitudinously represented by living individuals, and of genera more or less nearly related to
1 Except that the A. O. U. includes under BiiUi the genus Arainus, which belongs to Grues.
RALLID.ii — RAILING : RAILS AND CRAKES. 851
those still extant ; while some of the existent species appear to be upon the verge of extinction,
and certain others have ceased to survive during the last century. The Hightlessness which is
so marked a cause or concomitant of such fate is an evidence of degeneracy ; and this loss of
use of the wings is associated with profound structural modiiications of the anatomical parts
concerned. Thus, in some cases the scapula makes an obtuse angle with the coracoid, as it does
in no other carinate bird than the Dodo, and so the shoulder girdle approaches its condition in
Eatite birds. Prominent among flightless EalUclce are the Wekas of New Zealand, belonging
to the genus Oci/dromus, and sometimes made types of a subfamily Oci/drominincB. There are
several species, whose synonymy has become somewhat involved, but one of the best known
is that usually called 0. australis. Another is 0. sylvestris, lately or still lingering on Lord
Howe Island. In similar plight is the Papuan Megacrex inepta. a species some 20 inches long,
with a very poor tail as well as inept wings, and a frontal shield like a Gallinule's; and closely
related is HahroptUa tcullacei of the Moluccan island of Gilolo, a medium-sized blackish species
with a small fruutal shield and fairly developed wings. TrichoUmnus lafresnaijanus of New
Caledonia lias by some been considered an Ocydrome. Several extinct birds, whose remains
indicate relationship with the languishing forms just named, are Erythromachus leguati of
Rodriguez, Aphanapteryx broecki of Mauritius, and A. (or Diaphorapteryx') hawkinsi oi the
Chatham Islands. Among the Gallinules proper Notornis alba, late of Lord Howe and Norfolk
Islands, a white species of large size with red legs and bill, has disappeared, and only a single
specimen is known ; but iV. mantelli survives iu New Zealand, though it was first described in
1848 from remains supposed to be those of an extinct species. It is probable that the fossil
species of Aptornis as A. otidiformis have their modern representatives in such Gallinules as
these. Two flightless Gallinules form the genus Porphyriornis, P. nesiotis of Tristan d'Acunha
and P. comeri of Gough Island, both still living. Leyiiatia gigantea is one of the most remark-
able of the recently extinct forms of Mauritius, and appears to have been a long-legged Gallinule
or Coot. There are many fossil species of existent genera, and some of the extinct Ralliform
birds go back to tlie Cretaceous, as the Telmatornis of our own Fauna. But aside from such
peculiar living RalUdce as have been uauied in this paragraph, our country furnishes excellent
examples of the whole family.
Analysis 0/ Subfamilies and Genera.
Rallin.*:. Jiails and Crakes. No frontal shield, feathers of forehead reaching bill. Toes simple. Body com-
pressed.
Bill slender, longer than head, curved, with long narrow nasal groove and linear nostrils Rallus
Bill stout, not longer than head, straight, with broad nasal groove and oblong nostrils Porzana
As iu the last ; wings longer, folding nearly to end of tail Crex
Gallinulin*. Gallinules. A bare horny frontal shield. Toes simple or merely margined. Body less compressed.
Toes without evident lateral mai gins ; nostrils oval lonornis
Toes with lateral margins ; nostrils narrow Gallinula
FnucuJiE. Coots. A bare homy frontal shield. Toes lobate. Body depressed. Nostrils narrow . . . Fulica
Subfamily RALLINiC : Rails and Crakes.
The largest, and central or typical, group, containing strictly pahidicnlo species. Com-
pression of b(;dy is at a maximum; form blunt and thick behiud, witli a very short tip-up tail,
and tapers to a point in front; the whole figure thus adapted to wedge through narrow places.
Wings extremely short and rounded, and tiie ordinary flight appears feeble and vacillating,
though the migrations of many species are very extensive. Tlic tail has \2 feathers. The
flank- feathers are commonly enlarged and conspicuously colored; thiglis very muscular; tibife
generally if not always naked below; tarsi scutellate in front; toes long, cleft, without lobes
or any obvious marginal membranes. Tlic bill occurs under two jiriucipal moditicatioiis : in
Rallus j)roper it is longer than head, slender, compressed, slightly curved, long-gnH)Vod,
with linear nostrils; in Porzana and other genera of Crakes it is shorter or not longer than
852 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PALUDICOL^ — RALLI.
head, straight, rather stout, with short broad nasal fossae, and linear-oblong nostrils — alto-
gether somewhat as in gallinaceous birds. The cuhnen more or less obviously parts antial
extension of frontal feathers, but never forms a decided frontal shield, as in the Coots and Galli-
uules, though such a formation is indicated in the American genus Limnopardalus, for example.
Of about 35 American species or varieties about one half occur in this country, to which must
be added one straggler from Europe. There are some 25 Old World species.
Rails inhabit all temperate countries; they are remarkably distinguished by extreme nar-
rowness or compression of body, which enables them to thread a way through the closest reeds
and rushes of marshes where they always live. They are neither
swift nor vigorous on wing. When ilushed, a matter of some
difificulty, they fly in so feeble and vague a way that it is not
easy to understand how they make the extensive migrations for
which, nevertheless, they are noted. They trust rather to their
legs than to their wings in avoiding pursuit or escaping danger;
probably no birds are more accomplished pedestrians. There is
generally, if not always, a slight membrane at base of the toes,
but nothing amounting even to semipalmation ; nevertheless,
Fig. 596. — Carolina Rail. (From some species swim short distances with ease. While not ex-
Tenuey, after Wilson.) ^^^-^^ gregarious, siuce they do not go in flocks that are actuated
by a common impulse and the instinct of socialism, they nevertheless, through community of
tastes and wants, frequent in immense numbers the marshes. Where they breed, and where
they appear during migration, particularly the autumnal, the marshes appear full-stocked with
them. Their cries are loud, dry, and harsh ; in spring-time the marshes resound. They
scream piteously when wounded and caught, and fight as well as they can M'ith their strong
claws. Their food consists of all sorts of aquatic animals small enough to be swallowed —
little crabs, snails and other small moUusks, grubs, worms, and insects. They probably all
live at times, and in a measure at least, upon the seeds and tender shoots of aquatic plants.
They lay many light-colored but much-spotted, oval or elliptical eggs, in a rude flat nest, built
of sticks, rush-stalks, or grasses, upon the ground. The young, of which more than one
brood may be annually raised, are generally black in the downy state, whatever the color of
adults. They appear to be of somewhat nocturnal habits, and probably migrate mostly by
night. The flesh of some of our species is esteemed good eating, and great numbers are annu-
ally destroyed for the table, in the fall, when they are generally very fat.
RAL'LUS. (Low Lat. rallus, a rail, from rasle, rale, a rattling cry.) Rails. Marsh
Hens. Bill longer than head, slender, compressed, decurved, with long nasal groove extend-
ing beyond middle of bill. Nostrils linear, sub-basal. Hind toe not half as long as tarsus;
the latter not longer than middle toe and claw. Wings, tail, and legs as in Eallinte at large.
Plumage variegated above, plain below, excepting conspicuously barred flanks, and lining of
wings and tail. Sexes alike ; young little different. Swamps and marshes exclusively. Eggs
numerous, buff and spotted. Very clamorous in breeding season. We have 3 perfectly good
species (and a fourth reaching the Texan border), and several others which are not so good,
the nomenclature of which has incessantly shifted of late years. I present the following list in
strict accordance with tlie 2d edition of the A. O. U. List, 1896, without feeling assured that
the names of all the species or subspecies here given will survive the next effort to readjust
them to the facts in the case. All changes made since the 2d edition of the Key, 1884, are
duly noted.
Analysis 0/ Species and Subspecies.
Large : length 12.00 or more ; wing 5.00 or more ; bill 2.00 or more.
Flanks gray, witli narrow white bars. Above, olive-brown, olive-gray, or quite blackish, without chestnut on
wings ; below, pale rufous or ashy. {Clapper Bails.)
rallid.e—rallinjE: rails and crakes.
853
Upper parts olive-brown obscurely varied with olive-gray edges of the feathers ; below with little rufous.
West Indies and Mexico, to Texas only longirostrU caribbaus
Atlantic coast of the U. S. at large crepitans
Louisiana only crepitans saturatus
Upper parts olive-gray, with obscure dark stripes ; below, breast quite rufous. Pacific coast . . obsoletus
Upper parts quite blackish, with little grayish variegation. Florida scotti
Flanks dusky, with broad white bars. Above, variegated with olive-brown and blackish ; wing-coverts quite
chestnut; below, rich rufous. {King Rails.)
Wing 6.00 or more ; tarsus over 2.00. Eastern U. S etegans
Wing scarcely G.OO ; tarsus under 2.00. Lower California bddingi
Small : length under 12.00 ; wing under 4.50 ; bill under 2.00.
Colors as in elegnns virginianus
R. longiros'tris caribbae'us. (Lat. longirostris, long-billed ; caribhceus, of the Caribbaean
Islands or Lesser Antilles.) Caribbkan Clappeu Rail. Above, dull brown and olive-gray
in about equal amounts; breast dull cinnamon; flanks and axillaries grayish -brown, with
narrow white bars, about 0.10 wide. Size of the common Clapper; bill the same in size and
shape. West Indies and Gulf Coast of Mexico, N. to Galveston and Corpus Christi, Texas.
This is the Antillean and northern form of true R. longirostris of South America, differing
mainly in size and shape of the bill ; for in longirostris proper, notwithstanding the name, the
bill is the shortest in this group of " Clapper" Rails, from 1.90 to 2.10 along culmen, averag-
ing not over 2.00, almost straight, and comparatively stout, with a squarish cross-section at
base, and greatest width across its under edge ; depth at base at least 0.35-0.40. This char-
acter of tlie bill is tlie basis of R. crassirostris Lawr. 1861, a synonym of longirostris proper.
The northern form barely reaches our Texan border, and is not found on tlie Athiutic coast.
R. longirostris caribceus (read caribhceus) Ridgw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, July, 1880, p. 140;
not admitted in the Key, 2d and .'M eds. 1884-87 ; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 905 ; A. 0. U.
List, 2ded. 1895, No. [211.2].
R. cre'pitaus. (Lat. crepitans, crepitating, clattering. Fig. 597.) Clapper Rail. Com-
mon Clapper. Marsh Clapper. Salt-water Marsh-hen. Sedge-hen. Meadow-
hen. Mud-hen. Adult ^ 9 '■ Above, variegated with dark olive-brown and pale olive-ash,
the latter edging the feath-
ers, the variegation dull
and blended. Below, pale
dull ochrcy-brown, whiten-
ing on throat, frequently
ashy -shaded on breast,
without decided cinnamon-
brown shade. Flanks, ax- "!J*Ti
illars, and lining of wings
fiiscous-gray, with sharp
narrow wliite bars. Quills
and tail plain dark brown,
without chestnut on cov-
erts. Eyelids and short
superciliary line whitish. . ^-^^^-r^S^—^'
The general tone is that
. Fio 597. — Clapper Rail, reduced. (Altered from LewiB.)
(if a grnij bird, without
any rcddishncis. Yuung tnostly soiled wliitish below; when just from the egg entirely sooty-
l.hick. Length 14.00-lG.OO; extent about 20.00; wing 5.00-(J.00; tail 2.00-2.50; bill 2.0()-
2. .50; tarsus 1.07-2.00; middle toe and claw 2.00-2.. '3:}. 9 smaller tlian the ^. Salt marslies
i)f Atlantic and Gulf States, extremely abundant .southerly ; N. regularly to the middle districts.
sometimes to Ma.'^sachusett.s. Resident frnm New Jersey southward. Breeds from Connecticut
southward, and in profusion in marshes of the Carolinas, etc., where its clattering is abnost
854 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PAL UDICOLJ^ — RALLI.
incessant during the mating season. Nest a rude platform of reeds and grasses just out of the
water. Eggs 6-15, averaging 1.67 X 1-1~, whitish, creamy, or buff, variously speckled and
blotched with reddish-brown, with a few obscure lavender marks. This is the original and
only genuine " Clapper" Rail, B. crepitans Gm. 1788, and of most authors, identified in the
Key, 1st ed. 1872, p. 273, with B. longirostris Bodd. 1783. R. longirostris crepitans Ridgw.
Bull'. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1880, p. 140 ; Coues, Key, 2d and 3d eds. 1884-87, p. 672; A. 0. U.
List, 1st ed. 1886, No. 2J I ; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 137 ; B. crepitans Sennett, Auk, April,
1889, p. 165; CoUES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 905; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 211.
R. c, wayne'i. (To Arthur T. Wayne, of Mt. Pleasant, S. C.) Wayne's Clapper Rail.
Similar to crepitans; general color darker; under paits more ashy; under tail -coverts with
fewer markings. North Carolina to Florida; evidently a connecting link with the next.
Brewster, Proc. N. E. Zool. Club, i, June 9, 1899, p. 50; Auk, Oct. 1899, p. 339.
R. scot'ti. (To W. E. D. Scott, who discovered it.) Florida Clapper Rail. Scott's
Clapper. Black Clapper. Above, sooty-blackish, only slightly varied with olive-gray
edgings of the feathers ; below, dark gray with more or less cinnamon tinge ; axillaries and
flanks slate-gray, distinctly barred with white. Size of crepitans proper, from which distin-
guished by its blackishness, in which respect it agrees with various other Floridan birds.
Salt marshes of W. Florida. B. longirostris scottii Sennett, Auk, July, 1888, p. 305; B.
scottii Id. ibid. Apr. 1889, p. 166; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 905; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, No. 2n. 1.
R. c. satura'tus. (Lat. saturatus, saturated, satiated, i. e. dark-(!olored.) Louisiana Clap-
per Rail. In general similar to crepitans; above, olive-gray or ashy, broadly striped with
brownish-black; breast dull cinnamon. "Louisiana": probably untenable even as a sub-
species. B. longirostris saturatus Henshaw, MS. Ridgw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1880,
p. 140; Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 672; A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886, No. 211 a; Ridgw.
Man. 1887, p. 137. B. crepitans saturatus Sennett, Auk, Apr. 1889, p. 166; Coues, Key,
4th ed. 1890, p. 905; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 211 a.
R. obsole'tus. (Lat. obsoletus, obsolete ; referring to the markings of the upper parts in
comparison with those of B. elegans.) California Clapper Rail. Back and scapulars
grayish-olive, indistinctly striped with dusky ; breast deep cinnamon. General aspect of crepi-
tans, but quite reddish below. Wing 6.50; bill 2.25-2.50, its least depth 0.33; tarsus 2.10-
2.25. Salt marshes of the Pacific coast, N. to Oregon and probably to Washington, S. to
Lower California. B. elegans var. obsoletus Ridgw. Am. Nat. viii, 1871, p. Ill ; B. obsoletus
Ridgw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1880, p. 139; Man. 1887, p. 137; A. 0. U. Lists, 1st and
2d eds. 1886 and 1895, No. 210; Sennett, Auk, Apr. 1889, p. 166. B. longirostris obsoletus
Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 672, probably in error. This is one of the best marked
forms, which may be said, in short, to be like crepitans above and elegans below, and left to
stand by itself.
R. le'vipes. (Lat. Zrcm or Zeas, smooth ; pes, foot.) Light-footed Rail. Described as
much smaller than cither obsoletus or beldingi, with slenderer bill. Darker above than obso-
letus; breast and sides of neck cinnamon-rufous instead of grayish-cinnamon ; ground color of
flanks darker ; superciliary streak white instead of rusty. From beldingi it is said to differ in
having the back less streaked ; breast less pinkish or salmon C(dnred ; flanks browner, without
dusky bars bordering the broader white ones ; and white instead of rusty superciliary streak.
A gray postocular patch. Newport Landing, Los Angeles Co., Cal. Bangs, Proc. N. E.
Zool. Club, i, June 5, 1899, p. 45; Auk, Oct. 1899, p. 3-39.
R. e'legans. (Lat. elegans, choice.) King Rail. Great Red-breasted Rail. Fresh-
water Marsh-hen. With a general resemblance to crepitans, but larger and much more
brightly colored. Adult ^ 9 • Above, distinctly streaked with brownish-black and tawny-olive,
the darker color being the central field of each feather ; becoming rich chestnut on wing-coverts,
RALLIDjE — RALLIX.E : RAILS AND CRAKES.
855
and plain dark brown on hind-neck and top of head. Below, rich rufous or cinnamon -red,
brightest on breast, fading on throat and belly ; a line of the same over eye, and dusky line
through eye ; h)wer eyelid white. Flanks and lining of wings blackish, broadly and distinctly
barred with white; some of the crissal feathers similar. Specimens vary much iu richness of
tints and distinctness of markings, but tiie rcddi.-li and .>in.iky liiUc i.- aiw.iu- ';'.i;j .Ulicifiit
from tiie dull blended colors uUrepitnm. Length 17.(M)-l!l.(M> ; extent il.-UKMJo.CM); wing <).(K)-
7.(M»; bill 2. l()-'J.r)(); tarsus t*.;«) ; middle toe and claw about the .same. Kasteru V. S., mther
southerly, Te.\-as to the Middl<' St:ii.'< n';:nl;irly. N.w Kul'Imh.I and Dutaii.. .Msually: in the
856 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —PALUDICOL.E— RALLI.
interior to Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Winters in the
South. Inhabits preferably swamps and marslies above tide-water. Nesting siniihir to that
of crepitans; eggs not distinguishable.
R. bel'dingi. (To Lyman Belding.) Bblding's Rail. Most like B. elegans, but darker
and richer colored throughout, the white bars of the flanks much narrower, the blackish bars
very distinct. Wing 5.70; tail 2.50; bill 2.15; tarsus 1.90. Lower California, La Paz,
Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California. Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. v, 1882, p. 345 ; Key,
3d ed. 1887, p. 888; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886 and 1895, No. 209.
R. virginia'nus. (Fig. 598.) VIRGINIA Rail. Little Red-breasted Rail. Small
Mud-hen. Coloration exactly as in elegans, of which it is a perfect miniature. Length 8.50-
10.50; extent about 14.00; wing 400, always under 4.50; tail 1.50; bill 1.35-1.65; tarsus
1.25-1.50; middle toe and claw 1.50-1.75. Temperate N««rth America, chiefly eastern U. S.,
migratory, abundant, both in fresh and salt marshes. Breeds commonly in New England and
corresponding latitudes; winters in Southern States chiefly and S. to Cuba and Guatemala.
Although a regular migrant along the Atlantic coast, it never occurs in such immense num-
bers as the Carolina Rail. Eggs like those of elegans in color, but much smaller about
1.25 X 0.95. They agree in size nearly with those of Porzana Carolina, but the latter are
greenish or drab or deep bufl", not bufl'y white or creamy. The bird is well known to gun-
ners, who always distinguish it tVom the King Rail and the Clapper, but sometimes call it by
the name of the former, with some qualifying term, and sometimes stoutly maintain that it is
the male of the Carolina Rail.
PORZA'NA. (Ital. porzana, Venetian name of P. porzana.) Crakes. Bill shorter or not
longer than head, stout, high and compressed at base, tapering, obtuse ; nasal fossae ample.
Nostrils linear-oblong, near middle of bill. Otherwise generally as in Ballus; hind toe longer.
Tarsus moderately shorter than middle toe and claw. Plumage of upper parts spotty as well
as streaky. Small. Sexes alike; young different. The tliree North American species are
very different (subgenerically), but Carolina closely resembles p)orzana of Europe.
Analysis of Subgenera and Species.
Small : length 8.00 or more ; wing over 4.00. {Subgenus Porzana.)
Adult with face gray and breast spotted. (European straggler) porzana
Adult with face black and breast dark slate-gray, not spotted Carolina
Smaller : length about 0.50 ; wing 3.00 or more ; yellowish-brown, barred with white. (Subgenus Coturnicops)
noreboracensis
Smallest : length about 5.50 ; wing scarcely 3.00 ; blackish, speckled with white and chestnut. {Subgenus Cbeciscus)
jamaicensis
P. porza'na. EUROPEAN Spotted Crake. Adult ^ 9 • Above, dark reddish-brown
shaded with olive ; hind-neck finely dotted, other upper parts spotted and shortly striped with
white, and marked with blackish ; no white edging of inner secondaries. Below, slate-gray,
fading to whitish on belly, breast spotted and flanks narrowly barred with white, crissum buff,
upper throat not blackish. Quills and tail dark olive-brown. Iris reddish-brown ; bill orange,
red at base and dusky at tip; legs yellowish-green, livid on joints. Length about 8.50; wing
4.50; tail 2.00; bill 0.85; tarsus 1.45; middle toe and claw 1.75. Young have the chin wliit-
ish. Europe. Only North American as occurring in Greenland. (P. maruetta of former
editions of the Key, — the usual name.) See Auk, 1889, p. 217.
P, caroli'na. (Figs. 599, 600.) CAROLINA Crake. CAROLINA Rail. Common Rail.
Little American Water-hen. Chicken-billed Rail. Meadow^ Chicken. Rail-
bird. SoRA. SoREE. "Ortolan." Above, olive-brown, varied with black, with numer-
ous sharp white streaks and specks ; flanks, axillars, and lining of wings barred with white
and blackish ; belly whitish; crissum rufescent. Adult J 9- Face and central line of throat
black ; rest of throat, line over eye, and especially breast, more or less intensely slate-gray :
RALLIDjE — RAILING: RAILS AND CRAKES.
857
sides of breast usually also with some obsolete whitish barring and speckling. Young: "Without
this black, throat whitish, breast brown. Chicks : Blackish, the down bristling with jet, and a
beard of orange bristles on the throat. Length 8.00-9.00; extent 12.00-1:3.00 ; wing 4.00-
■Caii.lii.a K.iil.
4. .')(); tail abnnt'J.OO; bill (Ldz-O.?"); tarsus I .:{.•{; niiddlf t...- an.l claw I.(i7. 'r.Mniu-mto North
America, exceedingly abundant during the migration in tlie roedy swamps of the Atlantic
States, in August and September, wlirn tens of tliousands atr Uill''d .•v.iv y.;ir. Hrcc.l.s
858
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PALUDICOLM — RALLI.
from the Middle States and corresponding latitudes northward, less common on Pacific than
Atlantic coast ; winters in Illinois, California, and Southern States, even to South America ;
taken in Greenland and Europe
'm^mi
Via. GOO. — Carolina Rail. (From Lewis.)
The eggs are spotted like those of the foregoing
lialli, but are readily-
distinguished by their
strong drab ground-
color instead of the
white or creamy and
pale butty of the for-
mer. They are rather
smaller than those of
It. rirginianus, and
perhaps more obtuse,
measuring ubout 1.20
by 0.90 ; the number
Aaries from 8 to J 5.
This is the Rail of
sportsmen. It is also
called sora or soree ;
the word is colloquial
and local ; soree seems
to be the older form ;
it is used by Thomas
Jefterson, and goes
back to Catesby, 1731,
but sora is commoner now, though I have always heard both spoken ; origin and meaning
unknown. The word ortolan has a curious connection with this .species. It is Italian and
French, equal to the Latin Jiortulanus, relating to a garden: the true Ortolan is Emberiza
liortulana, a European Bunting, esteemed a great delicacy by gourmets ; and our Crake has
been called "ortolan" for no better reason than that it is also edible and sapid! The same
name is frequently applied to the Bobolink or Reed-bird, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, because it is
found abundantly in the same marshes in fall, and sells in the same restaurants as the same
bird as tlie Rail, the two being brought in together by gunners.
P. noveboracen'sis. (Low Lat. of Novehoracum: i. e. New York.) Yellow Crake or
Rail. Adult ^ 9 • Above, streaked with blackish and brownish-yellow, thickly marked with
narrow white semicircles and transverse bars. Below, pale brownish-yellow fading on belly,
deepest on breast, where many feathers are dark tipped ; flanks blackish with numerous white
bars; crissum varied with black, white, and rufous. Lining of wings and their secondaries
white. A brownish-yellow superciliary line, and dark transocular stripe. Small : Length
6.00-7.00; wing about 3.25; tail 1.50; bill 0..50; tarsus 0.87; middle toe and claw 1.12.
Eastern North America chiefly, not abundant; N. to Nova Scotia and Hudson's Bay, but sel-
dom observed in New England N. of Massachusetts, or W. of the Mississippi Valley from
Texas to Minnesota, though it has been taken in Utah, Nevada, and California; but it is not
common, is very secretive like other Rails, readily eludes observation, and its distribution may
be more general than it is known to be ; it winters in the Southern States, the Bermudas, and
Cuba. Eggs about 6, perhaps up to 12, warm, buffy-brown, marked mostly at the great end
witli reddisli -chocolate dots and spots; 1.15 X 0.85 to 1.05 X 0.80; shape as in the foregoing.
P. jainaicen'sis. (Of Jamaica.) Little Black Crake or Rail. Adult ^ 9 = Upper
parts blackish, linely speckled and barred with white, hind neck and fore back dark chestnut,
with similar white markings. Head and under parts dark slate color, the lower belly, flanks,
RALLIDJE—GALLINULIN.E: GALLINULES. 859
aud under wing- and tail-coverts barred with w'hite. Quills and tail-feathers with white spots.
Young : Similar, paler below than the adults, whitening on the throat, and top of head rather
brownish than blackish. Chicks in down said to be entirely blackish. Very small : Length
5.00-6.00; wing 2.7.5-3.00; tail 1.35; tarsus 0.80; bill 0.50. Central America and the West
Indies, not often found in the U. S., being one of our rare birds; although its secretiveness and
small size are doubtless responsible in part for its rarity. Observed N. to Massachusetts,
southern Ontario, northern Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oregon, thus extending
across to the Pacific. There are breeding records for Kansas and Illinois as well as for the
Atlantic States. Eggs from New Jersey and Connecticut are altogether different from those of
the Sora, or of the Yellow Crake, being creamy-wliite, sprinkled all over with fine dots of rich,
bright reddish-brown, and with a few spots of some size at the great end; most like the more
finely speckled examples of the eggs of the large Ralli; dimensions 1.05 X 0.80; number
6-9 or more.
P. j. coturni'culus. (Lat. dim. of coturnix, a quail.) Farallone Black Cuake. Like
the last; rather smaller, wing 2.50; more uniform in color, back without white specks. Far-
allone Islands, coast of California, <Mie specimen ; perhaps astray from the Galapagos Islands.
In any event, the status of the alleged subspecies is dubious among North American birds.
CREIX. (Gr. (cpe'l, krex, Lat. crex, a crake; referring to the creaking notes.) Land Rails.
General ciiaracter of Forzana. Wings much longer, folding nearly to end of tail. Tarsus
relatively shorter. Bill stouter, with an angle at gonys. Tail pointed, with narnjw rectrices.
Plumage above streaky, but not spotty ; lining of wings unmarked.
C. crex. European Land Rail. Corn Crake. Daker-hen. Adult $ 9 : Upper
parts blackish-brown, variegated with brownish-yellow; wing-coverts both above and below
rusty-reddish or chestnut; quills rufous-brown. Below, drab or brownish of varying tone,
more whitish on throat and belly; flanks and crissum barred with reddish -brown and white.
Line over eye like under parts; a dark .stripe thn)Ugh eye. Bill, eyes, and legs pale brown.
Length 10.00-10.50; wing 5..50-r).00 ; tail 2.00; bill 0.80-1.00; tarsus 1. GO. Europe; casual
in Greenland, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Maine, New York, New Jersey, and the Bermudas.
(Wedderh. Zool. 1849, p. 2.501; Cass. Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1855, p. 265 ; Reinh. Ibis,
1861, p. 11 ; Bu. Am. Journ. Sci. xli, 1866, p. 339; Freke, Zool. v, 1881, p. 374: see also,
for records since 2d ed. of the Key, Forest and Stream, xxii, 1884, p. 44 and p. 303 ; Auk, 1886,
p. 4:35; 1888, p. 177; 1896, p. 173; 1899, p. 75). {C. pratensis of former eds. of the Key —
the usual name.)
Subfamily CALLINULIN/E : Callinules.
Forehead shielded by a broad, bare, Itorny plate, a prolongation and expansion of the
culmen. Bill otherwise much as in the shorter-billed Rails or Crakes, like Porzana, but gen-
erally stouter, in some species extremely deep and heavy; general form much the same, though
the body is not so compressed ; toes long, simple, or slightly margined. Gallinules are
Rail-like birds, of similar habits, inhabiting marshes ; they agree with Coots in possessing a
frontal shield, but the feet are not lobate, nor is the body depressed, and the species swim no
better than Rails. Though quite distinct from Fulicincc, the Gdllinidincc shade directly into
the lidUincc, so that recognition of the subfamily is somewhat conventional ; but most of the
species are well marked by the frontal shield, which is hardly approached by any Rails or
Crakes, and the grouping of such birds together is a practical convenience. Among the Gal-
linules are some of the most interesting and notable birds of the Ralline type, as already
remarked upon ; some of the richest and most elegant C(doration, as the Hyacinths, Porphyrios,
or Sultanas. GalUcrex cinercn is carunculate as well as galeate. In its current acceptation,
the subfamily contains aliout 30 species still livinir in various parts of the world, besides some
extinct ones, the whole bciuir rf t'crred to 12 or more genera; two of which, very distinct from
each otlier, occur in North America.
860
S YSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — PALUDICOL/E — RA LLI.
GALLI'NULA. (Lat. gallinula, dimin. of gallina, a hen.) Gallinules. Moor-hens.
Water-hens. Mud-hens. Bill not longer than head, stout at base, tapering, compressed,
the c'ulmen running directly up
on forehead and expanding into
a frontal plate of different shape
in different species. Nostrils
near middle of bill, linear. Feet
large and stout ; tibiae naked be-
low; tarsus shorter than middle
toe without claw, moderately
compressed, scutellate, but retic-
ulate on inner posterior part;
toes very long, outer longer than
inner, with an evident though
slight marginal membrane ;
claws long, slender, little curved,
acute. Wings short and rounded,
but ample. Tail very short, of
12 weak feathers, with long am-
ple under coverts, as in Rails.
Plumage not rich blue, etc Sev-
eral species of various countries.
a. galea'ta. (Lat. galeata,
lielmeted. Fig. 602.) COMMON
American Gallinule. Flor-
ida Gallinule. Red-billed
Mud-hen. Adult $ ?,: Head,
neck, and under parts grayish-
Idaek, darkest on the former,
jialer or whitening on belly.
Back brownish-olive. Wings
and tail dusky ; crissum, edge
of wing, outer web of 1st pri-
mary, and stripes on tianks,
white. Bill, frontal plate, and
ring round tibia red, the former
tipped with yellow ; tarsi and toes greenish, the joints bluish ; eyes red or brown. Young :
Similar, but lacking bright colors of bill and legs, the former simply greenisli or brownish ;
under parts extensively whitish, and consequently the white flank-stripes unmarked ; frontal
shield undeveloped ; chicks in down black, jetty above and sooty below, with silvery beards.
Length 12.00-14.00; extent 20.00-22.00 ; wing 6.50-7.50 ; tail 3.00; gape of bill about 1.50;
the culmen and frontal shield together about 1.75 when full grown: tarsus 2.25. S. Atlantic
and Gulf Stales, resident and abundant coastwise. N. in summer to New England, Ontario,
Minnesota, etc., and on the Pacific side to San Francisco ; West Indies, Bermuda, Central
America, and much of South America. Nidification exactly that of the coot (beyond). Eggs
8-12-14, 1.75 X 1.20, buff or brown of variable shade, spotted with dark brown. This is a
well-known bird of the marshes, with a great number of local names, too much mixed up
with those of Rails and Coots to be worth spreading on my page; it is occasionally called
^' King Ortalan," but with most natives passes for a Mud-hen.
Fig. f)01. — Purple Gallinule. (L. A. Fuertes.)
RALLID^ — FULICIN^: COOTS. 861
lONOR'NIS. (Gr. Xov, ion, a violet; opwy, ornis, a bird; alluding to the rich blue color.)
Sultana Gallinliles. Hyacinths. Pohphyrios. General character of (zaZZumZa ; bill
very stout and high, shorter tliau head, the small nostrils near its middle, oval. Tarsi longer
than in Gallinula, in comparison with the toes, and scutellate on inner posterior aspect. Toes
Fio. 602. — Florida GalUnule. (L. A. Fuertes.)
without lateral margins. Plumage beautiful with rich blue, etc. A small genus of two
American species, closel}' related to the larger genus Porphyria, which contains several Old
World species of Purple Water-hens or Sultanas.
I. marti'nica. (Of Martinique. Fig. 601.) PuRPLK Gallinule. Adult (^ 9 : Head,
neck, and under parts beautiful purj)lish-blue, blackening ou belly ; sides and lining of wings
bluish-green; crissum white. Above, olivaceous green, cervix and wing-coverts tinted with
blue. Quills and tail-feathers blackish, glossed on outer webs with greenish. Frontal shield
blue; bill carmine, tipped with yellow; legs yellow. The frontal shield is obovate, with a
point behind. Young with head, neck, and lower back brownish ; under parts mostly white,
mixed witli ochrey. Length 12.00-14.00; extent about 22.00;
wing G..50-7.r)0 ; tail 2. .50-8.00; bill from gape about 1.25 ; along
culmen, and including frontal shield about 1.90, but very variable
in this measurement ; tarsus 2.25 or more ; middle toe and claw
about 3.00. S. Atlantic and Gulf States, N . casually to Nova
Scotia, New England, Ontario, Nebraska, Wisconsin, etc. ; resident
southerly. Also inhabits mucli of Central and South America,
and the West Indies. Eggs G-IO or more, creamy or very pale
buff, sparingly spotted and dotted with brown and neutral tint,
especially about the larger end ; 1.55 X 1-15.
Subfamiiy FULICIN/E: Coots.
Bill and frontal plate much as in Gallinules. Body depressed ;
under plumage thick and duck-like, to resist water. Feet highly
natatorial ; toes, including hinder, lobate, being furnished with
large setnicircidar membranous Haps. Coots are eminently aquatic
birds, swimn)ing with ease, by means of their lobate feet, like
Phalaropes and Grebes; but this ability results from very slight Fio. 603. - FronUl shield of
,.« . - , , , T» ., , .-, 11. 1 rni a species of Coot,
moditication ot a structure shared by Hails and (Jallmules. There
are about 12 species, of both hemispheres, distinguished, among other characters, by size and
shape of the frontal shield. That figured (fig. 603) is of an exotic species, much larger thau
that oi Ftilica americana, and differently shaped. One species {F. cornuin) is remarkable for
862
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PALUDICOLjE — RA LLI.
having the forehead singularly carunculate ; in another (F. cristata) the shield is corrugated
into a crest ; the others more or less closely reseinhle ours.
FU'LICA. (Lat. fulica, or fulix, a coot, from the sooty color; fidigo, soot.) Character as
above. Tarsi shorter than middle toe, stout, very broadly scutellate. Nostrils linear, in a
broad fossa, toward middle of
bill. Tibiae bare below. Wings
moderate, rounded, the 2d and
3d quills usually longest. Tail
very short, 12-feathered. Plu-
mage dark slaty color; sexes
alike.
F. america'na. (Figs. 604,
005.) American Coot. Wa-
ter-hen. Mud-hen. Marsh-
hen. Moor-hen. Meadow-
hen. Pond-hen. Mud-coot.
White-billed Coot or Mud-
iiEN. Ivory - billed Coot.
White-bill. Hen-bill.
Crow-bill.
Pond - crow.
Fig. C04. — American Coot, nat. size. (L. A. Fueites.)
Sea-crow.
Crow - duck.
Flusterer.
Blue Peter.
Splatterer. Shuffler. Pelick. Pull-doo (Poule d'eau). Adult $ 9 : Dark
slate-color, paler or grayish below, blackening on head and neck, tinged with olive on the back.
Crissum, whole edge of wing, and tips of secondaries,
white. Quills dusky; outer edge of 1st primary
white. Tail blackish. Bill white or flesh-color,
marked with reddish-black near end and at base of
frontal plate; feet dull olivaceous or livid yellowish-
green; iris carmine ; claws black. Young similar,
paler and duller, with much white on under parts;
the shield undeveloped; the bill obscured with a
dingy shade, and without the reddisli spots. Length
14.00-16.00; extent 23.00-27.00; wing 7.00-8.00;
tail 2.00; bill from gape 1.25-1.50; tarsus about
2.00 ; middle toe and claw about 3.00. The frontal
plate is much smaller in this than in some other
species, in which it covers all the forehead ; it is said
to swell in the breeding season after a shrunken win-
ter state. Entire temperate North America, even to
Alaska and sometimes Greenland ; IMexico, Central
America, and West Indies ; abundant; breeds through-
out its range; migratory northerly ; resident in the
South. Inhabits during the breeding season, and
mostly at other times, reedy sloughs, pools, and slug-
gish streams, seeking safety in concealment rather
than by flight. Nesting most like that of Grebes ;
a hollowed heap of bits of dead reeds, just out of the
water, sometimes "floating" in the sense that the mass of broken-down reeds upon which it
rests lies on the water, but sometimes on dry ground a little away from water. Eggs about a
Fig. G05. — American Coot, riglit foot.
Fuertes.)
(L. A.
HERODIONES: HERONS AND THEIR ALLIES.
863
-dozen, 1.75-2.00 X 1.20-1.3.5, shaped like aa average hen's egg, clear clay-color, uniformly
and minutely dotted with dark brown and neutral tint, usually like pin-heads, sometimes in
larger blotches. The young hatch covered with black down, fantastically striped with bri"-ht
orange-red, the bill vermilion tipped with black.
F. a'tra. (Lat. ater, atra, atrum, black.) European Coot. Like the last: bill and frontal
shield entirely white; edge of wing and of 1st primary white, but no white on the crissum.
Europe, etc. ; only North American as casual in Greenland.
Order HERODIONES: Herons and their Allies.
Altricial Grallatores : including Herons, Storks, _ . _^^ — ^-^^
Ibises, Spoonbills, and related birds. The species
average of large size, some standing among the tall-
est of Carinate birds, with compressed body and ex-
tremely long neck and legs. The neck has usually
15-17 vertebrae, and is capable of very strong flexion
in S-shape. The tibise are naked below; the podo-
theca varies. The general pterylosis is peculiar, in
the presence, in central groups of this order, of pow-
der-down tracts, and in some other respects. The
oil-gland is present, and tufted. A part if not the
whole of the head is naked as a rule, as much of
the neck also frequently is. The toes, usually long
.and slender, are never fully webbed. The hallux is
more or less lengthened, and either little elevated, or
else perfectly insistent. A foot of insessorial character
results; the species frequently perch on trees, where
the nest is usually placed. The physiological nature
is altricial and usually psilopaedic ; the young hatch-
ing naked, unable to stand, and being fed in the nest.
The food is fish, reptiles, mollusks, and other animal
matters, generally procured by spearing with a quick
thrust of the bill, given as the birds stand in wait,
or stalk stealthily along ; hence they are sometimes
called Gradatores (stalkers). The bill normally rep-
resents the " cultirostral " pattern; it is as a rule of
lengthened wedge shape, hard and acute at end if not
hard throughout, with sharp cutting edges; enlarging
regularly to the l)ase, where the skull contracts gradu-
ally in sh)piiig down to meet it ; but deviations from
sucli typical shape are frequent and striking. It is
firmly affixed to the sknll, and always longer than the
head. The nostrils are small, elevated, surrounded
by bone and a horny sheath, with little if any soft
skin. The wings normally show a striking difference
from tlioso of Limicohe, in being long, broad, and arnph
usually having 12 rectrices.
The cranial characters, though varying to some extent, agree in several important re
apects : palatal structure desniognathous, but witliout keel alouij line of junction ; niaxillo
(From
)lc. The tail is short and fcw-fcatluTcd,
864 SYSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — IBIDES.
palatines large and spongy ; nasal bones typically holorhinal (schizorhinal in Ibides, in which,
also, the angle of the mandible is produced and recurved, being normally truncate). Sternum
ample, once or twice notched on each side behind ; cervical vertebrse numerous, usually 15-17.
The trachea and bronchi present some remarkable dispositions, but here and there only, such
conformations being therefore not characteristic of the order; carotids double (in Botaurus
(fig. 93) unique, as far as known, in uniting at once) ; intestinal coecum or two cceca present.
Different genera vary in the classificatory muscles of the leg, the ambiens, femorocaudal, and
its accessory being present or absent.
The group here noted corresponds to PeZrtr(7omor2)/t« of Huxley, Ciconiiformes of Garrod
(minus Cathartida; !), Grallatores altinares of Sundevall, and includes HerodicB, Pelargi, and
Hemiglottides of Nitzsch, — respectively the i^eron series, the Stork series, and the series of
Ibises and Spoonbills. The first of these differs more from the others than these do from one
another. As usual, there are certain outlying genera, types of families or subfamilies, the posi-
tion of which is not assured. But appearances are that the questionable forms will fall in one
or another of the three series indicated. All of these series, to be conventionally rated as sub-
orders or superfamilies, are represented in North America, where also all the families occur,
excepting Balcenicipitida: and Scopidce.
Suborder IBIDES : Ibis Series.
Skull schizorhinal ; angle of mandible produced and recurved ; no basipterygoids ; occip-
ital foramina. Ambiens, femorocaudal and accessory, semitendinosus and accessory, and post-
acetabular portion of tensor fascial, present ; pectoralis major simple ; biceps cubiti connected
with tensor patagii longus. Sternum double-notched on each, side; carotids double, normal;
2 cceca ; tufted oil-gland. Tongue extremely small. Plumage without powder-down ; feath-
ered tracts broad ; spinal pteryla not defined on back. Tarsi reticulate (rarely scutellate) ;
hallux not fairly insistent ; claws resting upon a horny "shoe;" inner edge of middle claw
scarcely pectinate. Side of upper mandible with a deep narrow groove for its whttle length ;
bill otherwise very differently shaped in the two families, Ibididce and Plataleidce, of which
this series consists.
Family IBIDID^ : Ibises.
Bill very long and slender, compressed-cylindric, curved throughout, deeply grooved
nearly or quite to tip, which is rather obtuse, not notched ; end of culmen rather broad and
depressed, in the rest of its extent the culmen narrow and rounded ; interramal space narrow,
acute, produced nearly to tip of bill. (Whole bill thus closely resembling a Curlew's; one
of our species is frequently called " Spanish Curlew.") Legs rather short (for Herodiones) .
Claws compressed, acute; the middle may be dilated and jagged, but is not fairly pectinate.
Hallux sub-insistent. Tarsi reticulate, or scutellate in front only. Anterior toes more or less
webbed at base. Pterylosis more or less completely Stork-like, lacking powder-down ; head
more or less extensively denuded. Birds of medium and large size (among Herodiones), long-
legged, long-necked, and small-bodied, with ample, more or less rounded wings, of which the
inner quills are very large ; tail very short, usually if not always of 12 broad rectrices. Chiefly
lacustrine and palustrine inhabitants of the warmer parts of the globe, feeding on fish, reptiles,
and other animals. Sexes alike; young diff'erent. There are about 32 species of Ibises, among
which minor details of form vary considerably, nearly every one of them having been made
type of some genus, according to shape of bill, character of head -feathering, condition of tai'sal
envelop, etc. Some 18 genera are now in use. The two leading modifications are, tarsus
entirely reticulate, and tarsus scutellate in front ; our genera illustrate the latter.
Obs. Our Wood " Ibis," so-called, is a Stork. See beyond, p. 869.
IBIDID.E: IBISES. 865
Analysis of Genera and Species.
Head bare on sides and beneath. Claws scarcely curved. Colors dark, metallic, greenish and chestnut . Pleoadis
Face without white feathers in adult (iiitumnalis
Face surrounded by white feathers in adult guarauna
Head extensively bare on front, sides, and beneath. Claws curved. Colors light, red or white GtiAEA
Adults white alba
Adults scarlet rubra
PLE'GADIS. (Gr. TrXTjydf, ^jie(7rts, a scytlie, sickle.) Glossy Ibises. Bill twice as long
as head, or more, regularly decurved ; both mandibles grooved on sides for their whole length ;
culmen prominent from near l)ase for most of its length, flattened and grooved on terminal two-
fifths; symphysis of lower mandible grooved to tip. Thus each mandible, toward end of bill,
has 3 grooves, one median and two lateral ; 6 in all. Nostrils linear, in advance of base of
upper mandible, in its lateral grooves. Frontal feathers sweeping with strongly convex out-
line across forehead, near but not quite at base of bill ; lores broadly naked, the bare space
embracing eyes; a pointed projection of feathers on side of lower mandible; another median
one advancing farther and more acutely on bare space of cliin, which is thus forked behind.
Tibiae bare for a distance equal to half or more of the length of tarsus ; mostly reticulate, but
with smooth bare skin for a space above iu front. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw,
reticulate, scutellate in front. Lateral toes unequal, inner shortest. Hind toe somewhat ele-
vated, without claw not half as long as middle toe without claw. Claws all long and slightly
curved ; inner edge of middle one dilated and cut three or four times, but without the regular
"comb" of a Heron's. Wings and tail ordinary, latter of 12 feathers. Colors dark glossy-
green and chestnut; bill and feet dark. Sexes alike; young different. Eggs whole-colored.
Three species, one cosmopolitan, two confined to America.
P. autumua'lis. (Lat. autumnal; auctiimnus or autumnus. RwXmnw, fall.) Glossy Ibis.
Bay Ibis. Green Ibis. Ord's Ibis. Liver. Adult $ 9 : No white feathers around
face. General color rich dark purplish-chestnut, opaque, changing on head, back, wings (ex-
cepting lesser coverts), and tail, to glossy dark purplish-green ; sides and lining of wings and
crissum dusky greenish ; primaries greenish-black. Bill blackish ; legs grayish-black ; iris
brown; bare skin of head slaty-blue. Young: Head, neck, and under parts grayish-brown,
the two former streaked with whitish ; upper parts glossy dusky-green. Downy young black-
ish, witli white coronal band ; bill yellowisli and black ; feet yellowish. Length about '2 feet;
extent about 3 feet ; wing 10.00-11.50 ; tail 4.00; bill 4.50-5.50; tibiae bare about 2.50; tarsus
3.50; middle toe and claw rather less. This bird is chiefly Old World, not common or regular
in America, found occasionally anywhere east of the Mississippi, especially coastwise and
southerly ; West Indies ; north casually to New England ; straggling also to Nebraska, Col-
orad(j, and Arizona. The next species is much more abundant in its proper range. Egg
rougher and heavier than that of a Heron, ovoidal, not elli])tical, greenish-blue, 1.90-2.10 X
about 1.48. P. falcinellus of 2d-4th eds. of Key. This falcincllus var. ordii, of 1st ed. ; Tan-
talus falcinellus Linn. 1760, unfortunately antedated by Tringa autumnalis Hasselq. 17()2.
A. O. U. No. 180.
P. guarau'iia. (Vox barb., S. Am.) WiiiTE-FACEn Glossy Ibis. Adult ^ : A wliite
margin (jf feathers surrounding bare space on head. Head otiierwise, neck, and entire under
parts of body, including tibia', rich purplish-chestnut, quite uniform on under parts, obscured
with dusky on head and nape, there iridescent with violet. Back and wings intensely irides-
cent with various metallic tints; back, wing-coverts, and iimer quills siiining witli vi(det,
green, and purple; scapulars more like under parts, being of a rich deep wine-red and less
lustrous tlian wing-coverts. Primaries green, with brassy or almost golden lustre. Kump,
U|>p('r tail-coverts and tail chiefly green, but with various violet and purple reflections ; lower
tail-coverts similar, contrasting with chestnut of belly. Lining of wings brassy-green, like
primaries ; axillars violet, like upper wing-coverts. Bare facial area lake-red, drying tlingy ;.
55
866 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. - HERODIONES — IBIDES.
bill blackish, reddening toward end; legs and feet dnsky-reddish ; claws blackish; iris red.
Length 2:^.00-24.00; extent 38.00-40.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail 3.75-4.25; bill 5.00-5.50;
tibia? bare 2.50; tarsus 3.75; middle toe and claw 3.25; inner do. 2.50; onter do. 2.90; hind
do. 1.60. 9 similar, averaging smaller; length 21-50; extent 36.00, etc In this beautiful
«pecies, the feathers sweep down on forehead with regular convexity, nearly but not quite to
base of culmen, thence retreating around back of eye, wliich is wholly in bare skin, then run-
ning forward to a point on side of lower mandible ; retreating again, then running forward in
a point on middle line of chin, farther than on jaw or forehead ; there being thus enclosed, on
each side of head, a broad naked space, widest forward, narrowing behind to embrace eye ; and
between rami of jaw another bare space, forked behind to receive projecting feathers of chin,
not quite separated from bare loral space, because feathers on side of jaw stop a little short of
hard base of mandible. Young, first plumage (with traces of down still) : Remarkably lus-
trous. Plumage entirely green; legs black; bill blacki.sh, irregularly blotched or regularly
banded with pinkish- white. This green unieolor plumage, so-called thalassinus of liidgway,
is retained till full growth, gradually giving way through a brownish or grayish to the purple-
•chestnut and iridescent plumage. Chicks hatcli clothed in black down, with whitish bill.
Southwestern U. S., especially Texas; E. to Florida (breeding); N. to Kansas and Colorado;
W. through New Mexico and Arizona to California, Wyoming, Oregon, and casually to British
Columbia; Lower California; S. through tropical America. Swarming by thousands at some
points along the Rio Grande. Nests in vast ibiseries with various Herons, in beds of reeds and,""
Fig. cot. — White Ibis. (L. A. Fuertes.)
rushes, rising in air by " hundreds of acres " when a gun is fired. Nest strongly and compactly
woven of dead reeds, affixed by twining to T)roken down or upright living ones, about a foot in
diameter and nearly as deep, well cupped, thus unlike the frail platform Herons build. Eggs
3-4, rarely 5, deep bluish-green, not elliptical, from 1.72 X 1-30 to 2.20 X 1-50, averaging
1.99 X 1-42.
GUA'RA. (Vox barb., S. Am.) White and Scarlet Ibises. General character of
Plegudis. Face more denuded (whole chin bare in adults). Claws stout, obtuse, curved.
Plumage not metallic. Color white or red ; wings black-tipped. Eggs spotted. {Eudocimus
of 2d-4th eds. of Key. Guara Reich. 18.52.)
O. al'ba. (Lat. white. Fig. 607.) White Ibis. "Spanish Curlew." Adult (J 9 :
Plumage pure white; tips of several outer primaries glossy black. Bare face, most of bill,
and legs orange, red, or carmine ; bill tipped with dusky ; iris pearly blue. Length about
26.00; extent 40.00; wing 11.50-12.50; tail 5.00; bill 5.00-7.00; tarsus 3.50; middle toe and
claw 2.50. Sexes alike; 9 averaging smaller. Young: Dull brown, rump, base of tail, and
under parts white; bare parts of head of less extent, yellowish, bill the same; legs bluish ;
iris brown. Younger: Dull brown all over, M'ith whitish rump and gray tail. S. Atlantic
And Gulf States, S. to West Indies and South America, N. to the Ohio, rarely to the IMiddle
IBIDID.E: IBISES.
867
States, casually to New England and S. Dakota ; W. to Utah and Lower California ; resident in
Florida. Breeds in communities by thousands in tangle and brake and tule of the south coast ;
nest similar to that above described, but of twigs, etc. Eggs 3-5, 2.25 X 1.00, dull chalky
winte, blotched and spotted with pale yellowish and dark reddish-brown. (Eudocimus albus
of 2d-4th eds. of Key ; Guam alba, A. O. U. No. 184.)
G. ru'bra. (Lat. red.) Scarlet Ibis. Adult ^ ? : Plumage scarlet ; tips of several outer
primaries glossy black. Bare parts of head, bill, and legs pale lake-red. Young : Brownish-
K,.r.4.
(From Brehm.)
gray, darker above, paler or whitish below. Size and proportions nearly as in alba. This
splendid bird, wliose feathers are prized by anglers for making Hies, is a native of Tropical
America: casual or very rare in the U. S. (Seen at a distance, not procured, Louisiana, July,
1821, Audubon; fragment of a specimen examined, Los Pinos, N. AL, on the Rio Grande, June,
1864, Coues; "Florida," si)ecimen in Museum of Charleston College, S. C., Brewster: Wet
Mts., Colorado, May, 187(5, W. P. Loice, Auk, 1804, p. :324 ; W. W. Cooke, Bull. 37, Agric.
VnW. of Colorado, 18!»7, j). (iO. But the Arkan.><aw River record in Auk, July, 18i»7, p. 31«). is a
mistake. "A small Hock" is re])orted from old l'^)rt Lowell, Arizona, //. Brown, Auk. July,
JSDO, p. 27(1.) Eiidocimi's ruber of 2d-4th eds. of Key ; Guam rubra, A. 0. U. No. [185].
868 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. —HERODIONES— CICGNIjE.
Family PLATALEID^ : Spoonbills.
Bill long, flat, remarkably widened, rounded, and spoon-shaped at end. Birds of this
group are known at a glance, by singularity of bill ; they closely resemble IhididcE in structure
and habit, being simply spoon-billed Ibises. Three genera, with 6 species, of various coun-
tries. The American Ajaja differs notably from type of Platalea, having trachea simple, bi-
furcating into bronchi high in neck ; bronchi with fusiform, partly membranous dilatation before
entering thorax. In Platalea leucorodia (fig. 608) the trachea is peculiarly convoluted within
the thorax.
Aja'ja. (Vox barb., S. Am.) AMERICAN Spoonbills. Character as above said. In
addition : Head entirely bald, in adult. Throat somewhat pouched. Nostrils basal, linear-
oblong. Tibiae and tarsi reticulate with hexagonal plates. Toes semipalmate ; hind toe well
down. Tail of 12 feathers. Bill broader than head at greatest width of the spoon; lateral
groove the whole length of upper mandible ; nail at end of bill ; much of bill rugous and skinny.
Kecurved tuft of feathers on fore-neck below. Colors white and red. Sexes alike ; young dif-
ferent. One species.
A. aja'ja. Roseate Spoonbill. Adult ^ 9 '■ White ; back and wings delicate rose-color ;
under parts more rosy ; plumes of lower fore-neck, lesser wing-coverts, upper and under tail-
coverts, rich carmine ; shafts of wing- and tail-feathers carmine. Tail brownish-yellow, and
a patch of same color on sides of breast. Bald head varied with green, yellow, orange, and
black; bill varied with greenish, bluish, yellowish, and blackish tints; legs lake red; iris car-
mine; claws blackish. Length of ^ 31.00-35.00; extent 50.00-55.00; wing 15.00-16.00 j
tail 4.00-5.00; bill 7.00, 2.00 or more across the spoon; tibia bare 3.00; tarsus 4.00; middle
toe and claw 3.. 50; hind do. 2.00. 9 smaller; length 30.00 or less; extent 48 00. Young:
Head mostly feathered ; general color white, more or less tinged with pink on wings, tail, and
belly; outer border of wings dark brown; more white and rosy 2d j'ear ; full plumage 3d.
Weight of adults 3 or 4 pounds. This bird, so singular in form and njagnificent in color, in-
habits the Gulf States, and most of South America ; resident in southern Florida, but numbers
much lessened by persecution ; N. to the Carolinas; casually to southern Hlinois, Colorado, and
California. Breeds in communities in trees and bushes of tangled swamps. Nest a platform
of sticks like a Heron's ; eggs usually 3, laid iu April or earlier, nearly elliptical, 2.60 X 1.90,
white or buff, with various brown markings. Platalea ajaja Linn, of most authors; CouES,
Key, 1872, p. 264, and Check-List, 1st ed. 1873, No. 488. P. rosea Reichenow, 1877. Ajaja
rosea Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884, p. 651, and Check-List, 2d ed. 1882, No. 653. Ajaja
ajaja Reich. Syst. Av. 1852, p. xvi ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 183.
Suborder CICONI^ : Stork Series.
(Pelargi of 2d-4th eds. of Key.)
Skull holorhinal ; angle of mandible truncate. Accessory femorocaudal absent ; femo-
rocaudal present or absent ; semitendinosus and its accessory {)resent ; pectoralis major double ;
biceps cubiti and tensor patagii longus disconnected. Carotids double, normal; 2 intestinal
coeca; tufted oil-gland. Phnnage without powder-down; ventral feathered tracts broad.
Tarsi normally reticulate; hallux not fairly insistent; claws resting upon a horny "shoe;"
inner edge of middle claw not pectinate. Side of upper mandible ungrooved, without nasal
fossa; nostrils bored directly in its substance; bill very stout, compressed, tapering, straight or
recurved or decurved ; interramal feathering restricted.
Storks belong chiefly to warm and temperate portions of the Old World. There are about
18 species, representing nearly as many genera of authors, of which 11 or 12 are in common
ciconiid.e—tantalinjE: wood ibises.
869
use ; among these Anastomus and Hiator are remarkable for a wide interval between cutting
edges of bill, which only come into apposition at base and tip. The singular African Scopus
umhrettu, type of the family Scopidce, is now placed among Herons, though its pterylosis is
that of Storks.
Family CICONIID^ : Storks.
Bill longer than head, very stout at base, not grooved, tapering to the straight, recurved
or decurved tip. Nostrils pierced directly in the horny substance, without nasal scale or mem-
brane, high up in the bill, close to its base. Legs reticulate. Hallux hardly insistent. Claws
not acute.
The family falls iu two North American subfamilies, that of Storks proper, and that of so-
■called Wood Ibises. Both are represented in North America.
Subfamily TANTALIN/E: Wood Ibises.
Bill long, extremely stout at base, where as broad as face, gradually tapering to decurved
tip, without nasal groove or membrane, nostrils directly perforating its substance, high up at
base of upper mandible. Toes lengthened ; mid-
dle not less than half as long as tarsus, outer longer
than inner ; hind toe nearly insistent ; claws less
nail-like than in Ciconiince. One American genus
and species, and one genus (Pseudotcmtalus) with
3 species of Africa, southern Asia, and part of the
East Indies. As these birds are Storks, it is unfor-
tunate that the name of " Ibis," tending to promote
confusion, should be too firmly attached to them
to leave any hope of its being abolished from such
connection.
As the American Spoonbill (Ajaja) is distin-
guished from Old World Flatalea, so does the
American Wood Ibis differ from Old World Fseii-
dotantalus to a marked degree in structure of
windpipe; our bird having that organ simple, it
being remarkably complicated in the other. In
Pseudotantalus ibis, typical of the genus, the
trachea is several times folded and doubled upon
itself in the thorax. In Tantalus locidator, the
trachea is short, straight, and simple in its lower part, with numerous reduced aiiil uioditicd
rings, and flattened from side to side, producing a ridge in front.
TAN'TALUS. (Gr. TdvraXos, Lat. Tantalus, a mythical character.) Amkuican Wood
Stork or Wood " Ims." Gourdheau. Character as above. In addition : Whole head
and part of neck bare, rugous and scaly in adult, crowned with a horny i)late. Nasal fossa? not
continued beyond nostrils. Anterior toes webbed at base. Tibia; bare for half their length.
Claws compressed, but obtuse. Head feathered iu young. Sexes alike. Color wliite and
black. {Tantalops of 2d-4th eds. of Key.)
T. locula'tor. (Lat. locus, a place; loculus, a little place, but rpi. loculator in its application
to this bird? Fig. COD.) Amkricax Wood Stork. Wood Iiiis. -• Colorado Tirkky."
Adult (J 9: riumage white ; wing-ipiills, primary coverts, alula, and tail glossy black : lin-
ing of wiugs pinkish in high )>lumage. Bald head livid bluish and yellowish; bill dingy yel-
lowish. Legs blue ; toes blackish ; webs tinged with yellow. Iris dark browu. Length ^
Fio. COO. — Wood Ibis, greatly reduced, (t'rom
Teniiey, after Audubon. )
870 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES— HERODII.
nearly 4 feet ; extent 5.50 feet ; wing 18.00-19.50 inches; tail 6.00 ; bill 9.00, 2-00 or more
deep at base ; tibite bare ti.OO; tarsus 8.00 ; uiiddle toe and claw 4.75. Weight 10 or 12 pounds.
9 smaller than $. Yoimg : Head and neck downy-feathered; plumage dark gray, with
blackish wings and tail ; whitening and head becoming bald after 1st moult. S. Atlantic
and Gulf States, and across in corresponding latitudes to the Colorado River, where abundant ;
N. regularly coastwise to the Carolinas, and up the Mississippi to the Ohio ; casually to Penn-
sylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and New England (the alleged New England ease, Bull. Nutt.
Club, viii, July, 1883, p. 187, may be erroneous, but see Auk, Oct. 189G, p. 341, for Massa-
chusetts; Osprey, Jan. 1897, p. 67, for Ehode Island; Auk, 1893, p. 91, 1897, p. 208, for
Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D. C). West Indies, Mexico, Central and South
America. Resident in Florida and the Gulf States; abundant; gregarious; frequents the most
thickly wooded swamps and bayous, fairly swarming in its breeding-places; Hight performed
with alternate flapping and sailing; at times mounts high in air and performs the most beau-
tiful evolutions, with motionless wings, like a Turkey-buzzard. Nest a platform of sticks in
trees. Eggs 2-3, 2.75 X 1.75, elliptical, rough with flaky substance, dead white with various
brownish stains.
Subfamily CICONIIN/E: True Storks.
Bill as above described, but end not decurved (straight or »'ecurved). Nostrils nearly lat-
eral. Toes short; middle less than half the tarsus; hiteral toes nearly equal. Hind toe not
insistent. Claws short, broad, obtuse, flattened like nails. There are 10 genera and 14 spe-
cies of this subfamily. The leading Old World forms are Abdimia ahdimn of Africa and
Arabia ; the Episcopal Stork, Dissura episcopus of Africa, India, etc. ; the Common White
and Black Storks, Ciconia alba and C. nigra, of Europe, Asia, and Africa ; the Open -bill
Storks, Anastomus oscitans of Asia and Hiator lamelligrus of Africa; the Indian Jabiru,
Xenorhynchus asiaticus ; the Saddle-billed Stork, Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis ; and sev-
eral species of Marabous of the genus Leptoptilus, which are Indian and Indo-malayan. The
American representatives are Euxeniira maguari of South America, and the following :
MYCTE'RIA. (Gr. fivKTrjp, mukter, the snout ; fivKTrjpi^w, vmkterizo, I turn up the nose.)
Jabirus. Bill immensely large, recurved. Wlnile head and neck bare, except a hairy patch
on occiput. Tail not peculiar. (In Euxenura, bill moderate, straight, head mostly feathered,
tail forked, and its under coverts stiffened and lengthened, resembling rectrices.)
M. america'na. American Jabiru. Collared Baguari. Adult : Plumage entirely
white. Bill, legs, feet, and bare skin of head and neck, black ; neck with a broad bright red
collar round the lower portion. Immature (transition plumage) : Rump, upper tail-coverts,
and tail white ; rest of upper parts, including feathered portion of lower neck, light brownish-
gray, irregularly mixed, except on lower neck, with white feathers of the adult livery ; lower
parts entirely white. Bill, etc., colored as in adult. Young: Mostly brownish; hind head
tufted with bushy blackish feathers. Length about 50.00 ; wing 24.50-26.00 ; tail 9.50 ;
culmen 9.75-12.30 ; depth of bill through base about 2.50 ; tarsus 11.25-12.50 ; middle toe
4.20-4.50. Tropical America, N. to Texas.
Suborder HERODII : Heron Series.
Skull holorhinal ; angle of mandible truncate. Ambiens and accessory femorocaudal
absent; femorocaudal, semitendinosus, and its accessory present. Carotids double, sometimes
abnormal (p. 204) ; one intestinal coecum ; tufted oil-gland. Plumage with 2-4 pairs of
powder-down tracts ; featheretl tracts very narrow. Tarsi normally scutellate ; hallux long
and perfectly insistent, with long claw ; inner edge of middle claw distinctly pectinate. Bill
variable with the families, normally narrow and wedged, with long nasal fossae ; feathers ex-
tending far between the mandibular rami. Tongue moderate.
ARDEID.E: HERONS. 871
Balceniceps rex, the extraordiuary Shoe-bill or Whale-head of Africa, with euorinous head
aud bill, thick ueck, and one pair of powder-down tracts, is type of a family Bulccnicitipidcey
which may belong here; but it approaches Storks, aud its peculiarities are so great that it may
constitute a separate superfiimily group. The Boat-bill of Central America, with a singular
shape of bill that has suggested the name, and 4 pairs of powder-down tracts, constitutes an-
other family of Herodii {Cochleariidce). The disputed cases of Eurypyga and Scopus have
already been mentioned. These and some other doubtful forms aside, the Herou series is
represented by the single.
Family ARDEID^: Herons.
In this family, as in Cochleariido', powder-down tracts reach their highest development;
although these peculiar feathers 0(^cur in some other birds, there appears to be then only a
single pair; so that presence of 2 or S pairs is probably diagnostic o{ Ardeidce. In the genus
Ardea and its immediate allies {Ardeina') there are 3 pairs, the normal number ; one on lower
back over hips, one on lower belly under hips, and one on breast, along track of furcula. In
Bitterns (Botaurince) the 2d of these is wanting. (In the Boat-bill, Cochlearius cochleariiis,
there is still another pair, over the shoulder-blades.) There are other pterylographic charac-
ters; in general, the tracts are extremely narrow, often only two feathers wide; there are lat-
eral neck tracts ; the lower neck is frequently bare behind. ^lore obvious characters are,
complete feathering of head (as couipared with Storks, etc.), except definite nakedness of lores
alone — the bill appearing to run directly into the eyes; a general looseness of plumage (as
compared with Limicolrc) , and especially frequent development of remarkably lengthened, or
otherwise modified, feathers, constituting the beautiful crests and dorsal plumes that ornament
many species, but which, as a rule, are worn only during the breeding season. These features
will suffice to determine Ardeida, taken in connection with the more general ones indicated
under head of Herodiones, and the following details :
Bill longer than head, usually about as long as tarsus, straight, or veiy nearly so, more
or less compressed, acute, cultrate (with sharp cutting edges) ; upper mandible with a long
groove. Nostrils more or less linear, pervious. Head narrow and elongate, sloping down to
bill, its sides flattened. Lores naked ; rest of head feathered, the frontal feathers extending in
a rounded outline on base of culmen, generally to nostrils. Wings broad and ample ; inner
quills usually as long as primaries, folding over them when the wing is closed. Tail very
short, of 12 (usually) or 10 (in Botaurmce) soft broad feathers. Tibia? naked below (with rare
exceptions), sometimes for a great distance. Tarsi scutellate in front (with rare exceptions),
and sometimes behind, generally reticulate there and on sides. Toes long and slender; outer
usually connected with middle by a basal web, hinder very long (for wading birds), inserted
on the level of the rest. Hind claw larger and more curved than middle one (always ?) : middle
claw pectinate.
The grou}) thus defined oflFers comparatively little variation iu form ; the very numerous
genera now in vogue have been successively detached from Ardea, the typical one, with which
some of them should be reunited. Night Herons (^Nijcticordx and Ntjctdiiassa) differ some-
what in shortness and especially stoutness of bill ; while Bitterns (^Botaurus and Ardetta), the
South American genera Tigrisoma, Zcbriliis, and a h'w others, are still better marked. There
are about lOU species, of some .'35 genera, very generally distributed over the globe, especially
abounding in torrid ami temperate zones. Those that penetrate to cold countries iu summer
are regular migrants; others are generally stationary. They are maritinn^ lacustrine, and
jialudicole birds, drawing their chief sustenance from animal substances taken from tlie water,
or from soft ground in its vicinity; such as fish, reptiles, testa<'eans, aud insects, captured by a
quick thrust of the spear-like bill, given as the bird stands in wait or wades stealtiiily along.
872
^" rs TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — HER ODIONES — HER ODII.
In conformity with this, tlie gullet is capacious, but without special dilatation, the stomach is
small and little muscular, the intestines are long and extremely slender, with a large globular
Fio. CIO. — Herons, idealized from Ardea cinerea. (From Michelet.)
cloaca and a coecum. Herons are altricial, and generally nest in trees or bushes (where their
msessorial feet enable them to perch with ease), in swampy or other places near the water,
ARDEID^ — ARDEIiX.E: HERONS. 873
often in large communities, building a large flat rude structure of sticks. The eggs vary in
number, coincidently, to some extent, with size of the species ; large Herons generally lay
2-S-4, smaller kinds 5-(J ; the eggs are somewhat elliptical in shape, and usually of an uuva-
riegated bluish or greenish shade. The voice is a rough croak. The sexes are nearly always
alike in color (remarkable exception in Ardetta); but species in which, as in the Bittern, the
plumage is nearly unchangeable, are very few. Probably no birds show greater changes of
plumage, with age and season, than nearly all Herons. Their beautiful plumes are only worn
<luring the breeding season ; the young invariably lack them. There are still more remarkable
ditt'erences of plumage in many cases, constituting didiromntism, or permanent normal difier-
ence in color, like that of " red" and " gray " specimens of Megascops. Thus, some species are
pure white at all ages and seasons, in botli sexes, other individuals of the same species being
variously colored. Such dichromatism appears in our Ardea occidentcdis, Dichromanassa rufa,
and Florida ccerulea. It was formerly believed, in the cases of the two latter, that the white
were the young, the colored the adults ; but it now appears that the difference is permanent,
and independent of age, sex, or sea.son. Many species are pure white at all times, and to these
the name of Egret more particularly belongs ; but I should correct a prevalent impression that
an Egret is anything particularly different from other Herons. The name, a corruption of the
French word "aigrette," simply refers to the plumes that ornament most Herons, white or
otherwise, and has no classificatory meaning ; its application, in any given instance, is purely
conventional. The colors of the bill, lores, and feet are extremely variable, not only with age
or season, but as individual ]>eculiarities ; sometimes the two legs of the same specimen are not
colored exactly alike. The 9 is commonly smaller than the $ . Normal individual variability
in stature and relative length of parts is very great ; and it has even been noted that a specimen
may have one leg larger than the other, and the toes of one foot longer tlian those of the other
— a circumstance perhaps resulting from the couimon habit of tliese birds of standing fnr a long
time on one leg.
North American ArdeidfC, if not the whole family, are divisible into 2 subfamilies —
Ardeiiue or Herons projjcr, and Botaurince or Bitterns.
Analysis of Suh/amilies, Genera, and Subgenera.
BoTAURiN*. Tail-feathers 10. Two pairs of powder-down tracts. {Bitterns.)
Very small ; length about a foot. Sexes unlike Ardetta
Medium sized ; length 2 feet or more. Sexes alike Botaurus
ARDEIN.E. Tail-feathers VI. Tliree pairs of powder-down tracts. (Herons.)
Bill stout and comparatively short, not longer tlian very short tarsus, which is not perfectly scutellate in front.
(Sight Herons.)
Gonys convex, like culmen ; tarsus longer than middle toe and claw Nyetanassa
Gonys about straight ; tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw Aycticorax
Bill ordinary. Tarsus scutellate in front. (Day Herons.)
Length under 20 inches. Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. Greeu Butorides
Length over 20 inches, under 30. Blue, white, or variegated.
Blue or white. Adult witliout decomposed feathers on back Florida
Always wliite. Adult with decomposed recurved feathers on back Garzetta
Ashy-blue, white below. Bill longer than tarsus Hydranassa
Length 30, not 3G inches. Blue or white. Tarsus twice as long as middle toe. Bill shorter than tarsus
IJicfiromaitassa
Length .30 or more. Entirely white ; no crest ; long decomposed feathers on back Herodias
Length 42 or more ; of dark varied colors, or wliite ; crested, without dorsal plumes Ardea
Subfamily ARDEIN/E: True Herons.
Tail-f.'athers 12 (in all North American genera), broad and .Mithsli. Powder-d'.wn tracts
;? pairs. Tibiae naked b(low. Outer too not shorter than inner. Claws moder.ite. curved.
(Embracing most species of the family, and all ours except liilterns.)
874
ay STEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — HERODIL
AR'DEA. (Lat. ardca, a heron.) GuEAT Herons. Of largest size. Neck and legs very
long, former well feathered all around. Tibiae extensively denuded below. Tarsus longer
than middle toe and claw ;
outer toe longer than inner.
Bill slender, at least 5 times
as long as its depth at base,
but shorter than tarsus, equal
to or longer than middle toe
and claw. Colors dark and
varied, exceptionally pure
white. Back without length-
ened loosened plumes in breed-
ing season, the long scapulars
being lanceolate, not loosened ;
lower fore-neck with length-
ened feathers ; head crested in
breeding season with two long,
slender, flowing, occipital
plumes. Sexes alike ; young
similar, but lacking all length-
ened feathers. This restricted
genus contains the very largest
Herons, as the African Go-
liath, A. goliath; the Malay
Typhon, A. sumatrana ; the
South American Soco or Coco,
A. cocoi, and a few others,
besides those given below.
Though I said in the Key,
2d edition, 1884, p. 657, that
our other genera of Day
Herons "should be reduced
to subgenera of Ardea " — a
statement which was promptly
acted upon by the A. 0. U.
Committee — attentive recon-
sideration of the case induces-
me to make no change from
my former presentation, which has received the unqualified support of Dr. Sharpe, the latest
monographer of the family.
Great Blue Heron, greatly reduced. (From Tenney, after
Analysis of Species. (Adults in breeding plumage.)
Whole plumage not white ; bill not entirely yellow.
Tibiae and edge of wing white ; occiput and plumes black ; neck ashy. Europe einerea
Tibiae and edge of wing rufous.
Under parts dark, with white streaks. Occiput and plumes black Bill 6 00 or less; tarsus 8.00 or less.
N Am .... herodias
Under parts wliite, with black streaks. Bill 0.00 or more ; tarsus 8 or more.
Occiput and plumes black. Florida uuirdi
Occiput and plumes white. Florida wuerdemanni
Whole plumage pure white , bill entirely yellow. Bill GOO or more ; tarsus 8.00 or more. Florida and Cuba
occidenialis:
ardeidjE — ardeinjE: herons. 875
A. cine'rea. (Lat. cinerea, asliy.) Common Heron of Europe. Ashy Heron. Johanna
Heron. Heronshaw, Hernshaw, Heronsew, Hernsew, Hernser, and "Handsaav"
of literature. Type of tlje restricted genus Arclea. Similar to herodias (see uext) ; easily dis-
tinguished by the white (not rufous) tibife and edge of wing, and ashy neck. Europe, Asia,
Africa; only North Aniprican as a straggler to Greenland. Fabricius, Fn. Groenl. 1780,
p. 106; Reinh. Ibis, l^Gl, p. 9, Nenortalik ; Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 658 ;
A. O. U. Li,sts, 188()-95, No. [195].
A. hero'dias. (Gr. tpcoSioj, erodios, Lat. herodiiis, more properly erodius, a heron, probably
Ardea cinerea of Europe. The form herodias seems to have been affected from the Biblical
proper name of a notorious woman, 'HpcoSt'ay, Lat. Herodias, 9 patronymic from 'HpSrjcos-.
This is probably tlie Linntean sense of the word. Fig. 611.) Great Blue Heron. Ked-
shouldered Heron. Blue Crane of the people. Of large size, and varied dark colors ;
not dicliromatic ; never white. In breeding season sca{)ulars lengthened and lanceolate, but
not decomposed ; an occipital crest, two deciduous feathers of which are long and filamentous ;
long loose feathers on lower neck. Length 42.00-50.00; extent about 70.00; wing 18.00-
20.00; tail 7.00-8.00; bill 4.50-6.25, usually 5.00-6.00; tibite bare 3.00-4.00 ; tarsus 6.00-
8.00; usually 6.50-7.00 ; middle toe and claw about 5.00. 9 average smaller than $. Weight
(5 or 8 lbs. Adult $ ^ , m breeding dress : Bill yellow, more or less blackened on culmen ;
lores blue; iris chrome-yellow; legs and feet blackish, soles yellowish. Tibia and edge of
wing cliestnut-brown. Forehead and middle of crown white ; sides of crown and occipital crest
black. Neck pale purplish-gray, with a mixed white, black, and rusty throat-line, yielding to
white on chin and cheeks. Plumes of lower neck, breast, and belly, black, more or less inter-
rupted with white streaks on mid<lle line; crissum white. Upper ])arts in general slaty-blue;
tail the same; h>ng scapular feathers more pearly gray; wing-quills deepening from this color
to the black primaries. Young: without any long feathers. Crown and front without white;
whole top of head blackish. Tibiae and edge of wing paler rufous, or whitish. General color
of upper parts paler and more grayish-blue, more or less tinged with rusty. Black of under
))arts replaced by ashy. Upper mandible mostly blackish ; lores and most of lower mandible
greenish, rest of the latter, and eyes, yellow; tibiae greenish. There are endless variations in
plumage and colors of soft parts, but this large species cannot be mistaken, being only closely
related to the uext. North America at large, and much of Central and northern Soutli America,
and West Indies; N. to Labrador, Hudson's Bay, and Sitka in Alaska; northerly migratory;
elsewhere resident. Breeds in suitable places throughout its range, sometimes singly, oft-
ener in heronries to which the birds resort year after year, shared usually with other species of
its tribe. Nest usually in trees or bushes, sometimes on the ground ; in the We.it sometimes on
difls ; eggs 3-6, oftenest 3-4, pale dull greenish-blue, ellipsoidal, about 2.50 X 1-50.
A. ward'i. (To Chas. W. Ward, of Pontiac, Mich.) Ward's Heron. Larger than he-
rodias: Length 48.00-54.00; extent about 80.00; wing 20.00-21.00; bill 6.00-7.00; tibiie
bare 5.50-6.00; tarsus 8.00-9.00. Adult $ ^ , m breeding plumage : General appearance of
herodias; head-markings the same, the occiput and plumes very black, the foreliead and
middle of crown white; but white prevailing on under parts, wliich are only narrowly streaked
with black ; legs and feet olivaceous rather than blackish ; bill (divaceous. Young not satisfac-
torily distinguished from wuerdemanni : rather larger than herodias Eggs 3-4, 2.60 X 1-80.
Florida, resident. A. uxirdi Hidgw. Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, Jan. 1882, p. 5; admitted to Key,
2<l-4th eds., 1884-90, p. 658, with reservation; Rinow. Man. 1887, p. 129; A. 0. U. Lists,
l88»>-95. No. 193. The status of the supjufsed species is dubious. Birds of the character here
assigned abound in Florida, and are easily recognized ; they may be a local race of herodias,
or the result of interbreeding between herodias and occidentalis. A slight strain of occideutalis
running in herodias might \mnh\cc ward i ; and subsequent admixture of jmrrfi with occiden-
tiilis mii:lit rrsult in wuerdmiantii. But doubtless tliis form should staiul as ,1. h. wardi.
876 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — HERODII.
A. wuerdeman'ni. (To Gustavus Wiirdeinann of the U. S. Coast Survey.) Wurdemann's
Heron. Like wardi in size and coloration, but markings of head different. Length 48.00-
50.00; extent 70.00 or more ; wing 20.00-21.00; culmen 6.00-6.50; tibiae bare 5.50; tarsus
8.00. Adult in breeding plumage : 'Head and crest white, only the forehead streaked with
black edges of the feathers. Under parts white, streaked on sides with black ; plumes of
lower fore-neck white, mostly streaked with black edges of the feathers. Neck purplish -gray,
darker than in herodias, with a similar throat-line of white, black, and rufous. Under wing-
coverts streaked with white; rufous edge of wing less extensive than in herodias ; tibise paler
rufous. Tibiae and soles yellow; tarsi and tops of toes yellowish -green. Young: Like young
herodias ; top of head dusky, the feathers with whitish shaft-lines ; wing-coverts spotted with
buff and white. Eggs 3 or more, 2.70 X 1-80. Southern Florida; "accidental in Indiana
and Illinois, Sept. 1876." Status of the species questionable. It is described correctly in the
Key, original edition, 1872, p. 267; in later editions, 1884-90, p. 658, treated as the colored
phase oi occidentalis ; it may be such, or a possible hybrid between occidentalis and herodias.
It is relegated to the Hypothetical List of the A. 0. U. 1886-95, No. 9, as " believed to be either
the colored phase of A. occidentalis Aud., or an abnormal specimen of A. wardi Ridgw."
Equally conclusive statements may be read in Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. iv, 1878, pp. 227-236;
Bull. Nutt. Oru. Club, vii, 1882, pp. 1-6; Auk, i. 1884, pp. 161-163; Water B. N. A. i,
1884, pp. 7-13.
A. occidentalis. (Lat. occidentalis, western.) Great White Heron. Audubon's
Heron. Type of genus Audubonia Bp. Like tvardi and wuerdemanm in size, or rather at
their maximum dimensions. Plumage pure white at all ages. Bill and eyes yellow ; culmen
Fig. C12. — Great Egret. (L. A. Fuertes.)
greenish at base ; lores bluish ; legs aud feet yellow, greenish on front of tarsus and tops of
toes. Southern Florida; Cuba; Jamaica. A. occidentalis, Aud. 1835; folio pi. 281, Bvo pi.
368; CouES, Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 267; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 192. Audubonia
occidentalis Bp. 1855; Bd. 1858. Treated as the wliite phase of wuerdemanni in Key, 2d-
4th eds. 1884-90, p. 658. Nest in mangroves ; eggs 2-4.
HERO'DIAS. (Lat. Herodias; see above under Ardea herodias. Fig. 613.) Great
Egret Herons. Character of Ardea proper, excepting in plumage; color white; no crest;
a long depending train of stiff-shafted, loose-webbed, scapular feathers in breeding season ; sides
of lower mandible extensively feathered. Size large, only exceeded by species of Ardea proper.
Subgenus Herodias of A. O. U. Lists.
H. egret'ta. (Latinized directly from Fr. aigrette, a sort of heron, also a plume; Eng. aigret,
egret, cognate with Prov. aigron, Ital. aghirone, etc.; the word is a diminutive in form, and in
ultimate analysis identical with heron. Fig. 612.) Great White Egret. White Heron.
Adult (J 9 = ^o obviously lengthened feathers on head at any time ; in breeding season, back
with a magnificent train of very long plumes of decomposed, fastigiate feathers of scapulars
A R DEID.E — AR DEINjE : HER ONS.
877
drooping far beyond tail; neck closely feathered. The plumes have stiff elastic shafts, thus
keeping their shape, though the barbs are soft and lack barbules ; those of the corresponding
European bird, H. alba, are said to be known by the name of " ospreys," perhaps from their
spray-like character. Plumage entirely white at all seasons. Bill, lores, and eyes yellow: legs
and feet black. Length 36.00-4200 (not including dorsal train, which when fully developed
^^^^g^^^^'^^^ J "K^
-^t:^
"^v^
;S«f^-
V..\LUTK-V
PlO. C13. - European Great White Kgrtl, llciuduis tilin, i luit. size. (From Brfliin.)
extends lO.OiJ- 1 2.00 or more beyond tail); extent 5o.00 ; wing 10.00-17 00; tail 5.50-0.50: bill
4.50-5.00; tarsus about 0.00; tibitu bare 3.50. 9 averaging smaller than $. Younc : White
like adults, but uc lengthened i)lumes; bill in i)art black. Most birds at any age have some
black on the bill, usually near tlie tip; and tiie lores may be tinged with gn-fiiish. U. S.,
southerly, and mucii of West Indies, Central and South America; straggling N. to Nova
Scotia, Minnesota, Manitoba, Oregon, etc.; on Pacific coast from Oregon to Patagonia;
resident in the South. Like the next, the victim of the plume-hunter wiio in tlic interest of tlie
"gentle" sex has dcpopidated its rookeries. Breeds like other Ilenuis; eggs 3-5. 2.20 X l->«>-
878
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODWNES - HERODIl.
GARZETTA. (Ital. garzetta, Span, garceta, Port, garqota, a small or young heron, dimin.
ofltal. and Span, garza, a heron. Fig. Gl"4.) Small Egret Herons. Form of the pre-
ceding, but size small ; length about 24.00. Mandibular feathers not reaching as far forward
as those on culmen. Plumage always wliite; an occii)ital crest, and short recurved train of
stiflP-shafted, loose-webbed feathers in the
bleeding season ; lower neck-feathers
lengthened, depending. (See figure of the
European species, G. nivea.) Our species is
generically separated from Garzetta by the
name oi Leiicophoyx Sharpe, 1894. Given
as subgenus of Ardea in A. 0. U. Lists.
G. candidis'siina. (Lat. candidissima,
\eiy white; Candida, white.) Little
White Egret. Snowy Heron. Bon-
net Martyr. Adult ^ ^, in breeding
dress : Long occipital crest of decomposed
ft .ithers, and similar scapular plumes, latter
) ecurved v^heu perfect; similar, but not re-
curved plumes on lower neck, which is bare
behind. Lores, eyes, and toes yellow ; bill
uid legs black, former yellow at base, lat-
tti yellow on lower part beliiud ; claws
black. Plumage always entirely •white.
\()ung like adult in color, but lacking
plumes. Length about 24.00 ; extent 36.00-
40 00; wdng "9.50-11. 00; tail 4.00; bill
.3 00 or more ; tibise bare 2.50 ; tarsus 3.75 ;
middle toe 2.75. Southern United States;
Middle States, in summer ; N. occasionally
to New England, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and
southern British Columbia ; only occasional
in most of the West ; formerly common on
the coast of southern California. Was abun-
dant in its regular range. Resident in the
South and beyond through Mexico, Central
and much of South America ; breeds throughout its regular range. Eggs 3-5, 1 .Ql X 1 -25.
This is the Egret which has suffered most martyrdom from the plume-hunters, who have mer-
cilessly invaded and depopulated its heronries in the breeding season, threatening extermination
of the species in S(Mne places where it formerly abounded, as in Florida.
HYDKANAS'SA. (Gr. vbap, hndor, water, giving in Lat. hydr- ; livaa-aa, anassa, a queen.)
American Demiegrets. Demoiselle Egrets. Of medium size : length under 30.00 or
36.00. Bill very slender, contracted from base toward middle, with almost a little concave
upper and under outline, then tapering to a point ; in length equalling or exceeding tarsus.
Toes comparatively short, the middle little more than half the tarsus. Adult with feathers of
head and neck lengthened, lanceolate, not decomposed, but witli well-defined edges ; an oc-
cipital crest of several, long, lanceolate plumes, not decomposed, and splendid scapular train of
decomposed, fringe-like feathers depending beyond tail. Not dichromatic, not white. As sub-
genus of Ardea in A. 0. U. Lists.
H. tri'eolor ruficol'lis. (Lat. tricolor, three-colored ; ruficollis, rufous-necked ; rufus, ru-
fous, collum, neck. Fig. 615.) Louisiana Egret. Demoiselle. "Lady of the
Fio. 614. — European Little White Egret, Garzttta nivea,
I nat. size. (From Brelun.)
ARDElD.E — ARDEIiWE: HERONS.
879
Waters." Adult ^ 9 • Slaty-bUie on back and wings, mostly white below and along throat-
liue ; crest and most of neck reddish-purple, mixed below with slaty ; longest narrow feathers
of crest white ; lower back and rump white, but concealed by the dull purplish-brown feathers
of the train, which whiten toward end. Jiill black and blue, more lilac at base and to lores;
legs and feet slate color; iris red. Adults in winter lack the plumes, and have the bill black
and yellow; lores yellow; legs yellowish-green, dusky in front; iris red. Young variously
different, but never white ; lacking long «jccipital plumes and dorsal train; neck and back bright
brownish-red; rump, throat-line, and under parts white; quills and tail pale pur|)lish-blue ;
legs dusky-greenish. Length 24. 00-27. 00 (exclusive of the long train) ; extent .'37.00-39.00;
wing 10.00-11.00; tail 3.50; bill 4.00-5.00; tibife bare 2.25 ; tarsus 4.00; middle toe and claw
3.00. S. Atlantic and Gulf States, chiefly maritime, rarely N. to the Middle districts, as New
Jersey, Indiana, etc. ; Lower California, S. in Mexico, West Indies, and Central America. Resi-
dent along our southern coasts ; connnou. Breeds in communities like otlier Henms. Nest and
eggs scarcely distinguisliable from those of the Snowy Heron ; eggs rather less elliptical, usu-
ally 4 in number, averaging 1.78 X 130. Anlea ludoviciana WiLS. Am. Orn. viii, 1814, p. 13,
pi. 14, fig. 1, nee Gm. 1788; Nutt. Man. ii, 1834, p. 51 ; Aud. Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, p. 13t),
folio pi. 217; B. Am. vi. 1843, p. 15G, 8vo, pi. 373. Egretta ludoviciana Bp. 1838. Demi-
Flo. i;i."j 1... ,1 ,,, , 1 .■ . ; .LA 1 M. 11.-, ,
egretta ludoviciana Bd. B. N. A. 1858, p. Gf33. Herodias ludoviciana Brewkr, 1860. Hydra-
nassa ludoviciana Ufask and Rkich. 1890. — Ardea leucogasier Orv ed. WiLS. viii, 1825, p. 13
nee Bodij. 1783. Herodias leucogaster Gray, 1844. — Egretta leucopripnna LiciiT. 1854.
Herodias leucoprymna Bp. 1855. Ardea leucoprymna Gvixr, 1871. Ardea leucogastra var.
leucoprymna Coue.s, Key, 1872, p. 268. Demiegretta leucoprymna Lawr. 1874. Demiegretta
leucogastra var. leucoprimna Lawr. 1870. — Egretta ruficolUs Go.ssE, B. Jam. 1847, p. 338,
pi. 93. Herodias ruficollis Cab. 1856. Demiegretta ruficollis Gindl. 1866. Hydranassa
tricolor CouES ed. Sennktt, Bull. U. S. Geid. Surv. iv, 1878, p. 60; Check List, 1882, p. 106;
Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 661 ; nee Ardea tricolor Mull. 1776. — Hydranassa tricolor
ludoviciana Belding, 1882; Ridgw. 1885. Ardea tricolor ruficollis Ridgw. 1885. Ardea
tricolor Cory, 1885. Ardea (Hydranassa) tricolor ruficollis, A. 0. U. Chock Lists, 1886-95,
No. 199. Hydranassa ruficollis Sharps, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi, 1898, p. 127. Ardea
cyanirostris Cory, B. Bah. 1880, p. 168. This intricacy is mainly iluo to the facts that ludo-
viciana WiLS. is antedated for another species; tliat tricolor MiiLL. and leucogaster Bonn, are
botli based on the South Ameril'an bird, from which ours is only a subs]iccies ; that leucoprymna
LiCHT. is antedated by ruficollis Gos.se ; and that the jjoneric standinu; of the bird has been in
question. Synonyms multiply fast when four terms, of trenns and subgenus, species and sub-
species, occtu' in various combinations. Our Norfli .Vmerican subspecies is type of genus Hy-
dranassa Bl>. B. N. A. 1 8.58, p. 6(J0, in text. My present desii:nation. Ilydranassa tiirnlor
ruficollis, which is a new one, results from pivhiis, Hydranassa full generic rank, taking tricolor
as the species, and ruficollis as the sulispecies.
880 ,S^ YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. -HER ODIONES - HER ODII.
DICHROMANAS'SA. (Gr. Si'?, (lis, twice; XP-^M"' chroma, color; and avacraa; alluding to
the dichroniatisui of D. rufa.) DiciiROic Egrets. Of medium size : length about 30.00.
Bill slender, much as in the last, but shorter than the very long tarsus, which is about twice as
long as middle toe. Toes extremely short (for this family). Feathers of head and neck elon-
gate, lance-linear and stiffish, distinct; the longest forming occipital and jugular tufts. A
scapular train of long decomposed feathers, with stiffened shafts. Dichromatic; pure white or
colored ; in latter state, without the white throat-line of most Herons. As subgenus oi Ardea
in A. 0. U. Lists.
D. ru'fa. (Lat. r(//a, reddish.) Reddish Egret. Peale's Egret. Adult <J 9 > «<^'l"'»"«^d
phase : Grayish-blue, rather paler below ; no white throat-line ; head and neck lilac-brown ;
ends of train yellowish. Bill black on terminal third, rest flesh-colored, like lores ; iris white ;
legs blue, scales of tarsus blackish. Young: Plain grayish, with some rusty touches. Adults
and young, white phase : Plumage entirely pure white. Bill, lores, and eyes as before ; legs
dark greenish, soles yellowish. In this state the bird is "Peale's Egret," long held for a dis-
tinct species, then long supposed to be only the young ; but some individuals are white, and
others colored, throughout their lives. Length 28.00-31.00; extent about 46.00; wing 12.50-
13.50; tail 4.50; bill 4.00; tibia; bare 4.00; tarsus 5.50-0.00; middle toe and claw 3.00. Gulf
States strictly, Texas to Florida; maritime; resident; N. casually to Illinois and Colorado;
Mexico, Lower California, Cuba, Jamaica, Guatemala, northern South America. Nests in
communities, with other species, upon low bushes, sometimes on the ground ; eggs 3-4, of
usual shape and color, from 1.90 X 1-48 to 2.12 X 1.55, averaging 2.00 X 1.50. Ardea rufa
BoDD, 1783; Coues, Key, 1872, p. 268; A. 0. U. List, 1886, No. 198. Ardea riifescens Gm.
1788; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 198. Ardea pealei Bp. 1826; A. 0. U. Hypothetical
List, No. 10. Deiniegretta rufa and D. pealei Bd. B. N. A. 1858, pp. 661, 662. Dichroma-
nassa rufa RivtGW . 1878; Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 601. Ardea (Dichromanassa)
rufa and A. (D.) pealei Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 131.
FLOR'IDA. (Named for the State, which was originally called Pascua fiorida or Pascua de
jlores by Ponce de Leon, because discovered on Easter Sunday of 1512.) Small Blue and
White Herons. Of small size ; length about 2 feet. Bill about as long as tarsus, slender,
very acute ; culmen gently curved from near base ; under outline straight or slightly concave.
Head of adult witli lengthened decomposed feathers ; those of lower neck, and scapulars, length-
ened and linear-lanceolate, but compact-webbed ; no scapular train of fringed feathers. Neck
bare behind below. Dichromatic; color blue or white, or both. As subgenus oi Ardea in
A. 0. U. Lists.
F. coeru'lea. (Lat. coerulea, blue.) Little Blue Heron. Little White Heron (not
to be confused with Little White Egret). Adult ^ 9, colored phase: Slaty-blue or dark
grayish-blue, becoming jnirplish-red or maroon-colored on neck and head. Bill and loral
space blue, shading to black toward end ; legs and feet black ; eyes yellow. Length about
24.00; extent 40.00-42.00; wing about 10.50: tail 4.25; bill 3.00-3.40, tarsus the same, or
rather more; tibiie bare 2.00. In another phase, entirely white; but generally showing traces
of blue here and there, especially on ends of primaries. Pure white birds require a second
glance to distinguish them fnjm inanature Garzetta candidissima, as they are of same size, and
not strikingly difterent in form : notice lores and basal half of bill greenish-blue, the rest black-
ish ; most of lower mandible yellowish ; legs greenish-blue, with yellow traces, or bluish-black
(the Snowy Heron has no blnishness about the soft parts, and the Little Blue Heron always
has traces of bluish, at least on the ends of the primaries, in the plumage, even from the nest).
S. Atlantic and Gulf States, resident, abundant; N. in summer often to the Middle States,
casually to New England and Nova Scotia ; W. to Kansas and Nebraska ; S. through West
Indies and Central America to South America. Nesting as usual; eggs 3-4, 1.75 X 1.25,
of usual shape and color.
ARDEIDyE—ARDEIN.E: HERONS. 881
BUTORI'DES. (Lat. butor, a bittern; Gr. eiSo?, eidos, resemblance.) Green Heroxs.
Size small ; length one and a half feet. Bill moderate, longer than tarsus, with gently con-
vex culmen and gonys. Legs short; tibia3 little denuded ; tarsus scarcely or not longer than
middle toe and claw. An occipital crest of lengthened, lanceolate, not decomposed, feathers;
neck-feathers long but blended, those below depending in a tuft, those on sides hiding an ex-
tensive bare space behind. In breeding season, feathers of back lengthened, lance-linear, but
compact-webbed, not forming a train. Upper })arts glossy green. As subgenus of J. r^Zm in
A. 0. U. Lists.
Analysis of Subspecies.
The stock form. U. S virescens
The pale desert form. Western U. S v. anthmiyi
The dark coast form. L. Cala v, frazari
B. vires'cens. (Lat. virescens, growing green.) Green Heron. Fly-up-the-creek.
Chalk-line. No white phase. Adult (? 9 > '» breeding dress: Crown, long soft occipital
crest, and lengthened narrow feathers of back, lustrous dark green, sometimes with a bronzy
iridescence; dorsal plumes in high jilumage with a glaucous bluish cast. Wing-coverts
green, with conspicuous tawny edgings ; neck rich dark i)urplish-chestnut, the throat-line
variegated with dusky and white. Under parts mostly dark brownish-ash ; belly variegated
with white. Quills and tail greenish-dusky with a glaucous shade ; edge of wing white ; some
quills usually white-tipped. Bill greenish-black, much of under mandible yellow ; lores and
iris yellow ; legs greenish-yellow. Young : Head less crested ; back witiiout long narrow
plumes, but glossy-greenish ; neck merely reddisli-browu ; whole under parts white, varie-
gated with tawny and dark brown. Length 16.00-18.00; extent about 25.00; wing 6.50-
7.50; bill 2.50; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and claw about the same; tibise bare LOO or less.
U. S. and a little beyond (Ontario, Manitoba), abundant in summer; resident in the South, and
beyond in the West Indies and Central and northern Soutli America. This is a very pretty and
engaging little Heron, in spite of the ridiculous nicknames by which it is so well known to the
great unwashed democracy of America. Breeds anywhere in its range, sometimes in heronries
with larger species, often by itself in pairs. Nest a platform of twigs, on tree or bush ; rude
as a rule, though neatly made nests occur; eggs 3-6, elliptical, 1.37 x 1.12, pale greenish.
B. V. antho'nyi. (To A. W. Anthony of San Diego, Cal.) Anthony's Green Heron.
Like the foregoing; slightly larger; [)aler in color, with the light markings of wings and throat
less restricted. A desert firm, from the arid interior of southwestern U. S. ; S. into Mexico.
Ardea virescens anthomji Mearns, Auk, July, 1895, p. 257; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk,
Jan. 1897, p. 119, No. 201 c, by ern.r f..r 201 /; ; see Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 105. This and the
next are included under B. virescens in all former editions of the Key.
B. V. frazari. (To M. A. Frazar.) Frazar's Green Heron. Larger than B. virescens,
on an average, darker and more uniform in color; neck more purplish, its sides as well as the
forehead strongly glaucous ; light throat-line more restricted. Wing 7.00; tarsus 2.25; cul-
men 2.50. Lower California ; type from vicinity of La Paz. A rdea virescens frazari Brewst.
Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 83; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 201 a. Bitiorides virescens frazari
CoiKS, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 905.
NYCTIC'OR'.VX. (Gr. wKTiKopa^, nuktikora.r, Lat. ni/cticor(t.r, the night-raven, a classic
Tiame of the Night Heron of Europe, of which our bird is a subspecies; vv$, gen. wktos. nit.r,
ni(/itos, night; Kopa^, cora.r, the raven.) NioiiT Hkrons. Of medium size; length abont
24.00. Bill very stout for this family ; culmen imt more th.iu four times depth of bill at base;
lateral outlines rather concave ; gonys about straight ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, of
apj)roximately equal lengths. Tarsus reticulate in front below. Tibia- lirietly naked below.
Neck comparatively short, like the leirs ; body stout. No peculiar plumes, e.Kcepting 2-3 ex-
tremely long filamentous feathers springing from hind head, generally imbricated in one bundle.
60
882
SYSTEM A TIC Si'A'OPSrS. — HERODIONES — HERODII.
Scapulars neither lengtlicned nor narrowed. Sexes alike ; young very different. A well-marked
genus, almost cosmopolitan, containing ahout eight species; our Night Heron is a subspecies
of N. mjcticorax, a species wide-ranging in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Nyctiardea of all
previous eds. of the Key, after SwAiNS. Class. B. ii, 1837, p. 354, antedated by Nycticorax
Rafin. Anal. 1815, p. 71 ; Forster, Syn. Cat. Brit. B. 1817, p. 59; Steph. Gen. Zool. xi,
pt. ii, 1819, ]). G08.
N. nycticor'ax nse'vius. (Lat- nycticorax : see under the genus ; and neevius, having a nesvus
or birtli-mark, i. e. spotted.) American Night Heron. Black-crowned Night Heron.
Gardenian Heron. Qua-Bird. Squawk. Quawk. Adult J^ 9, breeding dress : Crown,
scapulars, and interscapulars glossy greenish-black ; other upper parts, wings, and tail pale
bluish-gray with a lilac or lavender tinge, most decided ou neck. Forehead, sides of head, and
throat-line white, shading into lilaceous of neck ; under parts whitish, tinged with lilac. Long
occipital plumes white. Eyes red ; lores greenish ; bill black ; legs yellow ; claws brown.
Length 23.00-26.00 ; extent about 44.00; wing 12.00-13.00; tail 5.00; bill, tarsus, middle toe
with claw, each 3.00 or a little more; tibiae bare about 1.00. Young very different: Grayish-
brown above, the feathers with paler edges, rusty here ami there, conspicuously spotted with
white; lower parts paler or dull whitish, streaky with darker; greenish-black of head replaced
by chocolate-brown ; quills chocolate-brown, wliite-tipped ; no occipital plumes. U. S. and
Night Heron. (L A. Fuertes.)
British Provinces, common ; migratory ; resident in the South : most of West Indies and South
America. Breeds in heronries, sometimes of vast extent, resorted to year after year. Nest
large and frail ; in trees, sometimes in bushes, or on ground, especially in marshes of West ;
eggs 3-6, often 4, very pale sea-green, averaging 2.00 X 1-50. Our Night Heron is only a sub-
species of European N. nycticorax, whence the trinomial name; ^^ticevius" is only applicable
to young in spotted stage. Nyctiardea grisea ntcvia of all previous eds. of the Key ; Nycti-
corax nycticorax ncevius, A. O. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. 1886 and 1895, No. 202.
NYCTANAS'SA. (Gr. vvi, mix, night; avaaaa, anassa, a queen.) Thick-bill Night
Herons. Of uiedium size; length about 2 feet. Bill extremely stout for this family ; culmen
curved throughout; gonys convex, ascending; commissure and lateral outlines of bill straight
or ratiier convex ; bill much shorter than tarsus. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw,
reticulate excepting above in front. Feathers of occiput lengthened, the longest of great ex-
tent, and linear, forming a hanging crest; scapulars lengthened and lanceolate, the longest
loose-webbed, extending beyond tail. Sexes alike; colors variegated; young very different.
Genus Nyctiardea, in part, of 1st ed. of the Key, 1872, p. 269, after Swains. Class B. ii,
1837, p. 354 ; Nycterodius of 2d and 3d eds. 1884 and 1887, p. 663, after Nyctherodiiis Reich.
Syst. Av. 18.52, p. xvi; A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886, p. 138, as subgenus ; Nyctinassa of 4th
ed. of Key, 1890, p. 905, misprint for Nyctanassa Stej. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. x, 1887,
ARDEID.E — BOTA UllIN^E : BI TTERNS.
883
p. 295 : Reichenbach's iiaine being iuadinissible, as autedated by Nycterodius Macg. Man.
Orn. ii, 1842, p. 126, type Ardea ni/cticorax Linn. As subgenus oi Nycticorax iu A. 0. U.
List, 2d ed. 1895.
N. viola'cea. (Lat. violacea, violet-colured : straining a point. Fig. GIG.) Yellow-
CROWNED Night Heron. Adult (? 9 in breeding plumage : General color grayish-plumbeous,
or liglit grayish-blue, darker on back, where the feathers have black centres and pale edges, and
I'ather paler below. Head and upper neck beliind black, with cheek-patch, crown, and most
of crest, white, more or less tinged with tawny. Quills and tail dusky plumbeous. Bill black ;
€yes orange ; lores greenish ; feet black and yellow. Length about 24.00 ; extent 44.00 ; wing
12.00; tail 5.00; bill scarcely 3.00, over 0.50 deep at base; tibiae bare 2.00; tarsus 4.00;
middle toe and claw 2.75. Young : Above, grayish-brown, with an olive shade, streaked and
spotted with brownish-yellow; below, streaked with brown and whitish; sides of head and
neck yellowisli-brown, streaked with darker ; top of head and neck above behind blackish,
variegated with white. Bill blackish, with much of lower mandible, and lores, greenish-
yellow ; legs the same, obscured on front of tarsus ; iris yellow. Chiefly S. Atlantic and Gulf
States, and S. to West Indies, Central and northern South America, occasionally N. to the
Middle States, rarely to New England, casually even to Nova Scotia ; not abundant, and chiefly
confined to the coast, but regularly up the Mississippi valley to the Ohio ; Colorado casually ;
Lower California ; resident in Florida. Nest as usual in trees or bushes ; eggs 3-4-5-(i, pale
greenish-blue, 2.00 X 1-45.
Subfamily BOTAURIN/E : Bitterns.
Tail-feathers 10, broad and S(jft. Powder-down tracts 2 ])airs. Bill with tomia some-
what serrate. Outer toe sliorter than inner. Claws long and little curved. No special plumes
in the breeding seascm ; no dichromatism ; plumage never white; adults and young alike.
Fio. 017. — I'.ill of Bittern, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C )
Bitterns form a well-marked sul)family of Ardeidcc. Tliey are retiring antl siditary birds of the
marsh, not gregarious, not nesting in communities on trees, but by separate pairs, on the
ground ; the eggs have not the characteristic cidor of those of true Herons. There is some-
thiuir about Bitterns suggestive of Rails. The genera are several, and tlie species numerous ;
ours arc excellent repri'smtatives of the subfamily.
Analysis of Genera.
Large ; win(j over 9.00. Plumage freckled ; gexe.t and ageB alike Bolaurus
Very small ; wing under 0. (Ml. Plumage parti colored ; aexes distinguishable Arileita
HOTAU'RUS. (Mid. Lat. hiitdiiiis. New Lat. Iiotditnis, a bittern. api'Ii.,! by Pliny to the
ljn<)|icaii species: erroneously saiil to l>r eijual to bos, us, + tii ii nis, huW; but an onomato-
pa-ia, from the hoUow guttural cry.) Bittekn.s. Of medium size: length about 2^ feet.
884
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES - HERODII.
Bill moderately longer than bead, shorter than tarsus, which is sliorter tlian middle toe and
claw. Tarsus broadly scutellate in front. No crests or peculiar dorsal plumes ; ueck-feathers
long and loose; plumage blended, spotty, and streaky. Neck in part bare behind. Sexes and
young alike. Eggs drab.
B. lentigino'sus. (Lat. lentiginosus, freckled ; lentigo, a freckle. Figs. 617, 618, 619.)
American Hittern. Indian Hkn. Stake-driver. Thunder-pumper. Butter-bump.
Mire -DRUM. Bog -bull. Plu-
mage of upper parts singularly
freckled with brown of various
shades, blackish, tawny, and whit-
ish ; neck and under parts ochrey or
tawny-white, each feather marked
with a brown dark-edged stripe ;
throat -line white, with brown
streaks. A velvety-black patch on
each side of neck above. Crown
dull brown, with buff superciliary
stripe. Tail brown. Quills green-
ish-black, with a glaucous shade,
brown-tipped. Iris yellow. Bill
pale yellowish, the ridge brownish-
black ; a dark brown loi'al stripe.
Fig. 618. — American Bittern, (From Tenney, after Audubon.) _ i n n - i ,
ijegs dull yellowish-green ; claws
brown. Length 23.00-34.00 ! extent 32.00-45.00 ! wing 9.50-13.00 ; bill about 3.00 ; tarsus
about 3.50 ; middle toe without claw about the same ; its claw above 1.00. 9 smaller than (J;
Fig. 019. — American Bittern's Eggs.
but few birds differ so much in size, independently of sex. Entire temperate North America,
N. to 58° or 60°, S. to Central America and West Indies; accidental in Europe. Regularly
migratory ; resident in the South. The Bittern is a bird of very marked character. It in-
habits bog and brake and wet grassy meadow, singly or in pairs ; has a hoarse gurgling outcry
A R DEID.E — BO TA UR LWE ■ BITTERNS.
885
of alarm, and a note sounding like strokes of a mallet on a stake, or the noise made by a wooden
pump. Nests on the ground ; eggs 3-5, lirownish-drab with a gray (>iot green) shade, 1-90-
2.00 X 1.45-1.50. (B. marjitans Coues, 2d-4th cds. of Key, Id84-U0, p. (3t)4, after Bartram,
whose names are still disallowed by the A. 0. U. A. lentiginosa Montagu, 1813. B. len-
tiginosus Steph. 1819, and of most authors. A. 0. U. No. 190.)
ARDET'TA. (Ital., diminutive of Ardea.) Dwarf Bitterns. Very small, least of the
whole family ; length about a foot. In form very nearly as in Botaurus. Bill slender. Tarsus
about equal to middle toe and claw, with hardly any naked sjiace. No peculiar feathers ; those
of lower neck h)ng and loose; head slightly crested. Colors of back in large areas. Sexes
dissimilar ; young similar. There are 9 species of these queer dwarf Bitterns, of America and
the Old World ; they mostly inhabit reedy swamps, and somewhat approach Rails.
Analysis of Species.
Under tail-coverts like other lower parts ; quills rufous-tipped; buff scapular stripe (f erilis
Under tail-coverta black ; quills not rufous tipped ; no scapular stripe if neozena
A. exi'lis. (Lat. e.ri7j.s, for exiV/iVt's, exiguous, slight, small. Figs. 620, 62 1.) Least Bit-
tern. Adult $: Slightly crested crown, back, and tail, glossy greenish-black. Neck behind,
Fig. (V20. — Least Bittern's Eggs
most of the wing-coverts, and outer edges of inner quills, rich chestnut; uther wing-coverts
brownish-yellow ; quills rufous tipped. Front and sides of neck, and under parts, including
lower tail-coverts, brownish-yellow, varied with white along throat-lino; sides of breast with
a blackish-brown patch. Bill mostly pale yellow, culmeii blackish ; lores light green ; eyes
and toes yellow; legs green, the hinder scales yellow. 9: Black of back entirely, that of
crown mostly or wholly, replaced by ridi purplish-chestnut ; edges of scapulars forming a
brownisli-whitc stripe on each siile. broader than in J. Young similar to 9. '"'t dorsal ami
scapular feathers bntf-tipped. Length II. 00-14. (M) ; extent abrmt IH.OO ; wing 4.(MV5.(M) ; tail,
bill, tarsus, middle toe and claw, each, 2.00 or less. U. S. and British I'mviuces. comnnm ;
migratory; resident in the South; breeds throughout its range. Found also in West Indies,
SY'STEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — HERODII.
Mexico, Central and South America to Brazil. Inhabits cat-tail marshes and reedy swamps,
such as Rails frequent ;
nest a mere platform of
dead rushes or reeds,
placed among the living
ones, which are hent over
it by the bird ; nest some-
tiiries in a bush. Eggs
3-6, about 1.22 X 0.92,
elliptical, white with a
faint greenish tinge.
A. neoxe'na. (Gr. vtosy
neos, new, and ^evos, xe-
nos, a guest, stranger,
foreigner.) Florida
Dwarf Bittern. Co-
ry's Least Bittern. Adult $•.
Crown, back, and tail, black, glossed
with green ; no buff stripe along scap-
ulars. Sides of head and throat chest-
nut ; feathers of back of neck tipped
with greenish-black. Breast and under
parts rufous-chestnut, nearly uniform,
shading into blackish on sides ; under
tail-coverts and lesser wing-coverts
black; other upper wing-coverts ru-
fous-chestnut, under ones paler chest-
nut; the remiges slaty-plumbeous,
without rufous tips; inner secondaries
black. Legs and feet greenish -yellow,
soles yellow. Length ILOO; wing
4.50 ; tail and tarsus 1 .60 ; culmen
1 .75-L80. Florida to Ontario, Michi-
gan, and Minnesota. About 15 speci-
mens of this interesting species are
now known, showing no intergra-
dation with exilis. This is a much
more heavily colored bird, with less
variegation, black or blackish in
several places where exilis is not,
and the general tone of other jiarts
chestnut instead of rufous or buff.
The 9 differs little from $, and the
young closely resemble the 9 ] black
duller, and a little scapular chestnut.
Cory, Auk, Apr. 1886, p. 262, and
July, 1886, p. 408; Coues, Key,
3d ed. 1887, p. 888; 4th ed. 1890,
p. 905; A. 0. U. Check List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 70, No. 191.1. For criticism, bibliography,
etc., see Chapm. Auk, Jan. 1896, pp. 11-19, ph I.
021 . — Leafct Bitteru
LAMELLIROSTRES: AXSERIXE BIRDS. 887
Order LAMELLIROSTRES: Anserine Birds.
Bill lamellate: tliat is, both iiiiiudibles fiiruii^lied aluug toinial edges with series of laminar
or teeth-like projections, alternating and fitting within each other. Covering of bill membra-
nous, wholly or in greatest part. Tongue fleshy, usually with horny tip on under side, and
serrate or papillate edges corresponding to denticnlations of bill. Feet palmate; hallux ele-
vated, free, simple, or lobed (rarely absent). Wings never exceedingly \oug, rarely very sbort.
Tail generally sliort and many-feathered. (Esophagus narrower than in lower flesh-eating
orders, usually with a more or less specially formed crop; gizzard strongly muscular; intes-
tines and their coeca long ; cloaca capaciinis. Legs near centre of equilibrium ; position of
body in walking horizontal or nearly so. Reproduction prsecocial. Sexual habit frequently
polygamous. Diet various, commonly rather vegetarian than animal. There are in North
America two remarkably diverse types of lamellirostral birds, of more than family value, by
some now made the bases of separate orders, as in the A. 0. U. List. Their ordinal recogni-
tion may prove advisable, especially in view of the fact that the refractory family Anldmidcc (or
Palamedeidce) has marked atiinities with Anserine birds, though it is not lamellirostral, and if
it were brought as a suborder into the present connection, the name of the order would cease
to be pertinent, and its ascribed characters would have to be much modified accordingly. But
the Anhimidce are not North American ; the disputed question of their chenomorphic relation-
ship (for which see p. 845) may be waived in the present instance; and the matter at issue
may continue to be compromised by recognition for our Lamellirostral Hirds of two series, or
suborders, as in the somewhat parallel cases of Columhce, GalUncc, and Paludicolce.
Suborder ODONTOGLOSSJE : Grallatorial Anseres.
(Order Odoxtogloss.e of the A. 0. U.)
Consisting of the .single surviving family of Flamingoes ; Odontogloss/v of Nitzsch, Amphi-
morph(E of Huxley, Phoenicopteridce of most authors. "The genus Phoenicopterus is so com-
pletely intermediate between the Anserine birds on the one side, and the Storks and Herons on
the other, that it can be ranged with neither of these groups, but must stand as the type of a
division by itself. Thus the skull has the long lacrymo-nasal region, the basipterygoid facets,
the prolonged and recurved angle of the mandible, the laminated horny sheath of the Cheno-
morpha' \_An(itida']-, but the inaxillo-palatines are spongy, and the general structure of the
rostrum is quite similar to that found in Storks and Herons. The lower end of the crus is bare,
but the feet are fully webbed ; and the pterylosis is said by Nitzsch to be completely Stork-like "
(Huxley). Anserine cranial characters are also found in the constriction of the frontal bone
in the orbital region, so that the orbits are not much roofed over: and in the jiresence of fossjH
for the supraorbital glands; basipterygoids appear, however small; and the C(Uistructi<in of the
shoulder-girdle is rather anserine than otherwise. The plumage is aftersbafted, and has a
ventral apterium. Cervical vertebra? 18 or 19, of which 2 arc ct'rvico-d«>rsal ; palate desmog-
nathous ; carotids present, but the right much larger tlfan the left, which joins it low down in
the neck (uniipie in detail, but similar to the disposition found In Bitterns and certain Parrots;
fig. 94); fcmorocaudal absent; ambien.s, accessory femorocaudal, semiteudinosus and accessory
Bemitendiuosus present (formula BXY, difl'ering from that nf Ilerodionest and of AtmiUhe).
Tongue thick, fleshy, papillate, with terminal nail, and closely tied down ; resophagus ex-
tremely narrow, with special crop ; gizzard very muscular; intestines ample, both in length
and calibre; 2 long coeca, cimstricteil .it base; a capaci<ius cloaca. Bill of unique shape, but
perfectly lamellate. General coiifiguratiou of body and members grallatorial; legs and very
slender ne(di exceedingly long, exhibiting even an exaggeration of the proportiiuis of Cranes,
Storks, and Hermis; but toes webbed. Tin- palniation is like that of the Avocet, and mainly
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES— 0D0NT0GL0SSA2.
subserves the identical purpose of supporting the birds on the soft inud at the bottom of the
shallow water in which they both wade habitually ; neither of these genera contains swimming
birds, though both Avocets and Flamingoes can swim if put to it, and are able to rise on wing
from the surface of deep water. Tiie external characters are so nicely balanced between those
of wading and swimming birds, that Flamingoes have been placed indifferently in both groups ;
but nearly the whole organization corresponds essentially with that of the Duck tribe, the
tjrallatorial relationship, in form and habits, though so evident, being rather of analogy than
of affinity. The physiological nature is prsecocial ; the young are nidifugous, hatching clothed
and taking directly to the water.
The interesting fossil species of Paltelodus are Miocene Flamingoes, with straight bills,
constituting the family Palcelodontidos. Some other flamingo-like genera are indicated by
remains of Eocene age.
Family PHCENICOPTERID^ : Flamingoes.
Bill unique in shape, abruptly bent at middle, so that the upper surface faces the ground
in the act of feeding and the bird then looks backward ; in length much exceeding head, very
large and thick, entirely invested with membrane (without the distinct terminal horny nail of
AnatidcE). Mandible narrower than maxilla at base, broader in the rest of its extent, ridged
near end. Upper mandible freely movable, fitted into the other like a lid of a box, furnished
along its edges with a great number (some 150) of oblique laminpe; edges of lower maiidible
incurved, similarly furnished. Nostrils sub-basal, nearer commissure than culmen, linear, long.
Tibiae bare below for a great distance, and like the tarsi l)roadly scutellate before and behind ;
the latter about three times as long as the femora. Toes short, the anterior palmate, with
incised webs ; liallux elevated, free, very small, or absent. Wings aquiniocubital, moderately
long, amjjle, with enlarged inner secondaries folding over and beyond primaries wiien closed ;
the latter 11 functional, morpliologically 12. Tail short, of 14 rectrices. There are about
7 species of Flamingtjes, inhabiting the warmer parts of both Hemispheres ; 3 of America
besides ours, and 3 or 4 Old World. They represent several genera of late systematists, the
most marked being Phcenicoparrus^ typified by P. andinus, wliich is 3-toed ; Phoeniconais
minor is African, 4-ti)pd. Our species falls in the subgenus Phoenicorodias of Gray, which is
identical witli Phnsnicopterus in a restricted sense.
PHCENICOP'TERUS. (Gr. (poiviKOTrrepoi, i^lioinihopteros, Lat. phoenicopterus, a Hamingo :
i. e. red-wing.) Flamingoes. Character as above. Head bare between bill and eyes ;
throat bare. Hind toe present. Claws flattened, obtuse. Wings ample, pointed ; 1st three
primaries subequal and longest ; inner secondaries elongated and tapering.
P. ru'ber. (Lat. ruher^ red. Fig. 622.) American Red Flamingo. Adult $ 9 : Plu-
mage scarlet ; ])riinaries and most secondaries black. Legs lake red. Bill black on terminal
part, orange in the middle, the base and bare skin of head yellow. Stature nearly 5 feet ;
weight 6 or 8 lbs. Length about 4 feet; extent 5 feet or more; wing 16.00 inches; tail 6.00:
bill 5.00; tibia bare 9.00 ; tarsus 13.00 ; middle toe and claw 3.50. 9 like $ in color, but
smaller. Young hatch clothed in white down, with straight bill ; the latter gradually acquires
its 1)ent or set. The first plumage is grayisli-white, more gray and dusky on wings, and passes
through pink, rosy, and carmine, or vermilion tints to its full scarlet, the latter being usually
most intense on wings. Several years are required to perfect the plumage, and it is found in
Ijest order in winter; the birds become faded and dingy in April, breed in that state in May and
June, and when in moult are unable to fly from loss of the remiges, like other Anserine birds.
Bahamas, Florida and Gulf Coast, and southward ; said to have been N. to S. Carolina; now
scarce and local in U . S. even in Florida, where confined to some of the shallow lagoons of the
southern part of the peninsula, difficult of access, in flocks sometimes numbering hundreds or a
PHCENICOP TER ID^ : FLA MING OES.
889
thousand. Eggs 2, 3 2o-.3.55 X 2. l0-2.2.-i, long, oval, with thick shell, roughened with white
flaky substance, bluish when this is scraped away- The nest is made of mud scraped up into
the shape of the frustum of a cone, about 18 or 20 inches or less across at the base, of less
diameter at the top, and from a few inches to more than a foot high ; the eggs are laid in a
slight hollow, on the bare earth, which cakes and hardens on drying, keeps its shape for years,
and may be used over and over again — probably not by the same birds by which it was first
erected, but by some members of the colony which resorts to the same spot to breed year after
year. The nests are repaired by the addition of fresh mud, till they may become over two feet
high. On such a pedestal as this tho bird sits with lior \<>n-2 ]. -> 1.. nt .l.,iil,l, li.i:l/Miit;illy
Fig. (i'12. — AmericMii Flciiniiigoes. (From a photograph of a group uiouuted by F. S. Webster.)
under her, the heels and tail sticking far out bcliind, the lonix neck bent so that the head nestles
closely, and the eggs under the Itreast rather than under tlii' belly. The food, both of an animal
and vegetable kind, is i)rocured by scooping up and sifting tlie e.xtremely soft, sticky ooze or
slime which composes the bottom (tf tiie shallow salt-water bays and salt or brackish lagoons
which are alike the feeding-grounds and the nesting-places of these singular l)irds ; they are gen-
erally found fat, but their flesh is rank, oily, and unfit to be eaten. They fly well, with their
long legs stretched out behind, like Herons, but the long neck also stretched out straight before,
like Gee.se or Swans, and not like Herons, which latter double the neck in upon the shoulders.
The voice is a hoarse guttural outcry of one syllable, uttered instantly on alarm ; tlie birds are
e.Ktremely wary and watchful, when feedintr or resting, and on this account, as well as from
tiu' natUH' of their haunts, are difliciilt to approach witliiu gunshot range. The flocks nt times
go througii for tiicir amusement some extraordinary performances kTin\\ii m-^ the " dress
890 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.- LAMELLIROSTRES- ANSERES.
parade ; " and the long line of flaming red they present has been likened to the appearance of
a prairie-fire at night (see Ingraham's excellent article in World's Congress Papers, Chicago,
1896, pp. 59-69). The accompanying illustration, continued from 2d-4th editions of the Key,
is erroneous as regards the attitude of a Flamingo upon the nest, unless she be just in the act
of stepping down off it ; but it will serve to accentuate the fable which came down to us from
Dampier, 1683, was never doubted till 1844, nor positively refuted till 1884 in the case of the
European P. antiquorum (Ibis, 1884, p. 88, pi. 4; Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 679), and for our
species only set entirely right in 1888 (Ibis, p. 151); but see also Maynard's Naturalist in
Florida, No. 1, 1884.
Suborder ANSERES: Anskrine Birds Proper.
(Order Anseres of the A. 0. U.)
Simply equivalent to Lamellirostres as above defined (p. 887), minus the Grallatorial type
(Flamingoes). For further characters, see on, under head of the single
Family ANATID^ : Swans, Geese, Ducks, and Mergansers.
Bill lamellate, stout, more or less elevated and compressed at
base, widened or flattened at obtuse tip, invested with soft, tough,
leathery membrane, except at end, which is furnished with a hard,
horny " nail," or dertrum, generally somewhat overhanging, some-
times small and distinct, sometimes large and fused — that is,
changing insensibly into the general covering. (This soft cover-
ing is regarded by some as a prolonged cere, especially well marked
in the genus Cereopsis ; but this is purely theoretical.) The bill
Fig. C23. — Wild Duck. , ° , t , • r i • at i * •
has a slenderer, more cylmdnc form only m Mergansers and certam
related diving Ducks. Body full, lieavy, flattened beneath ; neck of variable length ; head
large; eyes small. No antise; frontal feathers encroaching on culmen with a convex or
pointed outline, and forming other projections on sides of bill and in interramal space, which
latter is broad aud long, the mandibular crura being united only at the end by a broad short
bridge; no culminal ridge nor keel of gonys. Nostrils subbasal, median, or subterminal, ele-
vated, open, naked, usually broadly oval. Wings of moderate length, stifi', strong, pointed,
conferring rapid, vigorous, whistling flight ; a wild Duck at full speed is said to make 90 miles
an hour, and ordinarily flies at the rate of 50 an hour. In a few cases the wings are excep-
tionally so reduced that power of flight is lost. Functional primaries 10, as usual, with a
remicle, making the morphological total 11, whereof the 6 inner ones are borne upon the
metacarpal bones, 1 is borne on 3d digital bone, 2 on 1st phalanx of 2d digit, and 2 on 2d
phalanx of the same digit (one of these two last being the remicle). Secondaries or cubitals
about 19 ; 5th wanting, the wing being thus aquiutocubital. The wing is also spurred in
certain Geese (as it is in the Anhima). Tail of variable shape, but usually short and rounded,
never forked, sometimes cuneate, of 12-24 feathers, usually 14-16; under coverts very long
aud full, forming a conspicuous crissal tuft. Legs short ; femora, tibiae and tarsi of approxi-
mately equal or not very disproportionate lengths ; knees buried in general integument; tibiae
feathered nearly or quite to sufl"rago ; tarsi reticulate or scutellate, or both : toes palmate,
the anterior ones normally full-webbed, exceptionally semipalmate ; hinder always present
aud free, simple or lobate.
Like the Gallinaceous, the Anserine type is a familiar one, comprising all kinds of " water-
fowl," among which are the originals of all our domestic breeds of Swans, Geese, and Ducks,
that vie with ])oultry in point of economic consequence, ornament our parks, or furnish ex-
quisite material for wearing apparel, as well as the filling of our pillows and couches. But
ANATID.E: SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS. 891
additional information respecting the structure of this, the largest and most important family
of swimming birds, may be desirable. It is definitely characterized by many important points
besides those external features just stated. In palatal structure, ^MaitcZa? are desmoguathous
(fig. 78) ; ''the lacrymal regicm of the skull is remarkably loug [the lacrymal bone itself is
largo]. The basisphenoidal rostrum has oval sessile basipterygoid facets [situated very far
forward]. The flat and lamellar maxillo-palatines unite and form a bridge across the palate.
The angle of the mandible is produced and greatly recurved " (Huxleij). Interorldtal sei)tum
is more or less completely ossified, and orbits are better defined than in many birds, by well-
developed lacrymal and post-frontal processes. Premaxillary large; its 3 prongs so extensively
fused that only a slight nasal aperture remains. Sometimes the top of the skull shows cres-
centic depressions for lodgment of the supraorbital gland, the secretion of which lubricates the
nasal passages; but this feature is never so marked as in most piscivorous swiuimers (fig. 63).
Sternum long and broad, more or less transverse posteriorly, with a simple notcli or fenestra
on each side ; sometimes its keel is curiously hollowed out for a purpose stated beyond. The
vertebrte vary a good deal in number, owing to variability of cervicals, wliicli run up to 23 or
24 in some Swans (including 2 cervico-dorsals; a Goose has 18 + 2). The ribs bear uncinate
processes, as usual in birds (these being absent in somewhat related or chenomorphic Anhimi-
d(e). Pelvis ample, arched, and extensively ossified, with small foramina, showing uotiiing
of the straight, constricted, largely fenestrated figure prevalent among lower water-birds. Oil-
gland present, tufted ; carotids 2 ; ambiens, femorocaudal and its accessory, and semi-
tendinosus, present. Tongue large and fleshy; its main bone (glosso-hi/al ; fig. 72) highly
developed ; its sides show processes corresponding to the lamellae of the bill. Gullet not so
ample as in flesh-eating swimmers ; gizzard like that of a fowl in shape and great muscularity ;
the muscles are deep-colored, and well show the typical disposition of large hemispherical
lateral masses converging to central tendons. The coeca vary with the genera according to
food ; they are very long — 12 or 15 inches — in some herbivorous species. The male genital
armature merits special notice. " In some Natatores which copulate on the water there is
provision for more efficient coitus than by simple contact of everted cloacae ; and in the Ana-
ticlfc a long penis is developed. It is essentially a sacular production of a highly vascular part
of the lining membrane of the cloaca. ... In the passive state it is coiled up like a screw by
the elasticity of associated ligamentous structure. ... A groove commencing widely at the
base follows the spiral turns of the sac to its termination ; the sperm ducts open upon papillae
at the base of this grocjve. This form of penis has a muscle by which it can be everted, pro-
truded and raised" (Owen). Among the most interesting structures of ^««f/VZrt? are curious
modifications of the windpipe, prevailing almost throughout the family. In a number of Swans,
this organ enters a cavity in the keel of the sternum, doubles on itself and then emerges to pass
to the lungs, forming either a horizontal or a vertical coil. In Anfteranas the windpipe coils
between the pectoral muscles and the skin. (These vagaries of the windpipe are not, however,
confined to the present family, occurring in some Cranes, Ibises, Agamis, certain GtiUiinc, and
tliose curious Snipe, the EostrofnUn(P.) In most Ducks, furthermore, and in Mergansers, the
lower larynx is singularly enlarged and complicated; several lower rings c)f the trachea being
sr)ldered together and greatly magnified to produce a large irregularly-shaped cajisule, the so-
called bulla ossea or tracheal tympanum. Its use is not known beyond its obvious effect in
modifying the timbre or quality of the voice ; in some sense it is a sexual character, since it is
only fully developed in the ^ as a rule, though present in the 9 I'f Virago cctstattea ; it varies
greatly in size and shape in different s))ecies (figs. 3, 08), as well as in tlie relative extent to
which hard gristle and s<ift membrane enter into its comjinsition. Finally, it slmnld be added,
the pterylosis of the family is perfectly definite, a certain type of tract-formation prevailing
throughout, with very slight minor modifications, and always j)resentini; a ventral apteriuin.
It is not easy to overrate the eciinomic impnrtance of this large family. It is true that
892 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
Mergansers, some Sea Ducks, and certain maritime Geese, that feed chiefly upon animal sub-
stances, are scarcely fit for food ; but the great majority of the Anatidce afford a bounteous
supply of sapid meat, a chief dependence, indeed, with the population of some inhospitable
regions. Such is the case, for example, in the boreal parts of this continent, whither vast bands
of water-fowl resort to breed during the fleeting arctic summer. Their coming marks a season
of comparative plenty in places where hunger often pinches the belly, and their warm downy
covering is patched into garments almost cold-proof.
The general traits of Anserine birds are too well known to require more than passing
notice. They are salacious to a degree remarkable even in the hot-blooded, passionate class of
birds ; a circumstance rendering the production of hybrids frequent, and favoring the study of
this subject. Probably a hundred identified hybrids have been recorded, some of them between
diS'crent genera, some even between birds we are accustomed to place in different subfamilies ;
and in these cases fertility of the mongrel progeny is the rule. If we recall the peculiar actions
of Geese nipping herbage, and of Ducks " dabbling " in the water, and know that some species,
as Mergansers, pursue fish, and other live prey under water, we have the principal modes of
feeding. Nidification is usually on the ground ; sometimes in a hollow tree ; the nest is often
warmly lined with live feathers, though otherwise rude; the eggs are smooth, with a peculiar
look and feel, as if greasy, and usually of some plain pale color, as greenish, drab, or creamy,
less often quite white ; the clutch varies in number, commonly ranging 6-18. The young are
clothed with stiffish down, and swim at once. Among Ducks and Mergansers, marked sexual
diversity in color is the rule ; the reverse is the case with Swans and Geese. A noteworthy
coloration of many species, especially of Ducks, is the speculum ; a brightly colored, generally
iridescent, area on the secondary quills, sometimes called the " beauty-spot." Most species
are migratory, particularly those of the Northern Hemisphere ; the flight is perfonned in bands,
that seem to preserve discipline as well as cojnpaniouship ; and with such regularity that no
birds are better entitled to the claim of weather-prophets.
There are just about 200 well-determined species of Anatidce, inhabiting all parts of the
world. They difl"er a good deal in minor details, and represent a number of peculiar genera
aside from the ordinary types, though none are so aberrant as to endanger the integrity of the
group. It is difficult to establish divisions higher than generic, because Swans, Geese, Ducks,
and Mergansers are closely united by intermediate genera. But the 5 groups presented as
subfamilies in the following pages, and representing nearly the whole of the family, may be
conveniently recognized, and are readily distinguished, so far as our species are concerned.
Eleven subfamilies, not all of which are so well marked as our five, are given by the latest
monographer (Salvadori, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vol. xxvii, pp. 23-493, 1895). I may here
briefly note the most unconformable exotic types, some of which stand for separate families
with certain writers, to whom some things are revealed that it is not given to common mortals
to know. 1. The New Zealand fossil genus Cnemiornis is anserine, though first referred to
struthious birds, like the Moas, in association with remains of which its own were originally
found ; this type is of a separate family Cnemiornithidfe, characterized by the almost ecari-
nate sternum, the epicnemial process of the tibia, as in the Loons, and other peculiaritie.s.
2. The most remarkable living member of the Anatidce is Cereopsis novce-hollandice, a sort of
a Goose, but representing a special subfamily CereopsincB. In this Australian bird the soft
skin of the bill may be called a true cere, reaching to the nail at the end, with the nostrils in
its anterior part; the form of the body and its members is remarkably stocky; the webs of
the toes are incised, and the bird avoids the water, living on dry plains like a Bustard, and
subsisting on herbage. 3. Another notable Australian type is Anseranas semipalmata ; like-
wise a kind of Goose, type of the subfamily Anseranatince, characterized by the slight webbing
of the anterior toes, the long hallux on a level with the other digits, the carunculation of the
bill and face, the extreme subcutaneous convolution of the immensely long windpipe (over four
A NA TID^E — C YGNINJE : S WA NS.
893
feet), etc. This is the member of the Anatidce to which the Horned Screamer {Anhima cor-
nuta) makes its oearest approach, aud indeed their resemblance iu several respects is evident;
it is a large black and white bird, with the strut of a Crane rather than the waddle of a Goose.
4. The Spur-vviuged Geese of the African genus Plectropterus, with certain of their allies, may
form another subfamily Plectropterince. There are several species or subspecies of the genus,
all having the wings spurred, the lores naked, and a curious fleshy knob on the forehead, best
marked in P. riieppelli of Abyssinia. The limits of this subfamily are wholly iu question ;
some writers consider that tlie Egyptian Goose, Chenalopex ccgyptiaca, and the similar South
American C.jubatiis belong to it, while others refer Chenalopex to ordinary Anatince, aud bring
under Plectropterince a number of other genera, among them Sarcidiomis, the ^ of which has
a large fleshy comb at the base of the upper mandible. But in any event, in considering these
birds we are already come upon quite ordinary forms of Anatidce, further remarks concerning
which will be found under heads of the five subfamilies to be formally presented in the present
work.
Analysis of North American Subjamilies.
Cygnin*:. Swans. Lores partly naked. Neck very long. Tarsi reticulate. Hallux simple. Sexes alike.
Anserine. Geese. Lores feathered. Neck moderate. Tarsi reticulate. Hallux simple. Bill high at base. Sexes
alike.
ANATiNiE. JRiver Ducks. Lores feathered. Tarsi scutellate in front. Hallux simple. Bill flattened. Sexes unlike.
FuLiGULiN^. Sea Ducks. Lores feathered. Tarsi scutellate in front. Hallux lobate. Bill flattened. Sexes unlike.
Merging. Mergansers. Lores feathered. Tarsi scutellate in front. Hallux lobate. Bill cylindric. Sexes unlike.
Subfamily CYCNIN/E: Swans.
A strip of bare skin between, eye and hill ; tarsi reticulate, shorter than middle toe and
claw ; hind toe simple, or with very slight lobe. Neck of extreme length and flexibility, ex-
ceeding the trunk, with 22-24 vertebrae ; the movements and attitudes of Swans on the water
are elegant and graceful, especially in those species
which bend the neck in a regular sigmoid curve.
The bill equals or exceeds head in length ; it is high
and compressed at base (where sometimes tubcrcu-
late), flatter and widened at end, on the whole more
duck-like than goose-like ; the nostrils are median.
Lores naked in adults, feathered in young. Some
of the inner remiges are usually enlarged, and when
elevated in a peculiar jxisitiim of the wing act as
sails to help the course of the bird over the water.
Tlie legs are placed rather far back, so that the gait
is awkward and constrained on land, in striking con-
trast with tlie stately grace with which these birds
swim ; they waddle worse than Geese, quite as badly
as any Ducks, and " a Swan on a turnpike " is pro-
verbially ill at ease. Tail sliort, of 20 to 24 feath-
ers. The sexes are alike throughout the group. Although the voice of most species is sono-
rous at times, an habitual reticence of Swans, especially of the mute Swan, contrasts strongly
with the noisy gabbling of Geese and Ducks ; it is hardly necessary to add, tliat their fancied
musical ability, either in health or at the approach of death, is feigned by poets but not con-
firmed by examination of their vocal apparatus. The trachea is in several species convoluted
as already <lescribed, but there are no syringeal muscles nor other ajiparatiis for modulating the
voice musically. There are 8 or 10 species, of various countries, among them the celebrated
Black Swan of Australia, Chennpsis atrata. with peculiarly crisp, curly, inner wing-featliers,
and tlie Black-necked Sw.iii of South America, Sthr)i,II,l,s mrhinanniijiha (Ciioini" niaricoUis
Fig. C'24.
Dixon.)
■Mute Swan, t'l/t/ii'is
894 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. - LA MELLIROSTRES — AN SERES.
of authors), which is wliite except as said, and has the bill knobbed. Coscoroba coscoroba,
Candida, or anatdides of the same country, a white species with black-tipped wings and feath-
ered lores, often referred here, is perhaps better placed among Anatince. In none of these
three named does the trachea enter the breast-bone. Palceocygmcs falconeri is a large fossil
species from Malta. Our two native species, like our straggler from Europe, belong to the
restricted genus Olor, distinguished from Cygnus proper by having sternal convolutions of the
trachea, but no tubercle at base of bill (seen in fig. 624).
CYG'NUS. (Gr. kvkvos, kuknos, Lat. cijcnus or cygnus, a swan.) White Swans. Neck of
extreme length. Trachea entering sternum (except in one species). Bill tuberculate (iu
Cygnus proper) or not (in Olor), the skinny covering iu adults reaching eyes; not shorter than
head, very high at base, where deeper than wide, broader and flattening toward the rounded
end; culminal ridge at base about horizontal, very broad and flat or even excavated; sides of
Fig. C25. — Trumpeter Swan. (From " Wild Fowl of North America," by D. G. Elliot.)
bill there nearly vertical. Nostrils near middle of bill, high up. Legs behind centre of equi-
librium when the body is horizontal. Tibiae bare below. Tarsus shorter than middle toe and
claw, entirely reticulate ; toes long, with full webs, the anterior reticulate on top for a distance,
then scutellate. Hallux small, elevate, with slight lobe. Wings very long and ample. Tail
short, rounded (in Olor) or wedged (in Cygnus proper), of 20 or 24 feathers. Size large:
adults entirely white, with black bill and feet, former usually in part yellow; young rusty on
head ; younger gray or ashy. Sexes alike. Our species 4-5 feet long. They all belong to
Olor, having a convoluted trachea, non -tuberculate bill, rounded tail, the young with down on
sides of bill forming distinct antiae ; and inner webs of outer 3 primaries, with outer webs of
2d, 8d, and 4th, sinuated. The type of Cygnus proper of authors (after Bechstein, 1803) is
the Tame or Mute Swan of Europe, whose ^ is a Cob, 9 a Pen: it is variously called
C. mansuetiis, C gibbus, C. olor, C- mutus, C sibilus, and l)y other names ; this is the Swan
with a red bill and black knob (the " berry "). The unfortunate way in which the generic
ANA TID/E — CYGNINM: SWANS.
895
term Olor is used for a divisi<m which does not contain the species C. olor is confusing, and
would be obviated if we took from Bartram, 1791, the generic name Cygniis, with our com-
inon Swan as its type.
Analysis of Species.
Tail of 24 feathers (uormally). Bill always entirely black, rather longer than head, with nostrils situated fairly in
its basal half ' buccinator
Tail of 20 feathers (normally). Bill usually with a small yellow spot not reaching nostrils, scarcely or not longer
than head, nostrils at the middle columbianus
Tail of 20 feathers (normally). Bill with a great yellow space extending beyond nostrils, scarcely or not longer than
head, nostrils at the middle cygnus
C. buccina'tor. (Lat. buccinator, a trumpeter; buccina, a trumpet; bucca, the cheek.
Fig. 625.) Trumpeter Swan. Adult ^ ? : Plumage white, with or without wash of rusty
on head. Bill and feet entirely black ; iris brown. Bill more developed in the terminal por-
tion than that of columbianus, throwing nostrils fairly within basal half, and making distance
from anterior angle of eye to hind edge of nostril not greater than distance thence to end of
bill. Tail-feathers normally 24. Largest: Length 5 feet or more when full grown; extent
8 feet or more; wing about 2 feet or rather more; tail 8-9 inches. Bill about 4.50 inches
along culmcn, from eye to tip nearly 6.00; tarsus 4.50-5.00; middle toe and claw 5.50-6.50.
Young smaller; bill and feet not perfectly black; plumage irrayish, the head and upper neck
rusty-brown. Eggs 2-7, white or whitish, about 4.50 X 3.00. The trachea is more convo-
luted in the sternum ^^_^ ^^
than that of columbi- ^^^^^^ ^i, "^ ' ^ ' ."■
anws, having a vertical ^^^^ "^^^^^ ^^^^M / ,'*-///
bend besides the hori- 3^;^ ^ i*^^^^^^^^*^,^, " , ' '''''i , ,
zontal one; and the _" 5 'ji jif^ikM^*^^^^^- "^
bone which contains ^ "* '■
the convolutions is
■correspondingly more /■
bulbous. This mag- [ '/ ' ' " ^ffil -^'-^/^ -'
uificent Swan chieHy \ li^/. ^S^ vamtJ
inhabits interior North ^ X^
America from the Mis-
sissippi valley west-
ward ; N. to the Fur
countries ; Great ^^-^^^s^^^jj^J^^ ^
Lakes; Hudson's Bay;
Ontario; casual on
Atlantic coast. Breeds
N. from Wyoming ami
Fio. tVJt;. — WliistliuR Swan. ( Kruiii Li^ua ,
the Dakotas ; winters
from Washington to Arizona, Gulf of Mexico and southern California. It was discovered in 1805-6
on the Columbia Kiver by Lewis and Clark, wlio described it as distinct from the counuou Swan
(orig. ed. 1814 ; see my ed. of 1893, p. 885) ; but it was not technically named till 1831 : C. buc-
cinator KiCH. ; Olor buccinator Wa(;l. 1832; A. O. U. Lists, No. 181.
C. columbianus. (Of the C(dumbia River. Fig. 626.) Common American Swan.
WiiisTLiNO Swan. Adult ^ 9: Plumage as before. Bill with a yeUow spot or blotch in
front of eye, usually small, sometimes wanting; feet black; iris brown. Bill less lengthened
and expanded lerminally than w buccinator : nostrils i)laced across its middle; distance from
anterior angle of eye to hind edge of nostril more than thence to end of bill. Tail-feathers
uormally 20. Length under 5 feet (about 44); extent (» or 7 feet ; wing under 2 feel (about
21.00-22.00 inches); tail 7.00-8. 00; hill about 4.00 along ctilmen ; iVom eye to tip of bill
896
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
under 5.00; tarsus 4.00-4.35; middle toe and claw 5.50-6.00. 9 smaller than $. Young
smaller than adults ; plumage ashy-gray, with reddish-brown wash on head and upper neck ;
bill in i)art Hesh-colored, the lores plumulose ; feet yellowish llesh-color. The yellow spot on
the bill, when present, instantly distinguishes this species from the foregoing; in its absence,
distinctive characters are the lesser size, shorter and diflerently shaped bill with nostrils in
different relative position, fewer tail-feathers, and lack of the extra vertical fold of the windpipe
in the breast-bone. North America at large, U. S. in winter and during migration ; the usual
species along the Atlantic coast, and more numerous on either coast, Atlantic or Pacific, than
in interior U. S. ; rare or casual in New England and eastward; Kamtschatka; accidental in
Europe. Breeds in the high North. Eggs 2-7, 4.00 X 2.25-4.50 X 2.50, rough, dull white,
with more or less brownish discoloration. (? C. /eras Bartr. 1791 (wee auct.). Whistling
Swan Lewis and Clark, wheuce Anas columbianus Ord. 1815. C miisieus Bp. 1826.
C. amerieanus Sharpl. 1830. C columbianus Coues, 1876. Olor columbianus A. 0. U.
Lists, No. 180.)
C. cyg'nus. European Wild or Whistling Sv^an. Whooping Sw^an. Whooper.
Hooper. Elk. Similar to columbianus, and having same shape of bill, but instead of a
small yellow spot behind nostrils there is a great yellow blotch, occupying one half or more of
bill and extending beyond nostrils. Only North American as occurring casually in Greenland :
Reinh. Ibis, 1861, p. 13 of the reprint; Freke, Zool. v, Sept. 1881, p. 372. (Anas cygnus
Linn. 1758. C. ferns Briss. 1760, and of authors. C- musicus Bechst. 1809, and of most
authors, as of 2d-4t,h eds. of the Key. C. cygnus Less. 1828. Olor musicus Wagl. 1832.
Olor cygnus Gray, 1855; A. 0. U. Lists, No. [179].)
Obs. — Bewick's Swan, C. hnvicki, is a European species, incorrectly attributed to North America in Sw. and
Rich. Fn. Boi .-Am. ii, 1831, p. 4C5 ; Nctt. Man. ii, 1834, p. 372. Tliis old record, which simply means C. columbianus,
was revived by Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mas. iii, 1880, p. 222, who gives the bird as Olor minor there and in his Cat. j'ftirf,
p. 202, No. [587] : see Newton, Man. Nat. Hist. Greenl. 1875, p. 113 ; Frekb, Zool. Sept. l&Sl, p. 30G ; Coues, Check-List,,
2d ed. 1882, p. Ill, No. C91, and Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. G83.
Subfamily ANSERIN/E: Geese.
Lores completely feathered; tarsi entirely reticulate; hind toe simple. Neck in length
between that of Swans and of Ducks ; cervical vertebrae proper about 16, with 2 cervico-
dorsals. Body elevated and not so much flat-
tened as in Ducks ; legs relatively longer ; tar-
sus generally exceeding, or at least not shorter
than, middle toe ; bill generally rather short,
high and compressed at base, rapidly tapering
to tip, which is less widened and flattened than
is usual among Ducks, and almost wholly oc-
cupied by the broad nail. No tracheal tym-
panum in typical Anserince (though present
in many forms whicli are commonly included
in this subfamily). The species as a rule are
more terrestrial, and walk better, than Ducks ;
they are generally herbivorous, although sev-
eral maritime species (Philacte, and an allied
South American group) are animal- feeders, and their flesh is rank. Both sexes attend to the
young. A notable trait, shared by Swans, is their mode of resenting intrusion or aggression
by hissing with outstretched neck, and striking with the wings. With some exceptions the
plumage is not so bright and variegated as that of Ducks, aud the speculum is wanting ; there
is only an annual moult, aud no great seasonal change of plumage ; the sexes are generally
alike (unlike in some species of Chloephaga, etc.). Most true Geese fall in or near our genera
Common (a) and Black (6) Brant.
anatid^—anseriNjE: geese. 897
Chen, Anser, and Branta, and are modelled in the likeness of the domestic breeds. Notable
exotic forms, which used to be referred to this subfamily but are now kept apart, are : the
Australian Anseranas semipalmata and Cereopsis nocce-hollandice, and the African species of
Plectropterus (for all of which see p. 892). The Asiatic Cygnopsis ci/gndides, frequently domes-
ticated, is a true Goose with a Swan-like aspect. The Egyptian Goose, Chenalopex cegyptiaca,
and its South American ally, C. jubatus, are Duck-like Geese related in some particulars to the
Spur-winged Geese; their true position is in question. The Geese are directly connected with
Ducks through the rather large Sheldrake group, the species of which resemble Geese in some
external features, but are more essentially like Ducks. Characteristic examples of this group
are the European Tadorna cornuta and Casarca casarca. There are several other Duck-like
Geese, as the African Cyanochen cyanopterus, the Australian Clienotietta jubata, and about
6 species of Chloephaga, all South American, like C. melanoptera ; these are sometimes grouped
as a subfamily apart. Our long-legged arboricole genus Dendrocygna belongs iu the imme-
diate vicinity, while the domesticat(;d Musk Duck, Cairina moschata, is not far removed.
Through such forms as these we are brought directly among the Ducks proper. Some notable
exotic Geese of very small size, not larger than Teal, are the Goslets composing the genus Net-
topus, with 4 species — N. aurita of Africa, N. coromandelianus and N. pulchellus of Asia, etc.,
and N. albipennis of Australia. Among typical exotic Geese, hardly separable generically
from Branta or Anser, may be named Nesochen sandvicensis of the islands whence its generic
and specific designations are both derived ; Uufibrenta ruficollis, tlie Red-breasted Goose of Asia;
and Eidabeia indica, the Indian Bar-headed Goose. The character of the subfamily would
appear to much better advantage if it were restricted to such genera as the three last named in
connection with Anser, Chen, Branta, Philacte, and Cygnoides, as is done by Salvadori.
Analysis of Genera.
Bin pink ; feet yellow ; under parts extensively black. Bill tapering, not longer than head. Lamellie moderately
exposed Anser
Bill and feet pink Plumage white, or much varied. Bill tapering, not longer than head. Lamellae completely
exposed Chen
Bill and feet black ; head and neck black, with white spaces. Bill tapering, shorter than head. LamelliB hidden
Branta
Bill and feet light ; plumage bluish, with black crescents. Bill tapering, not longer than head. Lamella- partly
exposed Philacte
Bill and feet various ; plumage much variegated. Bill scarcely tapering, longer than head .... Dendrocygna
Obs. — These characters only indicate the North American species.
AN'SER. (Lat. oMse/-, a goose.) Gray Geese. Land Geese. Bill shorter or not lunger
than head, very stout, tapering to obtuse tip, at ba.se rather higher than broad. Lateral lainellje
somewhat exposed by bevelling of tomia. Nostrils in basal half of bill, their anterior edge only
reaching its middle. Tibite naked below. Tarsus rather shorter than middle toe and claw,
entirely reticulate. Anterior toes full-webbed, on top reticulate at base, then scutellate. Hind
toe moderate, reaching the ground. Tail of IG -f- featbers. Color not white, nor with black
head, neck, bill, or feet. This genus contains the most typical Geese, among them being the
wild original of the domestic Goose, A. anser, ferns, or cinereiis, commonly called tlie Gray
Ijag Goose; the Bean Goose, A. fab(dis or segetum, now to be introduced to our Fauna on
good evidence; the Greater Bean Goose, A. grandis; tlie Pink-fnoted Goose, yl. bravhy-
rhynchus; and A. erythropus, which latter is closely related to our White-fronted Goose, but
is not much larijer than a IMall.ird.
Analysis of Species and Siib.fpecies.
Nail iif bill black or dusky. Face not wliito. (Straggler from Europe) fubalis
Nail iif hill white or pink. Face of adult white.
Smaller : length about '-'7. 00-'_>.S.(X1 : ciilmen 1. 50-1. "5. (Straggler from Europe) (dfiifrnns
Larger; length about 'J8.00-30.00 ; culmeu 1.7r>-'i.0<) or more. (N.Am.) i •i>tmMi
57
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LA MELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
A. faba'lis. (Lat. /afcafe, relating to beans ; /afea, a beau.) European Bean Goose. Bill
l(jug, black and orange, the nail black or dusky; feet orange; claws black. Head and neck
grayish-browu ; back darker grayish-brown, the feathers margined with grayish-white; rump
blackish ; upper tail-coverts white ; wings brown, more gray on the coverts, these and the
secondaries edged with white. Below from the breast plain brownish-gray, fading to white on
the vent aud crissum. Sexes aliiie, and young little diti'erent. Large: length 30.00 or more;
wing 18.00-19.00; tail 6.50; tarsus about 3.00; bill along culmen 2.25 or more. Europe,
Asia, and Africa ; only North American as casually occurring in Greenland, aud only re-
cently established as such, though long ago given hypothetically as a bird of this country ;
e. g. Bean Goose, A. segetum Nutt. Man. ii, 1834, p. 348 ; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 116. Anser
fahalis Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii, 1895, p. 99 ; A. 0- U. List, Eighth Suppl. in Auk,
Jan. 1897, p. 118, No. [171.1]. See Auk, July, 1896, p. 244.
A. al'bifrons. (Lat. alhiis, white; frons, forehead.) European White-fronted Goose.
Exactly like the next to be described (gambeli), but latter rather larger, with especially larger
bill, as given in the above analysis. The iutergradatiou is complete, but average dimensions
constantly differ. Length perhaps never 30.00; wing not over 16.00; tarsus under 3.00; bill
under 2.00, usually under 1.75, along culmen, and depth of its upper mandible at base under
1.00. Only North American as occurring in Greenland.
A. a. gam'beli. (To Wm. Gambel.) American White-fronted Goose. Laughing
Goose. Yellow-legged Goose. Harlequin Brant. Gray Brant. Pied Brant.
Prairie Brant. Speckled Brant. Speckle-belly. Tail normally 16-feathered. Bill
smooth; the laminae moderately exposed. Adult ^ ^: Bill pink (very pale lake or carmine),
the nails white, a small space on culmen, a space on lower mandible, and edges of nostrils,
chrome-yellow. Feet chrome-yellow, webs rather paler. Eyes dark brown. Claws white.
A white band along base of upper mandible, bordered behind by blackish. Upper tail-coverts
white. Under parts whitish ; breast and belly more or less extensively patched or blotched
with black, in high plumage mostly black ; sides of rump, and tlie crissum, white. Head and
neck dark grayish-brown, paler on lower neck in front, where passing into the whitish black-
blotched breast, darker on the front, where sharply contrasted with the white face. Back dark
ashy-gray, the feathers anteriorly tipped with brown, farther back with pale gray. Seconda-
ries and ends of primaries dusky, more ashy toward base ; primary coverts and outer webs of
primaries ashy ; greater coverts and secondaries bordered with whitish ; primaries and coverts
edged and tipped with white; shafts of quills white. Young (A. frontalis Bd.) : Darker,
browner; the gray and ashy colors rather brown; base of tail not pure white; no white on
face, which is darker than rest of head ; no black on under parts ; bill obscured, the nail brown
or blackish ; feet pale. Length 27.00-30.00 ; extent about 60.00 ; wing 16.00-17.00 ; tail 5.50 ;
tarsus 2.75-3.10; middle toe and claw rather more; bill up to 2.00 or more along culmen, with
depth of upper mandible at base averaging 1.00. 9 averaging rather less than J. North
America at large, breeding in the far North, even to the Arctic coast, wintering in the U. S.,
in greater numbers on the Pacific side than in the interior or along the Atlantic (where rare),
and extending at that season into Mexico, Lower California, and Cuba; also on the A.siatic side
of Bering Sea, and S. to Japan. Eggs 6-7, 2.90-3.30 X ahout 2.10, elliptical, smooth, dull
yellowish with an olive shade, in places discolored with a darker tint.
CHEN. (Gr. x^", chen, a goose.) Snow Geese. Bill about as long as head, very stout
and high at base, where higher than broad, the under mandible very deep ; tomial edges
much bevelled off, and receding from each other, leaving an elliptical space, in which the large
prominent teeth are fully exposed. Nostrils in basal half of bill. Feet as in Anser, but tarsus
if anything longer than middle toe and claw. Color of adults white, at least on head, usually
all white except black-tipped wings; bill and feet reddish. (Grammatical gender of the name
•common, masculine preferred.)
ANA TIDJ^ — ANSEIUX.E : GEESE.
899
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Not white in main body-color. Nearly tlie size of tlie next ecerulescens
Pure wliite, with black wing-tips ; head rusty or not.
Large: length 30.00 ; wing 17.00 or more. Bill smooth hyperhoreus nivalis
Small : length about 25.00 ; wing 10.00 or less. Bill smooth hyperhoreus
Very small: length under 24.00 ; wing 15.00 or less. Bill studded with papilliB. {Ejcanthemops.) . . rossi
(Suhgemts Chen.)
C. coerules'ceiis. (Lat. ecerulescens, bluish. Fig. 628.) Blue Snow Goose. Blue
Goose. Blue-wixged Goose. Blue Wavey. Blue Brant. White-headed Goose.
Bald-headed Brant. White-headed Bald Brant. Adult ^ 9- l>ill 'i"^l feet llesh-
pink, fonner with the recess betweeu the inaudibles black, the nails whitish ; iris dark browu ;
l''iu. OJS. — Bluu (Ji)o.s.-. (From "Wild Fowl of North Ameiicu," by 1). G. Elliot.
claws dusky. Head and neck above white ; neck below, passing on to back and breast, dusky-
gray, then fading into whitish on under parts, changing on wings into line bluish-gray, or sil-
very-ash ; rump and upper tail-coverts whitish ; quills and tail-feathers dusky, edged with
whitish ; i)riiiuiries black. Young similar, but head mostly dark grayish-brown ; bill and feet
dusky. Nearly the size of the larger Snow Goose, and resembling the young of that species.
Length 25.00-28.00 ; wing l«>.00 ; bill 2.25; tarsus 3.00. North America, chieHy in the inte-
rior from its breeding grounds about Hudson's Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, occasionally on
th(( Atlantic coast ; Bahamas ; Cuba ; Lake Umbagog, Maine ; not very common, but well
known enough to have acquired a gunner's synonymy (see above). This is a perfectly good
species, which I have retained throughout my editions of the Key without question, thoui^h
it was banislied to the A. O. \1. Hypothetical List, l.st ed. lHS(i. p. 'XA, No. 8. The taboo
was afterward taken off, and the species restored to full cominuuidu in A. O. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, No. lfi<>.L
900 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
C. hyperbo'reus. (Lat. hyperhoreus, beyond the north wmd.) Lesser Snow Goose.
Little Wavey. Form and coloration precisely as in the next to be described (Ji. nivalis) ;
average size less, but grading up to that of the next. Length about 25.00 ; wing 14.50-17.00 ;
tail 5.50; tarsus 2.75-3.25; bill 2.00-2.12. Chiefly western North America, but E. commonly
in the Mississippi valley, less regularly to New England (Auk, Apr. 1897, p. 207) and along
the Atlantic ccjast; breeds in N. W. British America and Alaska; U. S. in winter and migra-
tion; Japan; accidental in Ireland. (Co. Wexford, Nov. 1871; Saunders, P. Z. S. 1872,
p. 519 ; Co. Mayo, Oct. 1877; see Harting, Zool. 1878, p. 419.) Eggs about 3.00 X 2.00,
yellowish- white. Anser hyperhoreus Pall. 1769 ; Chen hyperborea Boie, 1822 ; A. 0. U.
No. 109. Anser albatus Cass. 1856; Chen albatus Elliot, 1867 ; C. hyperhoreus albatus of
2d-4th eds. of the Key.
C. h. niva'lis. (Lat. nivalis, like snow, snowy, relating to nivis, snow.) Greater Snow
Goose. Red Goose. White Brant. Yellow Wavey. Common Wavey. Adult $ 9 :
TiT^^S^^^
V. \v
^'t-
Fig. C29. — Ross's Snow Goose. (From " Wild Fowl of North America," by D. G. Elliot.)
Bill carmine-red or pale purplish with a salmon tinge, the nails white, the "grinning" rece.ss
between the mandibles black. Eyes dark brown. Feet dull lake-red ; claws blackish. Plu-
mage pure white, the head usually found washed or stained with rusty-brown, like a Swan's;
ends of primaries black, their bases gray, like their coverts and spurious quills of thumb.
Young : Resembling C coerulescens, but head not white while other parts are colored ; tail and
its coverts white ; head, neck, and upper parts generally light gray, with darker shaft-streaks
and lighter edgings of the feathers, especially noticeable on the wing-coverts and inner secon-
daries; most under parts whitish, unmarked; bill and feet dark. Large: Length 27.00-31.00
or more ; extent 57.00-62.00 ; wing 17.00 or more ; tail 6.50 ; bill 2.35-2.65 ; tai-sus 3.00-3.50 ;
middle toe and claw the same. Weight 5 or 6 lbs. The dimensions grade down to those of
the preceding ; both vary much, and are specifically inseparable ; but their extremes are far apart,
A NA TIDjE — A N SERIN JE : GEESE.
901
and there is generally a difference which enables us to refer specimens to one or the other.
North America; breeds in high latitudes, migrating and wintering in the U. S. ; S. to Cuba;
chiefly along the Atlantic coast. It is a mistake to suppose that these large white Brant are
confined to "eastern" North America. Casual in Europe. {C. Jii/perboreus of most authors,
as of former editions of the Key.)
(Subgenus Exaxthemops.)
C. (E.) ros'si. (To Bernard R. Ross, Chief Factor Hudson's Bay Co. Fig. 629.) Ross'
Goose. Horned Wavey. Least Snow Goose. Coloration as in the foregoing. Bill
small, outline of feathers on side of upper mandible nearly straight instead of strongly con-
vex, studded at base with numerous papilla), and much less exposure of teeth in a blackish
recess than in any of the other species. Very small — no larger than a Mallard. Length
about 2L00; wing 14.50; tail .5.00; bill L50 ; tarsus 2.50. Arctic America, in the interior;
western U. S. in winter, S. to southern California; not yet known E. of the Mississippi in
the U. S. A curious little white Goose, so diflfereut from other species of Chen as to have been
made type of a genus Exanthemops. It was discovered by Samuel Hearne about 1769-72,
and first described in his "Journey," original edition, 1795, p. 442, but not technically named
till 1861. The A. 0. U. declined to recognize this subgenus till 1899 (A. 0. U. Suppl. List,
Auk, Jan. p. 104).
PHILAC'TE. (Gr. 0i'Xof, philoa, loving ; ukt^, akte, the seashore.) Painted Geese.
Superficial aspect of Chen. Skull with superorbital depressions (wanting in other North Amer-
ican Geese). Teeth of bill only exposed posteriorly; nail prominent; the nostrils in lower
fore part of their fossfe : bill moderately robust. Tarsus not longer than middle toe and claw.
Plumage variegated, but no metallic tints; bill and feet light-colored. Webbing of toes in-
cised. Sexes alike. Arctic and maritime.
P. cana'gica. (Of the island of Kanaga or Kyktak. Fig. 6.'J0.) Painted Goose. Em-
peror Goose Adult ^ 9 : Wavy bluish-gray, with lavender or lilac tinting, and black and
white crescentic marks
more sharply defined
on the upper than on
the under parts ; head,
nape, and tail white,
former often washed
with amber- yellow,
base of the latter dark
ashy ; throat black-
ish, ])lain or white-
spe<-kled ; primaries
and tlieir coverts plain
slate-gray ; secondaries
and their coverts dusky
slate-color, with white
edgings. Eye hazel-
lirown ; feet orange-
yellow ; bill livid tlesh-
colnr, with whitisli,
dark-edged nail, livid
bluish Tiasal mem-
brane ; lower mandible darker, with a jiair ><( white spots mi the rami.
Fio. 03t>. — Emperor Goose. (From Dall. )
and feet obscured with
Young : Similar; bill
the l.huk and white crescents less distinct; head and neck
902 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES— ANSERES.
dusky, more or less speckled with white. Length 25.00-28.00 5 extent 48.00-56.00; wing-
15.00-17.00; tail 5.00-G.OO; bill 1.50; tarsus 3.00. Northwest coast ; abundant at mouth of
Yukon ; wintering chietly in southern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, but sometimes reaching
California; breeding N. to Bering Strait at least; also on the Siberian side. A remarkable
species, unlike any other Groose of our country; strictly maritime. Its flesh is rank, scarcely fit
for food. Eggs 5-8, 3.00-3.25 X 2.00-2.25, M'hite, generally with stains, giving a pale dirty-
brown color, laid in June. Best biography in Nelson's Alaska, 1887, p. 89, colored pi. 4.
BKAN'TA. (Corrupted, as by ScOPOLi, 1769, from Gr. ^pevBo^ or ^piv6os, brentJios or brin-
tlios, Aristotelian name of an unknown bird; name ccn-rected Brenthus by SuNU. Tent. 1873,
p. 145. This is the genus Bernicla Steph. 1824, ex Briss. 1760, as Latinized by Gesner,
1555, from English barnacle. The name " barnacle" commemorates the fable that these birds
sprouted from the little cirripeds called barnacles. " Brent " or " brant" is of uncertain ety-
mological relation to Brenthus, and commonly supposed to mean simply " burnt " goose, from
the dark color, as if branded or charred.) Barnacle Geese. Brant Geese. Black
Geese. Brant. Bill short, small, the nail prominent from depression of culmen behind it ;
nostrils at its middle. Laminae of bill not exposed except just at base, the commissure being
straight and not bevelled ofi". Head and neck black, with white spaces; upper and under tail-
coverts white. Bill and feet black. Hind toe very small. Tail of 14-20, usually 16-18 feath-
ers. Sexes alike. Several species, of both hemispheres. (Bernicla is the name I used for
this genus in 2d-4th eds. of the Key ; but I now follow the A. 0. U. in reverting to Branta of
the original edition of the Key, 1872.)
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Forehead, cheeks, and cliin white. (European.) leucopsis
Forehead, cheeks, and chin black ; white stripes on neck.
Black of neck well defined against light lower parts b. glaucof^astra
Black of neck extending over breast n iqricans
Forehead black ; cheeks and chin white ; no white stripes on neck.
Tail normally 18-20-feathered. Large.
No white collar in black of lower neck canadensis
A white collar in black of lower neck c. occidentalis
Tail normally IC-feathered. Small.
No white collar in black of lower neck (usually) c. hutchinsi
Tail normally 14-lG- feathered. Smallest.
A white collar in black of lower neck c. minima
B. levicop'sis. (Gr. XevKos, leucos, white; oyl^is, ojjsis, appearance: the face white.) Bar-
nacle Goose. Barnicle. Bernicle. Bernacle. Claris. Tail normally of 16 feathers.
Adult (J 9: Bill, feet, and claws black. Iris hazel-brown. Front and sides of head and chin
white, with a dark line at base of bill, and thence to eye. Rest of head and neck all around
black, prolonged on back and fore breast ; scapulars, wing-coverts, and inner secondaries gray,
with subterminal black crescents and edged with whitish ; rump and tail black. Upper and
under tail-coverts, sides of rump, belly, and hind breast, white or whitish, the sides shaded
with gray. Quills dusky, blackening at ends, tinged on exptjsed surfaces with ashy. Soxes
similar; 9 duller colored than ^. Young: White of face speckled with black, and general
plumage suffused with rufous-brown, more or less marked according to age. Downy young
are gray above, whitish behiw. Length of ^ 28.00; extent 55.00; wing 17.00; tail 6.00;
bill 1.50 ; tarsus 2.75; nuddle toe and claw the same. 9 much smaller; both sexes very
variable. Europe ; very rare and casual in North America excepting Greenland, where reg-
ular. (Hudson's Bay, Am. Nat. ii, 1868, p. 49. N. Carolina, Am. Nat. v, 1871, p. 10.
Long Island, Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 18. Illinois, Forest and Stream, Nov. 23, 1876.)
(Bernicla leucopsis of 2d-4th eds. of Key.)
A NA TID^E — A NSERIN.E : GEESE.
9oa
B. ber'nicla glaucogas'tra (Old Euglisli hernekJce, Latinized bemaca about 1 175, and found
in uncounted forms in various languages ; ultimate origin and meaning unknown. The cir-
riped Lepas anutifera is said by some to have been named barnacle from the bird — not the
bird from the cirriped. See Century Diet. p. 455, and Newton's Diet. p. 31. — Gr. yXavKos,
glauJcos, glaucous, and yaarrip, gaster, belly. Fig. G31.) BuANT GooSE. Brent Goo.se.
Brant. Brent. Black Brant (in distinction from White Brant as applied to Waveys
of the genus Chen). Horra Goose (Shetland). Rode, Rood, Road, Rott, or Rat
Goose (all from German Botgans : Newton.) Clatter Goose. Crocker. Qulnckor.
QuiNK. Adult $ 9 : Bill, feet, and claws black ; iris brown. Head and neck all around,
and a little of fore part of body, glossy-black, well defined against color of breast; on each
side of neck a small patch of white streaks ; fre(juently also white touches on eyelids and
chin. Breast light
ashy-gray, beginning
abruptly from the
black, fading on belly
and crissum into
white, shaded along
sides of body. Up-
per parts brownish -
gray ; feathers of dor-
sal region with paler
gray tij)S ; rump
darker ; upper tail-
coverts white. Tail-
feat h ers , w i n g- q u i 1 1 s ,
and primary coverts
blackish ; inner ([uills
wliitish toward base.
Young : Similar;
general cast of plu-
mage browner, with Fig. 031. -common Bnant. (From Lewis.)
more pronounced white edging on the wing-coverts, and tips of secondaries quite white ; less
distinction between colors of brtiast and belly ; black of head and neck rather brownish-dusky,
and the patch of white streaks slight or wanting. Length 24.00; extent 48.00; wing 13.00;
tail 4.50; 1)ill 1.33; tarsus 2.25; middle toe and claw about the same. Europe. In North
America, cliieHy along the Atlantic coa.st, being more maritime thau" other U. S. Geese, but
also found inland on the great lakes and rivers. U. S. only in winter and during the migra-
tions, when abundant. Breeds only within the Arctic Circle, on our coasts from Greenland
W. to tlie Parry Islands, and as far nortli as our e.Kplorers have gone. According to Feilden it
n>aches hit. 82° 30' early in June ; nest on ground, of grass and moss, lined with down; eggs
late in June, 4 or 5 in number, 2.05-2.87 X 1-75-1.95, creamy white, finely granulated, sliijhtly
glossy, indistinguishable from those of li. leKCoptiis. Moult late in July, when the birds are
unaltle to tiy. Our I)ird is the lightest-bellied form, entitled to rank as Branta bi'inichi ghm-
cogastra. CouES, Auk, A])r. 18i)7, p. 207; A. O. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. l.-!»!». p. I(t5,
No. 173^/ (Bernicln brenta of 2d-4th eds. of Key).
B. iii^'rieaiis. (Lat. nigricans, being blackisli. Fiy;. O-'M.) Ulaik r>i;.\Nr (as distin-
guished from the foregoing species). Similar to the last; darker above; black of jnmihnn
extending over mo.st of under parts, fading on belly and crissum, without abrupt line of demarca-
tion on l)reast ; white neck-patches usually larger and meeting in front, thus making a clean
white collar oidy ojx'n at the back of tlie neck ; vent and crissum conspicuously white in con-
904
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LA MELLIR OS TRES — A N SERES.
trast with black belly. Size of the last, and difference between young and old the same.
Both coasts ; very abundant on the Pacific side, casual on the Atlantic. Migrations and breed-
ing resorts the same in latitude, usually with the difference in longitude just indicated ; nesting
the same, and eggs indistinguishable. {Bemicla brenta nigricans of 2d-4tli eds. of Key.)
B. canaden'sis. (Of Canada. Fig. 633.) Canada Goose. Common Wild Goose.
Cravat Goose. Common or Bio Gray Goose. Bay Goose. Reef Goose. Black-
headed Goose. Canada Brant. Honker. Bustard (from old Canadian-French outarde).
Tail normally 18-20-feathered. Adult ^ 9 : Bill, feet, head, and neck black ; on chin a
broad white patch or "cravat" mounting on sides of head behind eyes, sometimes broken on
chin; not extending for-
ward to jaws ; white
touches usually on eye-
lids. Upper tail-coverts
definitely white ; rump
blackish; tail-feathers
black. General color
brownish-gray, paler or
more ashy-gray below,
all the feathers with paler
gray or whitish edges,
those of sides of body
usually darker than rest
of under parts ; lower
belly and crissum defi-
nitely white, with a very
well marked line of de-
marcation. Iris brown.
Length 3 feet or more ;
extent 5 feet ; wing 18-20
inches ; tail 7.00 ; tarsus
3.00-3.50 ; middle toe
and claw more ; bill about
2.00. North America at
large. The most gener-
ally distributed and on
the whole most abundant
Goose of our country. It
breeds in various parts
of the northern U. S.,
sometimes in trees, but
many individuals pass
farther north to nest. Eggs 5-9, usually 5 or 6, ellipsoidal, smooth, pale dull greenish or
whitish, about 3.50 X 2.50.
B. c. occideuta'lis. (Lat. occidentalis, western.) Larger White-cheeked Goose.
Similar to the last ; of equal size or nearly so, and tail 18-20-feathered. Coloration averaging
darker than in the last, on under parts especially, against which the white of anal and crissal
region is very well defined. Black of neck bounded below in front by a white half-collar, and
white cravat apt to be untied in front, making a pair of wliite cheek-patches. Bill averaging
shorter, perhaps never 2.00 along culmen, and tarsus relatively longer. The best samples are
well marked ; others shade into the common form inextricably. Pacific coast, especially
Fig. C32. — Black Brant. (From American Field.)
A NA TID.E — A NSERIN^E : GEESE.
905
Alaska (to Sitka), S. in winter to California. The bird here inJicated is Bernicla occidentalis Bd.
B. N. A. 1858, p. 766, in text under the unfortunate heading of B. leucopareia Cass., whence
])y error my Branta canadensis leucoparia of the Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 284. But it is not B.
leucopareia of Cassin, nor yet Anser lencopareius of Brandt. It is Bernicla canadensis occi-
dentalis of the Key, 2d-4th eds., 1884-90, p. 688, and Branta canadensis occidentalis of the
A. 0. U. List, No. 172 6.
B. c. hut'chinsi. (To Mr. Hutchins of the H. B. Co.) HuTCHiNS's GoosE. Lesser Can-
ada Goose. Small Gray Goose. Little ^YILD Goose. Winter Goose. Flight
Goose. Prairie Goose. Marsh Goose. Mud Goose. Eskimo Goose. Apistiskeesh
or PiSKASiSH. Tail normally 16-feathered. Coloration exactly as in the Canada Goose.
Size much less. Length 25.00-30.00; extent about 4 feet; wing 15.00-17.00; tail 5.00-
6.00; bill 1.50; tarsus under 3.00. These are fair measurements of average individuals;
some run up to length 34.00; wing 17.75; bill 1.90; tarsus 3.20; and such can hardly if at
all be distinguished from small canadensis proper, especially if they happen to have 18 tail-
feathers. Other indi-
viduals run down to
wing 14.75; bill 1.20;
tarsus 2.25 ; and such
probably cannot be
distinguished from
minima, especially
from an individual o
tlie latter which hap-
pens to have 1(5 tail-
feathers, unless by tlx'
color-marks which or-
<1 i n aril y distinguisli
both minima and occi-
dentalis from both
hntchinsi and cana-
densis proper. There
is in fact some ques-
tion whether Dr. Rich-
ard s o n ' s original
htitchinsii, ty])e from
Melville peninsula,
was not wliat we are
now calling minima; i.iv--
,• .. . { -1 „ 1 ,„ Fig 033. — Canada Goose. (From Lewis. )
tnr It IS described as
length 25.00; wing 14.00! tail 14-feathered ; ''breast . . . all white," etc.; but it might
make cdiifusion worse confounded to insist upon the point now. llutdiins's Goose, as we
understand the subspecies, ranges over North America at large, U. S. in winter and migration,
less commonly along the Atlantic coast tiian in the interior and <m tlie I'acitic coast; breeds
in high latitudes ; and occurs on the Asiatic side, Siberia to Japan. This appears to be
Brandt's Anser leiicopareius as described from the Ah'utians (but it is B. lexcoparein neither
(if Cassin, nor i.f li.-\iRD. nor of Coi'ES, 1872). It is Branta canadensis hntchinsii of the Key,
1st ed. 1872, p. 284. wliere first n>(luced to its ))roper rank of subsjuries : .\. O. 1'. No. 172 'f.
lirrnicla r. Jixtchinsi of later eds. of tlie Key. See next article.
IJ <•. iiiiiriiiia. (Lat. smallest, least, used as superlative degree of the different word parrus,
.small.) Lk.\si' Can.\I).\ (Joosk. Cackling Goosi-.. C.xssin'.s Godsk. Tail normally
906 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
14-16-feathered. Coloration exactly as in the western subspecies of canadensis (occidentalis)
— that is, general tone dark, especially on under parts, where usually sharply contrasted with
a white half-collar on the lower neck or fore breast and the white crissum ; and white cravat
on clieeks tending to break up in a pair of patches. Size at the mininiuni of hutchinsi, and
generally still less, the bird being ordinarily about the size of a Mallard. Length 23.00-25.00 ;
wing 13.75-14.75; culmeu hardly over one inch. Eggs about 3.00 X 2.00. Chiefly western
North America, especially the Pacific coast region, breeding in Alaska, about the Yukon delta,
etc., S. in winter to California and Colorado ; E. occasionally to the Mississippi, but unknown
on the Atlantic side of the Alleghanies. On the Pacific side it bears the same relation to
occidentalis that is borne in eastern North America by hutchinsi to canadensis proper. It is
curious to remark how size is correlated with presence or absence of the white collar at the
bottom of the neck of these four Geese : thus canadensis, large, coUarless; hutchinsi, small, col-
larless ; occidentalis, large, collared ; minima, small, collared. Furthermore, each one has just
about as many inches in length of wing as there are feathers in the tail ! This is the little
"White-necked" Goose figured by Cassin, 111. 1855, pi. 45, p. 272, as B. " leucopareia
Brandt," but it is not Brandt's bird ; Mr. Cassin himself thought it was probably identical
with hutchinsi, and cites the latter name in his synonymy without a query. It is not B. " leii-
copareia Cass." of Baird, 1858, which is B. c. occidentalis, nor Branta c. leucopareia of the
Key, 1872, which is also occidentalis. But it is Branta c. leucopareia of my Check-List, 1873,
No. 485 a; of CouES in Elliott's Alaska, 1875, p. 190; Bernicla c. leucoparia of my Check-
List, 2d ed. 1882, No. 703 ; and of the Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. G89, No. 703; of Ridgw.
Check-List, 1881, No. 594 h ; Bernicla c. leucopareia Eidgw. in Bd. Brew. Ridgw. Water-
Birds, i, 1884, pp. 456, 459. It is Branta cassini of my MSS. 1885, never published ; Branta
minima Ridgw. Pr. U. S. N. M. viii, Apr. 1885, p. 22 ; Branta c. minima Id. ibid. p. 355 ;
A. 0. U. No. 172 c.
DENDROCYG'NA. (Gr. 8ev8poif, dendron, a tree ; Lat. ci/gnus, a swan.) Tree Ducks.
Duck-like arboricole species, with bill longer than head, terminated by a prominent decurved
nail ; lamellae not projecting ; nostrils small, oval, in basal half of bill. Legs very long ; tibiae
extensively denuded below; hind toe lengthened, more than 5 as long as tarsus; tarsi reticu-
late, as in Geese proper. Wings ample, rounded: 1st quill shorter than 4th. Coloration
variegated. Sexes similar. Nest in trees. In addition to the two following species, a third,
D. arborea, of tlie West Indies, may occur in the South. The genus contains about 9 species
(including D. (Leptotarstis) eytoni), almost universally represented in tropical and warm-
temperate regions of the globe. Its character is somewhat equivocal, as between AnserincR
and Anatinrr. I think it really belongs to the latter subfamily, in the vicinity of the Shiel-
drake group ; with which expression of my views I leave it in the position it has occupied in
former editions of the Key, as also in the A. O. U. Lists.
Analysis of Species.
Bill and feet blackish ; coloration largely cinnamon ; no white wing-patch fuk'a
Bill and feet reddish ; coloration largely blackish ; a large white wing-patch aiUumnalis
D. ful'va. (Lat. /wZro, fulvous, reddish. Fig. G34.) FuLVOUS Tree Duck. Adult ^ ?:
Bill bluish-black ; feet slaty-blue ; iris brown. Pale cinnamon or yellowish-brown, extensive
and nearly uniform on lower parts, darker on head, streaked with lighter on flanks; nape and
hind-neck with a black line ; scapulars and fore back blackish with pale cinnamon edgings of
the feathers. Rump and tail black; upper and under tail-coverts white. No white speculum on
wing; lesser wing-coverts chocolate-brown ; rest of wing black on both surfaces. Length about
20.00; extent 36.00; wing 9.50 ; tail 3.25; tarsus 2.25; bill 1.50, with hooked nail. Young
similar ; less chestnut on the wing-coverts ; lower parts paler fulvous ; upper tail-coverts not
purely white. Ducklings in down above grayish-brown, below whitish; head striped with
A NA TID.E — A NSERIX.E : GEESE.
907
brown and white ; a white wing-har. Nidification variable, in hollow of a tree, or on ground ;
many nests, built of grass, lined sparsely with down and feathers, have been found on the
ground in a marsh in central California. Eggs indefinitely numerous, 17 to (in one nest) 32,
also sometimes laid in nests of other Ducks, and of Coots ; size 1.85-l.G.) X 1.98-2.20; shell
dead white, somewhat rough, not as elliptical as usual in this Atmily ; laid late in June or in
July (Shields, Bull. Cooper Club, i, No. 1, Jan. 1899, p. 9). Southwestern U. S. and south-
ward, in summer Lnuisiana to Nevada and California, in winter Texas and Louisiana : casually
in Missouri and North Carolina; common on the Rio Grande. It also inhabits most of South
America, and the identical species is accredited to Africa and India.
D. autumna'lis. (Lat. antumnalis or auctumnalis, of the period of increase, of harvest ;
auctiis, increased, augmented. Fig. 635.) Autumnal Tree Duck. Black-bellied
Tree Duck. Corn-field Duck (Texas). Adult J 9 : Bill coral-red, with orange above,
and bluish nail ; feet
pinkish - wh ite ; iris
brown. A large white
speculum, consisting of
greater wing -coverts
and basal parts of most
of the quills, as well as
spurious quills and outer
webs of one or two pri-
maries. Head and neck
reddish-chocolate, paler
on cheeks and chin, with
bhick stripe down nape
and hind -neck, passing
througli more yellow-
ish-brown on fore parts
of body to black on
lower back, rump, tail,
belly, sides of body and
lining of wings ; Hanks
and crissum mostly
white. Length about
20.00; extent 3G.00-
38.00; wing 9.50-10.50;
tail 3.00; bill alont:
gape 2.00 ; tarsus 2.25.
Young similar, duller,
tlie reddish-brown most-
ly dingy or rusty gray,
the black of the belly
replaced by whitish with
dusky waving; bill and
feet dusky. Ducklings
in (IdUii dusky l.rown above, spotted witli sulphur yellow <.n sides of ba<'k and rump, the head
witii buft" bands; below pale butf, bleadiingou belly. South and Central America and Mexico
to Texas, abundant from April to October on the Kio Grande; a common market-bird in some
places. Nest in liollows of trees, often at a great distance from water, to which the young are
transported by tlie parents in the bill. Eggs I2-I«;, 2.10 X L50, of usual shape, butfy-white.
Kio. tsU. — FulvoUB Tree Duck
D. G. Elliot.)
iKruiu "Wild Fowl of North An..
908
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — AN SERES.
Subfamily ANATIN/E: River Ducks.
Tarsi scutellate in front ; hind toe simple (in Fuligulina-, liind toe with a flap or lobe).
This expression separates the present group from all North American examples of foregoing
and succeeding subfamihes, although it is not a perfect diagnosis. The neck and legs are
shorter than they average in Geese, while the feet are smaller than in Sea-ducks, the toes and
their wehs not being so highly developed. No Anatincs are so exclusively maritime as most
Fuligulince ; yet they
are by no means con-
fined to fresh waters,
and some species con-
stantly associate with
Sea-ducks. They feed
extensively, like most
Geese, upon succulent
aquatic herbage, but
also upon various animal
substances ; their flesh is
almost without excep-
ti(in excellent. They do
lint dive for food. The
sexes are almost inva-
1 ial)ly markedly distinct
in color; the young re-
semble the 9 ; the wing
liiis usually a brilliant
s|ieculum, which, like
nther wing-markings, is
alike in both sexes. In
various of the River- and
Sea-Ducks the $ as-
■-mnes in summer atem-
irary, dull, protective
I image more or less
<o that of the 9. The
9 incubates, and cares
i(ir the young. As com-
[);ued with Anserince, a
good anatomical chai'ac-
ter is the very general
presence in Anatince (as
also in FnUfpilin^) of the tracheal tympanum or bulla ossea already mentioned (p. 891); it usu-
ally marks the drakes only, but may occur in the other sex, and its variations in structure
afi'ord a generic distinction in some cases. Although the diflerence between any ordinary Duck
and a true Goose is obvious at a glance, there is no sharp line of distinction between the two
subfamilies. We have a connecting link in the genus Dendrocygna, as already stated ; and
though the Shieldrakes themselves are undoubtedly anatiue rather than anserine, some of their
near relatives occupy an ambiguous position. The genus Casarca, which I now first intro-
duce to the Key, is a true Shieldrake, and some related exotic forms will be found noted
beyond. Of genuine Anatince there are rather more than 60 species, generally distributed over
Fig. 635., — Black-bellied Tree Duck.
D. G. Elliot.)
(From " Wild Fowl of North America," by
ANATID.E — ANATIN^: RIVER DUCKS. 909
the world. They are split into a large number (about 15) of uiodern genera, some of which
indicate little more than specific characters; the leading types are represented in this country.
Of those here following, Casarca, Cairina, JEx, and Spatula represent decided structural pecu-
liarity; Dafila is also fairly well marked; hut Mareca, Chaulelasmus, Nettium, and Querquedula
miglit all be referred to Anas, type of the group, as subgenera. 3Ialucorhynchus memhrana-
ceus, of Australia, is a notable exotic form.
AnahjsU of Genera.
Wiiig over 12.00, its coverts white.
Sides of head closely feathered, no crest. (Straggler.) ... Casarca
Sides of head extensively naked ; base of bill caruuculate ; crested. (Domesticated.) Cairina
Wing under 12.00.
Head crested ; bill narrow, tip formed widely by nail y^x
Head not crested ; bill greatly wider at end than at base Spatula
Head not created ; bill not spoon-shaped.
Tail cuneate, with narrow central feathers more than half as long as wing cf Dafila
Tail not cuneate, not half as long as wing.
Bill shorter than head ; tail-feathers lance-acute ; head not white ; belly white . . yg. and 9 I>atila
Bill shorter than head ; tail-feathers not acute ; crown and belly white Mareca
Bill about as long as head, or longer.
Wing-speculum white ; wing-coverts chestnut ; bill dark ; feet orange Chaulelasmus
Wing-speculum green ; bill dark. Very small.
Lesser coverts blue Querquedxda
Lesser coverts gray Settium
Wing-speculum violet ; black-bordered ; bill greenish, or dusky and orange ; feet orange . Anas
Obs. — Old males of all our species are unmistakable, having strong marks of color, size, and form ; but females
and young may not always be recognized at a glance. In examining any " Duck " of which you are in doubt, first notice
the bill ; if it is narrow and cylindrical, with sharp saw-like teeth, very conspicuous, the bird is one of the Mergansers,
or "Fishing Ducks," scarcely fit for food. Next, examine the hind toe; if it has a flap or lobe hanging free, the bird
i.s one of the Fuligulinw, which may or may not be good for the table ; if the hind toe is simple and slender, the bird
is one of the Analin(e, and sure to make a good di.sh, if in order. All our red- or orange-footed species are AnatincB
(efcfplhif/ Mergansers) ; but not all Anatince have the feet thus colored. In determining 9 and young Analino', look to
w ing-niarkings rather than body-colors. The species of Querquedula and Nettium are very small " teal " Ducks, 10 inches
or less in length.
CASAR'CA. (Russian cacharka, name of the following species or some other bird.) Shikl-
DRAKES. Bill of moderate length, not widening from base to lip, the culmen nearly straight ;
the lamelhe ])rominent, those of the lower mandible projecting outward, those of upper man-
dible all alike. Size large; wing over 14.00. Sexes dissimilar. Wing with speculum, its
upper coverts white. An Old World genus of probably 4 species, one of which is a straggler
to our fauna.
C. casar'ca. Rudoy Siiikldrakr, Siiiklo-drakk, Sheldrake, or Sheld-drake.
Adult ^: Head huff, passing on neck, back, and under parts to ruddy-brown or foxy; a
black ring amuud nock ; upper tail-coverts, tail, and quills black ; rump variegated with black
and fulvous. Wing-coverts white; speculum green and purjjle ; inner secondaries more or less
tawny or foxy. Bill and feet blackish; iris brown. 9 •'^iniilar ; lacking the black collar;
yiiNui,' like 9; duller; white of wings impure or grayish; inner socomlaries and scapulars
bmuii, marked with tawny. ^ in winter said to lack the bl:ick collar. Europe, Asia. Afric.i ;
only Xortii America as accidental in Greenland. See J. f. O. Oct. 18!>5; Auk, July. If^lKI,
p. 24:} ; A. 0. IT. Suppl Li.st, Jan. 1897, p. 118, No. [141.1.].
CAIIII'XA. (Name supi)os('d to be derived from Cairo in Egypt; if so, it is as mtu'h i>f a
misnomer for this American t,'enus as Hfuscor)/ is for its species.) Mi:.sK DrcKS. Bill caruu-
culate at base (as in I'lpcfrnplents, but no spurs on wini,'s). Sides of head more or less exten-
sively naked on the lores. Of large size; jiluma^ie metallic; head crested; .sexes subsimilar.
One s|)ecies.
<^'. nioselia'ta. (Eat. musky; mosrhtis, musk.) MlsK DfCK. Mrscovv. .\dnlt ^ :
(Jlossy black, with green and purple iridescence on upper parts; n|iper and under wiiii.'-
910
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS.— LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
coverts white. Bill pink and black; caruncles and naked skin of head rosy; feet black.
Length about 30.00; wing 14..50 or more; culmen 2.50; tarsus 2.25. 9 similar, less bril-
liant, with much less white on the wing; caruncles less developed or lacking altogether; size
less ; length about 24.00 ; wing 12.50, etc. A very well known Duck, native of South and
Central America, now domesticated everywhere, and in domestication varying indefinitely. It
is not known to have occurred wild in North America, though that is not improbable, but has
been doubtfully attributed to Louisiana: see also observation under Anas boscas. (Not in
former editions of the Key; nor in A. 0. U. Lists.)
JEX. (Gr. ai^, aix, a kind of water-fowl in Aristotle; the proper spelling in Lat. is ^x.)
Bridal Ducks. Head crested. Bill shorter than head, no longer than tarsus, very high at
base ; re-entrances at sides of culmen much prolonged toward forehead. Nostrils large, oval,
set little in advance of feathers on culmen. Terminal nail occupying whole end of bill, and
much curved downward. Lamellae small, few, and distant. Tarsus incompletely scutellate in
front, much shorter than middle toe. Claws compressed, curved, and acute, that of the middle
toe dilated on inner edge. Tail half as long as wing, rounded, of 16 rounded feathers, and very
long coverts. A peculiar as well as most beautiful genus; the Chinese Mandarin Duck, A.
(Dendronessa) galerieulata, is still more remarkably, though not more elegantly, colored than
ours. The proper position of the genus is in question ; it is more nearly related to some of the
foregoing forms than to any of the following Ducks, and some authors take it out of the sub-
family AnatincB.
A. spon'sa. (Lat. sponsa, betrothed : i. e., as if in wedding dress. Fig. 636.) Wood Duck.
Summer Duck. "The Bride." Adult <J: Bill pinkish-white, with lake-red base, black
ridge, tip, and under mandible; iris and edges
of eyelids red ; feet orange, with black claws.
Upper part of head, including crest, glisten-
ing green and purple; a narrow white line
over eye from bill to occiput, and another
behind eye to nape, these white lines mixing
in the crest. A broad white patch on throat,
forking behind, one branch mounting head
behind eye, the other passing to side of neck.
Sides and front of lower neck and fore breast
rich purplish-chestnut, prettily marked with
several chains of angular white spots. A
large white black -edged crescent of enlarged
feathers in front of wing. Under parts pure
white ; sides yellowish-gray vermiculated
with black and white wavy bars ; enlarged
ilank-feathers broadly rayed with black and
white ; lining of wings white barred with grayish-brown, of which color is the crissum. Up-
per parts generally lustrous with bronzy-green and purple ; scapulars and inner secondaries
velvet-black, glossed with purple and green; a green speculum, succeeded by white tips of sec-
ondaries; primaries frosted on outer webs near end. Adult 9 : Little or no crest, but length-
ened feathers on nape ; no enlargement or special colorings of feathers about the wings. Bill
dusky ; feet yellowish-dusky. Head and neck gray, darker on crown, chin and parts about
bill and eyes white. Fore-neck, breast, and sides of body yellowish-brown, mottled with dark
gray ; breast spotted with brown ; belly white. Upper parts dark brown with considerable
gloss; wings much as in c?, but the velvety-black reduced. Length 18.00-20.00; e.xtent
about 28.00; wing 9.00; tail 4.50; bill 1.40; tarsus the same; middle toe and claw 2.00.
Temperate North America, but especially U. S., breeding nearly throughout its range, wintering
Fig. G36. — Wood Duck, (From Teuney, after Audubon.)
ANATIDJ^ — ANATIXJ^: RIVER DUCKS.
911
chiefly in the South ; Cuba ; casually in Europe. This exquisite bird is commonly dispersed
in wooded portions of the country near water ; it nests usually in hollows of trees, whence the
young scramble and drop out, or are transported in the bill of the parent. Eggs about 12, but
very variable in number (8-15), of pale bufl" or creamy color and the usual smooth shell and
elliptical shape, about 2.00 X 1.50. In confinement or semi-domestication, as the bird is often
kept for its beauty, it hybridizes freely with various other species, some of a different subfamily.
The pernicious s])ring shooting of tlie bird on its breeding grounds has made it rare in many
))laces where it was once common.
SPA'TULA. (Lat. spatula or spathida, a spoon, spathe, spatula : shape of bill.) Spoon-bill
Ducks. Bill much longer than head or tarsus, twice as wide at end as at base, broadly rounded
spoon-fashion at end; nail narrow and prominent; laminae very numerous and protrusive.
Fio. 037. —Shoveller Duck, J nat. .size. (From Brelim.)
Tail short, pointed, of 14 acute feathers. Feet small, red. The peculiarity of the bill char-
acterizes this genus almost as strongly as does Phttalea among Ibises, or E'uri/xorhi/nchus
among Sandpipers ; form otherwise that of ordinary yl««fi»re. There are several species, one
North American, one South American, S.platalea; one African, S. capensis ; one Australian,
iS". rhynchotis.
S. clypea'ta. (Lat. clypeum, a shield: shape of bill. Fig. G.37.) Shoveller. Br.UE-
wix« Shoveller. Reo-breasteu Shoveller. Shovel-bill. Spoon-bill. Swaddle-
bill. Hroad-bill. Broadv. " Butter Duck." "Cow-frog." Adult (J: Bill black ;
iris orange or yellow ; feet vermilion or orange-red. Head and neck dark glossy green, like
the MaUard's. Lower neck and fore breast pure white. Abdomen purplish-chestuut. Wing-
coverts sky-blue; speculum rich green, set between white tips of greater coverts, and hlack
sub-tips and white tips of nocondaries ; inner secondaries greenish-black, with long white stripe ;
long scapulars blue on out<r webs, striped witli white and groeiiisli-black on inner; slnnt an-
terior sca|iulars white. Kump and up|>er and under tail-coverts black ; a white patch on each
side at root of tail. Adult 9: Bill dull greenish-brown above, oranue Im'Iow and at base; iris
yellow ; feet orantre. Wing-markings similar to those of ^ , thoii<rh imperfect ; traces of chest-
nut on brlly. Head and neck lin>wni.-ih-yrll(>w, speckled with dusky. Young 9 ha.s the wing-
912 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. - LAMELLIROSTRES— AN SERES.
coverts rather slate-gray thau blue, aud little trace of the green mirror. In any plumage the
species is at once recognized by the peculiar bill. Length 17.00-21.00; extent 30.00-33.00;
wing 9.50; tail 3.00; bill about 2.70, along commissure 3.00; tarsus 1.33. Northern Hemi-
sphere; in North America at large, breeding from Alaska and Hudson's Bay to Texas; win-
tering in abundance from the middle districts to Central America, and on the Pacific coast S.
from the Columbia River; rare on the Atlantic coast north of the middle districts. Eggs
usually 7-9, sometimes 12 or more, averaging 2.10 X 1-50, smooth, elliptical, dull pale green-
ish-gray or pale olive buffy, sometimes faintly bluish; nest on ground, not peculiar; down
which may cover the eggs dark gray, with lighter centre and white tip ; period of incubation
22 or 23 days. In full dress, which is comparatively infrequent, since it characterizes only
the breeding season, this is a very smart and jaunty drake, tricked out in parti-color; most
specimens, however, are found in a plumage more like that of the 9 • The bird is among the
best of the Ducks for the table.
DA'FILA. (A non-sense word.) Pintail-ducks. Tail (in adult $) narrow, cuneate,
when fully developed nearly as long as wing, 2 central feathers long-exserted, linear-acute ; in
9 and young, tail merely tapering,
with acute feathers; tail-feathers
10, including long middle pair.
Bill shorter than head, longer
than tarsus, nearly parallel-sided,
widening a little to end; nail
small ; nostrils narrow, higli up
in basal third of bill. Feathers
of cheeks sweeping in strongly
conv(!X outline along side of upper
mandible, beyond those on side of
lower mandible. Wing acute ;
1st and 2d primaries subequal and
longest, rest rapidly graduated.
Neck unusually long and slender ;
form less " stocky '' than that of most Ducks. Sexes and young very unlike in color, even to
wing-markings, as well as in shape of tail. Bill and feet dark. Under parts white or whitish.
Speculum of $ framed in buff, white, and black. A small genus of large iiandsome Ducks,
in its main section including only the following species and D. spinicauda of South America.
In the section Poecilonetta are D. bahamensis and D. galapagensis, with the African D. ery-
throrhyncha. The Kerguelen island Teal, referred to Dafila by Salvadori, is type t)f my
subgenus Dafilula.
D. acu'ta. (Lat. acuta, acute, as the tail is. Figs. 638, 639.) Pin-tail. Sprig-tail.
Split-tail. Spike-tail. Pike-tail. Picket-tail. Peak-tail. Sharp-tail. Sprit
TAIL. Spindle-tail. Kite-tail. Pigeon-tail (such names, generally of the ^ only,
often turned into adjectives with "Duck" or "Widgeon" added). Pheasant Duck. Sea-
PHEASANT. Water-pheasant. These also for the ^ ; while for the 9 v\'e have: Gray
Duck. Pied Gray Duck. Pied Wigeon. Sea Widgeon. Also for either sex : Winter
Duck. Lady-bird. Long-neck Cracker. Harlan. Smee, Smeath or Smethe (prop-
erly belonging to the Merganser, Mergus albelliis). Adult ^ : Bill black, with grayish-blue
edge of upper mandible ; feet grayish-blue ; claws black ; iris brown. Head and neck above
rich dark brown, glossed with green aud purple ; side of neck with a long white stripe running
up from white under parts ; back of neck with a black stripe passing below into gray color of
back ; lower fore-neck, breast, and under parts white ; sides finely waved with black ; crissum
black, white-bordered. Fore back finely waved with narrow bars of black and white or
whitish ; scapulars and long inner secondaries firmly striped lengthwise with velvety-black and
Fig. C38. — Head of Dafila, 9, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
A NA TID.E — A NA TIN.E : HI VER D UCKS.
913
silvery-gray. Lesser wing-coverts plain gray; greater tipped with reddish-buff or cinnamon,
fratning speculum anteriorly ; this beauty-spot is of coppery- or purplish-violet iridescence!
framed posteriorly with black sub-tips and white tips of secondaries, internally with silvery and
black stripes. Tail-feathers gray, the long central ones blackish ; sides and roots of tail varied
with blackish and bull'. It is thus a very handsome Duck in full plumage, aside from the trim
and clipper-like build. Length very variable, up to 30.00, according to development of tail,
which is sometimes 9.00 long, usually 5.00-6.00; extent 3H.00; wing 11.00; bill 2.25 ; tarsus
LC7; middle toe and claw 2.25. Adult 9: Smaller; lacking special development of tail;
length 24.00 or less ; wing 10.00 or less; taU 4.00-5.00. Only traces of speculum, in green
specks on a brown
area between white
or whitish tips of sec-
ondaries and those of
greater coverts. Bill
blackish ; feet dull
grayish-blue; iris
brown. Whole head
finely speckled, and
whole neck finely
streaked, with dusky-
brown and grayisii-
brown or yellowish -
brown ; under parts
pale ochrey, or dingy
wliitish, freckled witli
dusky at least ou the
belly, fianks, and cris-
sum ; upper parts va-
riegated with brown-
ish-black and yellow-
ish-brown, on the fore parts the lighter color in angular or rounded bars on each feather.
Young (J like 9- The 9 and young are thus plainly dressed "gray" Ducks, generally re-
sembling some other species ; observe color of bill and feet, light tips of secondaries and
greater coverts, and couple these marks with size and generic characters. Northern Hemi-
sphere ; North America at large, wintering and migrating in U. S. and beyond, to Cuba and
Panama ; breeding from N. W. border of U. S. to far north ; also Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Ari-
zona, etc. ; more numerous in the interior than along either coast. I have found it breeding
abundantly in parts of North Dakota and ^Montana. Nest on ground; eggs G-IO-12, smooth,
elongated ellipsoidal, 2. 10-2..'J0 X about 1.50; uniform dull grayish-olive; larger than those
t)f the Shoveller.
A'NAS. (Lat. anas, a Duck.) Stock Ducks. Common Di'('K.s. Mai.i..\ki)S, Bi..\< k
Ducks, etc. Hill not shorter than head, rather longer tiian tarsus, broad and about parallel-
sided, higher tiian wide at base, then much depressed and Hattened, the end ronmled; nail
narrow, less tlian ^ as wide as end of bill. Nostrils higli up, in basal half of bill. Feathers
reaciiing to about the same distance on forehead, clieoks, and chin. Tail rounded, less than ^
as long as wing, of 16-18 pointed feathers. Bill greenish, or blackish blotched with orange.
Feet bright-colored. Speculum violet, etc., framed in black and white (in botii se.\es).
Sexes unlike (boscas) or alike (obscitra). Of the genus Anas in its thus most restricted sense
we have two strongly marked species, and a third clo.stly resembling one of these ; there are
about 15 others of various parts of the worhl.
58
Fig. 639. — Pin- tail Duck, $ (f. (From Lewi.,
914 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. -LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
Analysis of Species.
(f Head and neck green, neck with white ring, breast purplish-chesnut, etc. 9 variegated with dusky and yellow-
ish-brown. (f ? wing with two black-and-white bars boicas
(f ? entirely dusky, variegated with yellowish-brown ; Uning of wings white ; no white wing-bars, or only a very
slight one.
No black spot at base of upper mandible ; throat streaky obscura
A black spot at base of upper mandible ; throat plain fulvigula
A. bos'cas. (Gr. /3oo-Kas: , hosTcas ; Lat. hoscas or hoscis, probably this very species. Fig. 640.)
Mallard. Common Wild Duck and Drake. Domestic Duck aud Drake. Duckin-
MALLARD {i.e., Duck 9 and $, "mallard" being same word as male.) Stock Duck.
"English" Duck. "French" Duck. Gray Duck (?). Gray Mallard (?).
Green-head (<?). Adult ^J : Bill greenish-yellow. Feet orauge-red. Iris brown. Head aud
upper neck glossy-green, succeeded by a white ring. Breast purplish-chestnut. Lower back,
rump, aud tail-coverts glossy-black. Tail-feathers mostly whitish
Under parts from breast,
and scapulars, silvery-
gray, finely undulated
with dusky; crissum
black. Speculum vio-
let, purplish, and green-
ish, framed in black and
white tips of greater
coverts and black and
white tips of the secon-
daries concerned in its
formation, making alto-
gether 2 white and 2
black bars ; lesser wing-
coverts plain grayish or
slaty, without variega-
tion ; long inner secon-
daries without light edg-
ings. Adult 9 : Feet
and wings as in the ^.
Bill blackish, blotched with orange, especially at base, tip, and along edges. Entire body-
colors variegated with dusky-brown and tawny-brown ; the tone paler aud in finer pattern on
head, neck, and under parts than on back ; the general effect that of the (J 9 of the next
species, but not nearly so dark : observe also the particular wing-markings, same as those of
the (J. Length 22.00-24.00; extent 32.00-36.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail 3.00-4.00; bill
about 2.00 ; tarsus rather less ; middle toe and claw more. In the drake, a tuft of curly feath-
ers on tail; and in one of his moults a plumage like that of the duck. Weight 2 or 3 pounds.
Northern Hemisphere ; nearly everywhere domesticated, being the well-known original of the
barnyard Duck. Wild in abundance nearly throughout North America, breeding in much of
U. S. as well as farther north ; uncommon in New England, and not known to breed, being
replaced there and farther northeast by the Dusky Duck. Nest on ground, of trash and feath-
ers; eggs usually 6-10, 2.35 X 1.65, smooth, yellowish-drab or some similar dingy color.
Obb. — An anomalous Duck, with the general aspect of a Mallard, but nearly as large as a Goose, is occasionally
taken on the Atlantic coast ; it is unquestionably part Mallard, the balance of its parentage believed to be Muscovy ;
Anas maxima GossE ; Fuligula viola Bell. A supposed hybrid of Mallard x Gadwall is Anas glocitans or A. breweri
Aud. folio pi. 338 ; A. auduboni Bp. The Mallard is known to x with various other species, including the Dusky Duck,
A. obscura; VintaXX, Dafila acuta ; ShoveUer, Spattila clypeata ; GaAwaW, Chaidelasmus streperus ; Green-winged Teal,
Neition crecca ; and even with the Merganser !
Fig C40 —Mallards
(From Lewis )
ANATIDM — ANATIN.E: RIVER DUCKS. 915
A, obscu'ra. (Lat. obscura, dark.) Dusky Duck. Black Duck. Black Mallard
((? 9)- Size of the Mallard, and resembling 9 of that species, but darker and without white
anywhere except on lining of wings, and a narrow white line along border of speculum of ^.
Sexes alike. Bill yellowish-green, with dusky nail but no distinct black spot on side of upper
mandible at its base (compur e fulvigula). Feet orange-red, with dusky webs. Iris browu.
General plumage dusky-brown, paler below than above, variegated with pale rusty-brown
edgings of the feathers ; top of head darker than its sides and throat, the former blackish with
pale brown streaking in fine pattern, the latter grayish-brown with dai'k streaking, not plain
buff as in fulvigida. Wing-coverts dusky-gray, the lesser ones not plain, but varied with
lighter edgings, as are also the inner secondaries ; the greater tipped with black, edging the
purplish-blue or violet speculum. The general blackish color, contrasting with white lining
of wings, and the violet speculum framed in velvety- black, are diagnostic. 9 boscas is raucli
lighter in tone, more variegated with tawny-brown, and has black-and-white frame of the
" beauty-spot ; " J" 9 fulvigida have plain buff throat, and basal black spot on bill. Chiefly
Eastern North America; W. only to the Mississippi Valley at large, as far as known (Kansas,
Iowa, etc.). Abundant along the Atlantic coast to Labrador. One of the commonest Ducks
in summer in New England and northeastward. Nest on ground, of weeds, grass, and feath-
ers; eggs 8-12, dirty pale yellowish-drab or other dingy color, about 2.40 X 1-75. One of the
best table Ducks.
A. fulvi'gula. (Lai. fidrus, reddish; gula, throat.) Florida Dusky Duck. Similar to
A. obscura ; lighter-colored, the buft' or oehrej' markings prevailing over the dusky ones and
giving the general tone ; cheeks, chin, and throat plain pale bufl"; bill olive, with black nail
and spot at base of commissure. Eggs 2.15 X 1.60, dull buff. Resident in Florida. The
species is now restricted, on paper at least, to Florida, its formerly given range thence to Texas
and Kansas being now assigned to the following subspecies. A. obscura var. fulvigida
RiGDW. Am. Nat. Feb. 1874, p. Ill ; Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 692 ; A. fulvigida
RiDGW. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. Aug. 1880, p. 203, and Man. 1887, p. 92; A. O. U. Lists, 1st
and 2d eds. 1886-95, No. 184.
A, f. macuio'sa. (Lat. spotted, full of macidce, spots.) Texas Dusky Duck. Mottled
Duck. Adult ^ : Top of head blackish-brown, the feathers edged with pale buS'; chin and
throat Isabella color ; cheeks bufFy-white with narrow dark-brown streaks ; upper parts,
wings, breast, and flanks blackish-brown, the feathers margined with pale white ; under parts
huffy white, each feather with a broad blackish -brown spot near the tip ; under tail-coverts
blackish, varied with whitish and reddish buff; 4 middle tail-feathers blackish-brown, the
others fuscous edged with pale buff, having a V-shaf)ed mark as in A. fulvigida ; lining of wing
white ; speculum purple with white border; feet reddish-orange ; a small black basal sjiot on
lower edge of upper mandible, lacking in the 9 I sexes otherwise alike. Eastern Texas to
Kansas. A. maculosa Sennett, Auk, July, 1889, p. 263; A. obscura maculosa Coues, Key,
4th ed. 1890, p. 905 ; A. fidvigula maculosa A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 134a.
CHAULKLAS'MUS. (Gr. x^avKios, chaidios, protuberant (only classic in x^vXioSovs, chaulio-
duiis, having ])r()trusive teeth, or, of teeth protrusive, tusky, like those of tlie Crocodile) ;
fXaanos, ehtsmos, a layer, plate ; referring to teeth of bill.) Gadwalls. Bill about as lung
as head, rather exceeding tarsus, but shorter than middle toe alone, the sides parallel to
rounded tip ; lamellae not concealed ; nostrils high up near the base ; re-entrance between
feathers on culmen and those on side of bill short and open, in advance of feathers on side
of lower mandible. Wings pointed, 1st primary longest. Tail short, rounded or cuneate,
witli 10 pointed feathers. (^ with most of tlie ])lumage barred or half-ringed with black
and white, or whitish ; middle wing-coverts chestnut, greater coverts black, .tjyeculum ichite ;
9 with similar white speculum. Feet yellowish. Tlic genus is very near Anas jiroper,
chiefly differing in tlie fineness and great number (about 50) of the laniflljc of tiie bill,
916 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
some 30 or more of which are protrusive in our species; in C. coiiesi of the Fanuing islands
tliey are still finer, more closely packed, and about 75 on a side — like a fine-tooth comb.
(A. 0. U. reduced to subgenus of ^«as, 1886-95, reverting to nomenclature of Key in Suppl.
List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p.lo3.)
C. stre'perus. (Lat. sire/jeras, noisy, " obstreperous.") Gadwall. Gray Duck. Gray
WinGEON. Creek Duck. Bleating Duck. Speckle-belly. Adult ^ : Bill blue-
black ; feet dull orauge, with dusky webs and claws ; iris reddish-brown. Head and neck
brownish-white, darker on crown and nape, barred and specked with dusky. Lower neck,
breast, sides of body and fore back waved with crescentic bars of blackish and white, giving
a scaly apjiearance, most distinct on neck and breast, elsewhere finer, more undulatory and
transverse; in high plumage the black marks tending to coalesce in a collar between neck and
breast. Lower back dusky, passing to black on rump and upper tail-coverts. Belly white,
minutely marbled with gray ; crissum velvety black. Scapulars tinged with rusty brown ; long-
est inner quills hoary gray ; lining of wings white ; lesser upper coverts gray ; middle coverts
chestnut-red or maroon (color of unpolished mahogany) ; speculum white, formed by part or
the whole of outer webs of secondaries, framed in velvet black o-f greater coverts, terminally
bordered with black and hoary gray. Length 20.00-22.00 ; extent 34.00 ; wing 10.50-11.00 ;
tail 4.50; tarsus 1.60; bill 1.75; middle toe and claw 2.20. Adult ?: Smaller than ^:
Length about 18.00; wing 10.00; bill 1.60. Bill dusky, blotched with orange. Feet dingy
yellowish, with dusky webs and claws. Lacking the regular crescentic and wavy markings of
^ ; variegated above with dusky and tawny brown, like 9 "f other species ; breast and belly
white, with more or less dusky spotting (whence the name " speckle-belly ''). Chestnut of ^
wanting or restricted ; but wing-markings otherwise sufficiently distinctive. Young ^ resem-
bling 9- One of the most widely diffused of Ducks, in most parts of the world; nearly
throughout North America, and not specially arctic in the breeding season, nesting in much
of Western U. S., especially in the interior. Nest on ground, sometimes in trees ; eggs 8-12,
oval, creamy- white, a tritle over 2.00 by about 1.55. (The name Gadwall was formerly also
Gaddel (Merrett, 1667), Gadwal, Gadwale, Gadwell; origin obscure and etymology unknown.)
3IARE'CA. (S. Am. mareca, Brazilian name of a kind of teal.) Widgeon or Wigeon.
Bill shorter than head, rather high and narrow at base, parallel-sided, with rounded end;
nail occupying its middle third ; upper lateral re-entrance short and open ; nostrils high up and
not very near base; lamellje few and coarse, only 15 or fewer fairly protrusive on side view.
Tail pointed, of 14-15 feathers, not half as long as wing. Bill and feet dark-colored; belly
and middle and greater wing-coverts white; top of head white or light; speculum green,
black-bordered. (As subgenus of Anas in A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95 ; as full genus in 1899
(9th Suppl. List), as it has always been in the Key.)
Obs. — The student who may be perplexed by the continual recurrence of the name " Widgeon " or " Wigeon " in
different connections, may be here reminded that the English name is now properly applied only to birds of this genus,
Mareca ; but that in popular parlance, with or without a qualifying term, it means almost any kind of Duck except the
Mallard — just as " Brant " in the mouths of the people means any kind of Goose except the regular old Honker,
Brania canadensis.
Analysis of Species.
Head and neck cinnamon-red, scarcely varied ; with mere traces of green, if any ; top of head creamy or white
penelope
Head and neck grayish, speckled with dusky ; sides of head with a broad patch of green, top white or nearly so
americana
M. penel'ope. (Gr. nr]vf\6Trr], Penelope, Lat. Penelope or Penelopa, a mythological charac-
ter, daughter of Icarius and Periboea, wife of Ulysses, and mother of Telemachus, celebrated
for her virtue. But the use of the name in ornithology may be a mistake for nrjveXoyj/, penelops,
Lat. penelops, a kind of Duck so called by Pliny.) European Wigeon. Whistler.
Whewer. Whew. Whim. Size and general character of the next species; difl'ering as
A NA TIDJ-: — A NA TINjE : RI VER D UCKS.
917
above. Europe; Greenland; rare or casual along the whole Atlantic Coast ; more numerous on
the N. Paciiic coast and S. to California. Records since the 2d edition of the Key are : Forest
and Stream, xxv, 1886, p. 420, California; Auk, 1889, p. 04, Nova Scotia; p. .302, New
Jersey; 1890, p. 88, Virginia, p. 204, p. 28."}, each, Maryland ; Forest and Stream, xxxix, 1890,
p. .'J08, Nortli Candina; Auk, 1895, p. 179, p. 292, and 1890, p. 2.5.5, four cases, Indiana;
Orn. and Ool., vii, p. 133, Auburn, N. Y.; Forest and Stream, xlviii, 1897, p. 165, North Caro-
lina; Auk, .July, 1899, p. 270, Indiana. Nearly all obligingly furnished to me by Mr. Wil-
liam Dutchor.
M. america'na. (Fig. 641.) American WiGEOX. Gueen-headed WiGEox. Wiiite-
HELLY. Bald-head. Bald-pate. Ball-face. Bald-crown. Smoking Duck.
Wheat Duck. Poacher. (As between the spellings widgeon and tvigeon, the former is
more frequent in this country and is preferred by such high antliority as the Century
Dictionary ; wigeon is
better English (de-
rived from Lat. vipio,
like ingeon from
pipio) and supported
by such great schol-
arship as that (if
Newton's Diction-
ary.) Adult ^ : Bill
grayish-blue, with
black tip and ex-
treme base ; feet sim-
ilar, duller, with
dusky webs and
claws ; iris brown.
Top of head white,
or nearly so ; sides
the same, or more
l)uffy, speckled with
dusky -green, purer
green forming a broad patch from and below eye to liind head ; chin dusky. Fore neck and
breast light brownish-red, or very ))ale purplish-cinnamon, each feather with paler grayish
edge ; along sides of body the same, finely waved with dusky ; breast and belly pure white ;
crissum abruptly black. Lower hind neck, fore back, and scapulars finely waved with the
sam<; reddish color and with dusky ; lower back and rump similarly waved with dusky and
whitish. Lesser wing-coverts jdain gray; middle and greater coverts pure white, forming
a large area ; greater black-tipped, forming fore border of speculum, which is glossy green,
bordered behind by velvety black, internally by black and white stripes on inner secondaries.
Tail brownish-gray; lateral upiicr coverts black; axillary feathers white. Only old drakes
liave the crown immaculate white, chin dusky, and auricular patcli definitely green ; generally
the whole head and u|>per neck are pale brownish-ycllow or reddish-white, speckled with
greenish-dusky. 9 ■ Kcsembling immature ^ on head; the peculiar brownish-red is inter-
rupted with dusky and whitish bars; wiug-pattern nearly as in ^, but white is restricted or
interrupted with gray, greater coverts may lack black tips, speculum faint, and black .stripes
of inner secondaries replaced by brown. The normal variability in coloration, aside from age
or sex, is great, but the bird cannot be mistaken under any conditions ; the extensive white of
under ])arts and wings is recognizable at giin-sliot range. Length 18. 00-21. fK); extent 30.00-
3.").00; wing 10.0(J-11.00 ; tail 4.00-4.50; bill l..')0; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw more.
Fio. (141. — .American Wigi;uii. iFrcjm Lewis.)
918 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LA MELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
North America at large, brcediug from Texas to N. Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, etc., and N-
of the U. S. to high latitudes; in its breeding range chiefly northerly; winters to Central
America and some of the West Indies ; Enrope, casually in several recorded instances. Eggs
6-12, 9 or 10 very commonly, 2.00-2.25 X 1-50, dull pale buff or cream color to nearly white,
without any drab or olive shade.
NET'TIU3I. (Gr. vtjttiou, nettion, a duckling ; dimin. ofvrjTra, netta, a duck.) Green-winged
Teals. Size very small ; wing under 8.00. Head sub-crested. Bill nearly as long as head,
longer than tarsus, very narrow, parallel-sided, blackish ; nail about I its tip. Ke-entrance
of feathers on sides of culmen iu advance of base of bill below. Head and neck chestnut, with
a broad glossy green band on each side behind eye, bordered with whitish, blackening where
meeting on nape. Under parts white, with circular black spots ; crissum black, varied with
white or creamy ; upper parts and sides of body closely waved with black and white. Specu-
lum rich green bordered in front with buff tips of coverts, behind with white tips of secondaries ;
no blue on wing; feet dark; bill black. 9 differing especially in head markings, those of
wings similar. About 15 species, of which we have two. As subgenus of Querquedula in
former editions of Key, and as subgenus oi Anas iu A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95; raised to full
genus in Supph List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 103.
Analysis of Species.
No white on side of body in front of wing ; long scapulars black externally, creamy-white internally . . . crecca
A white crescent on side of body before wing ; scapulars plain carolinensis
N. crec'ca. (Lat. crecca, formed like crex, crake, quack, etc., to express the sound.) Euro-
pean Green-winged Teal. Like the next to be described : No white crescent before wing ;
green band in chestnut of side of head bordered with decided whitish ; barring of sides and
upper parts broader and coarser ; long scapulars as well as inner secondaries creamy white,
black -bordered externally. Europe ; Greenland ; casually on North American Atlantic coast
(New York, J. G. Bell, several specimens, 1858 or earlier; Labrador, Coues, 1860), and also
on the Pacific (Aleutian Islands and California). Late records are : Washington, D. C. Auk,
1886, p. 140; Massachusetts, Auk, 1890, p. 294; Connecticut, Auk, 1891, p. 112; New
Jersey, dubious, Auk, 1895, p. 171.
N. carolinen'sis. (Fig. 642.) American Green-winged Teal. Green-wing. Red-
headed Teal. Winter Teal. Adult ^: Bill black; feet bluish-gray; iris brown. A
white crescent in front of wing. Head and upper neck rich chestnut, blackening on chin, with
a glossy green patch behind each eye blackening on its lower border and on nape where it
meets its fellow among the lengthened feathers of the parts, bordered below by a more or less
evident whitish line, which may often be traced to angle of mouth. Upper parts and flanks
waved with narrow black bars on a whitish ground. Under parts white, becoming buff or
fawn-colored on breast, nobulated with gray, on breast v;ith numerous sharp circular black
spots ; fore-neck and sides of breast waved like upper parts. Crissum black, with a buff or
creamy patch on each side. Primaries and wing-coverts leaden-gray; speculum velvety pur-
plish-black on outer half, inner half rich green ; bordered in front with chestnut, fawn, or
whitish tips of greater coverts, behind by white tips of secondaries, interiorly with purplish-
black stripes on outer webs of lengthened secondaries. Adult ?: Nearly like ^ on wings;
green speculum less perfect; no crest; head and neck streaked with light reddish-brown on a
dark brown ground ; upper parts mottled with dark brown, barred and streaked with tawny or
grayish ; lower parts white, more or less buffy-tinged on lower fore-neck and breast, which
have nebulous dusky spotting. A very small species, one of the most prettily colored of all,
and unsurpassed in excellence of flesh: length about 14.00; extent 23.00; M^ng 7.00-7.50;
tail 3.00; bill 1..50; tarsus 120. North America at larg^, extremely abundant; casual in
Europe. Breeds from the northern borders of the U. S. northward, chiefly N. of the boundary
A NA TID.E — A NA TIX.E : HI] 'ER D UCKS.
919
line ; but also in Colorado, California, Wyoming, etc. ; winter range extends to Cuba and Cen-
tral America. It is one of the earliest arrivals among hordes of water- fowl that come thronging-
from the North in fall. Nest on the ground, of weeds, grass, and down ; eggs 8-12, some-
times more, ].7.5-].90 X 1.20-1.30, pale dull buff with a faint greenish tinge.
QUERQUED'ULA. (Lat. querquedula, a kind of small duck.) Bh-e-wixged Tkals.
Gargaxeys. Size small ; wing 8.00 or less. Head ch»se-feathered. Bill broader than in
Nettium, parallel-sided, blackish ; nail about ^ its tip. Re-entrance of feathers on sides of
culmeu uot in advance of base of bill below. Speculum glossy-green ; wing-coverts of ,^ 9
sky-blue; greater coverts white-tipped; scapulars of ^ striped with blue and buff. A small
genus of small Ducks, with 5 species, including Q. circia, the European Garganey. We have
two species. (As subgenus of Anas in A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95; as full genus in Suppl. List,
Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 104, thus returning to the regular nomenclature of the Key.)
Analysis of Species.
(f Head and neck blackish-plumbeous ; large white crescent before eye discors
(f General color purplish-chestnut ; no white on head • ci/anoplera
Q. dis'cors. (Lat. f/Zscors, discordant.) Blue-winged Teal. Blue-wing. White-facei>
Teal. Summer Tkal. Adult ^ : Bill grayish-black ; feet dingy yellow, with dusky webs
and claws; iris brown. Head deep leaden-gray, with purplish gloss, blackening on top; a
large, white, black-
edged crescent in
fnmt of eye. Under
parts purplish-gray,
with innumerable
black spots, rounded
or oval on breast,
changing to bars on
Hanks, becoming
nebulous on belly.
Crissum black ; a
patch on each side of
rump, axillars and
most of lining of i
wings, white. Lower
hind neck and fore
back varied with
lirnwnish-black and
11 ■ u 1 . Flo. ('>4J. — American Green-winced Teal.
yd lo Wish - brown ; ^
lower l)ack and rump dark brown with a greenish tinge. Wing-coverts ami outer wrbs of
some of the scapulars sky-blue; speculum ricli green, set between white tips of greater coverts
and secondaries, some of the inner secondaries and Ituigcst scapulars velvety greenish-black on
outer web, greenish-brown on iumr web, striped lengthwise witli reddish-buff. 9 retaining
sky-bhu! on wing-coverts and miicli of the other wing-markings, hence easily distinguished
amoiiir our Ducks (excepting 9 ci/anoptera). liill greenisli-dusky ; feet very pale or flesh-
tinted. Head and neck streaked witli brownish-bhick on a dull buff ground; cheeks and chin
whitisii, unmarked. Above, dark brown, with pah- edges of tlie feathers; below whiti.sh-irray.
mottled with obscure spot.s. Lentrth l.'j.OO- 1 (!.()(); extent 'Jfi.OO-^O.OO; win-.' 7. (M>-7. .'»(»; tail
',].'){): bill !.;■)(); tarsus 1.20. Nortli America, chiefly E. of the Uocky Mts. ; .scarce on the
Pacific coast; winters S. and to West Indies and northern .South Ainericji; in siiinuior X. to
hi-,']! iatitnde.s, but also breeds indefiuitelv in its U. S. ramre ; like Tintail and Slmveller nests
iKrcim Lewis
920
5 YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — LAMELLIR OS TRES — A NSERES.
abuiulaiitly in N. Dakota; abundant in the U. S. southerly in winter and at large during the
migrations; casual in Europe. Nest on the ground, of weeds, grass, and down; eggs 8-JO or
more, 1.75-1.90 X 1.30-1.40, pale buffer creamy. They are indistinguishable from those of
the European Garganey, of which our bird is the American representative, and probably not
to be told apart witli certainty from those of the Green-wing ; but it is said that the down
lining the Garganey nest has white tips, lacking in the case of iV. crecca, and very likely there
is the same difference in our Blue-wing and Green-wing down.
Q. cyano'ptera. (Gr. Kvavos, Jcuanos, blue ; rrrepov, pteron, wing.) CINNAMON Teal. Adult
(J : Bill black ; feet orange, joints and webs dusky ; iris orange. Head, neck, and entire
under parts rich purplish-chestnut, darkening on crown and chin, blackening on middle of
belly; crissum dark brown. Fore back lighter cinnamon, varied with brown curved bars,
several on each feather; lower baclv and rump greenish-brown, the feathers edged with paler.
Wing-coverts sky-blue, as in discors; some of the scapulars blue on outer webs and with a
central buff stripe, others dark green with buff stripe. Speculum green, set between white tips
of greater coverts and white ends of secondaries. Wing thus quite as in discors, but body-colors
and head entirely different ; rather larger ; length 16.00-17.00; extent 25.00; wing 7.50-8.00;
bill i.60-1.75, along commissure about 2.00. Adult 9- Similar to 9 discors, and not easy to
distinguish ; larger ; bill longer ; under parts at least with a tinge of the peculiar chestnut color ;
head and especially chin more speckled, without the immaculate whitish of those parts of 9
discors. Bill dusky, paler below and along edges ; iris brown ; feet yelloM'ish-drab. A gen-
erally distributed South American Teal, abundant in U. S. west of the Rocky Mts., and of
casual occurrence in the Gulf States, Texas to Florida; Illinois; Nebraska; British Colum-
bia. Nest on ground, of grass and feathers, nearly anywhere in its U. S. range; Colorado,
Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon, etc. Eggs 8-14, laid in June, oval, one end smaller
than other, creamy or pale buff; 1.90 X 1-30 to 2.10 X 1-40.
Subfamily FULICULIN/E: Sea Ducks.
Tarsi scutellate in front ; hind
toe lobate. The large membranous
flap depending from the hind toe
distinguishes this group from the
preceding, probably without excep-
tion. While the general form is the
same as that of Anatince, tlie feet
are notably larger, with relatively
shorter tarsi, longer toes (outer
scarcely or not shorter than mid-
dle), and broader webs; they are
also placed somewhat farther back,
in consequence of w^iich the gait is
still more awkward and constrained than the "waddle" of ordinary Ducks; but swimming
powers are enhanced, and diving is facilitated. A large number of the species are exclusively
maritime, but this is no more the case with all of them than is the reverse with the River
Ducks. These birds feed more upon mollusks and other animal substances (not, however,
upon fish, like Mergansers) than River Ducks do, and their flesh, as a rule, is coarser, if not
entirely too rank to be eaten ; there are, however, signal exceptions to this, as in the case of
the Canvas-back. The sexes are unlike, as among Anatince; and besides the difference in
■color, the 9 is often distinguished by absence or slight development of certain tuberosities of
bill that the ^ of several species, as of Scoters and Eiders, possesses. The tracheal tympanum
Flo. 643. — Canvas-back
Xewis.)
Red-head. (From
ANATID.E — FULIGULIN.E: SEA DUCKS. 921
is present in FHlignlince, as a rule, and differs from its ordinary type in Anatince by greater
irregularity of figure as well as by the imperfection of its solid walls, which may present sev-
eral fenestra} or vacuities closed up only by membrane. A large majority of the species in-
habit the Northern Hemisphere ; there are rather more than 50 in all, exhibiting a good deal
of diversity in minor details, and thus requiring recognition of many genera, most of \vhich are
well represented in North America. Among notable exotics are the soft-billed Hymenolcemus
malacorlujnchus of New Zealand, and the sliort-winged Tachyeres cinereits of South America,
related to our genus Cumptolamus. The latter is the Logger-head or Steamer Duck, notable
for losing tlie power of flight. Thei-e are but few others. Erismatura is type of a small group
remarkable for the character of the tail, as described beyond, and sometimes considered as a
subfamily apart. Bizinra lohata of Australia, with a fleshy appendage under the bill, the
African Thalassornis leitconota, and several species of our genera Erismatura and Nomonyx,
compose the Erismaturirue. The South American Torrent Ducks, about six species of the
genus Mcrganetta, resemble Mergansers in some respects, and appear to be a link between the
Fuliguluuc and Mergincr ; but the wing is ."^purred, the bill is of peculiar character with regard
to the laminre, the tail is long and stiff, and altogether these birds are so peculiar that a sub-
family Merganettince has been provided for their accommodation ; to which the remarkable
Papuan Salvadorina loaigionensis, together with the above-named Hymenolcemus malacorhyn-
cJiHS have been doubtfully referred.
Anrili/sis of Genera and Subgenera.
Tail-feathers rigid, narrow, linear, exposed to their bases by shortness of coverts. (Erismaturin.e.)
Nail of bill ordinary Xomont/z
Nail of bill narrow above, overhangins; and widened beneath tip of bill Erismatura
Tail-feathers and their coverts ordinary (central pair very long in ITaielda (}). (FuLiouLiNiE proper.)
Bill variously gibbous, or appendaged, or featliered beyond nostrils.
Bill gibbous at base, then broad, depressed, with large fused nail, without frontal processes.
Gibbosity of bill superior, circumscribed ; feathers not projected on culmen.
Tail IG-feathered. (J : Color entirely black (Oidemia)
Gibbo.sity of bill superior, circumscribed ; feathers projected on culmen. Tail 14-feathered. .
(f : Color black or dark, with white wing-patch (Melanetta)
Gibbosity lateral as well as superior ; feathers projected on culmen.
Tail H-feathered. ^f : Color black, with white head-patches (Pelionetta) ....
Bill gibbous at base, with large frontal processes. ,
Frontal processes in line with culmen (Somateria proper) C„ .
Frontal processes bulging out of line with culmen (Erionetta) '
Bill not gibbous, but feathered on culmen beyond nostrils . -I rclonetta
Bill not gibbous, but appendaged with leathery expansion of side of upper mandible, cheeks not bristly
lleniconetta
V.ill not gibbous, but appendaged with a lobe at base of commissure Jfislrionicus
Bill not gibbous, but appendaged w ith a leathery expansion of side of upper mandible ; cheeks bristly
Caniplol<rmus
Bill ordinar}'.
Nail of bill large, fused. Tiiil (of (f) about as long as wing Ilnvelda
Nail of bill narrow, distinct. Tail of ordinary length and shape.
Hill shorter tlian head, higli at base. Head of ^ puffy or crested, iridescent, with white patches; cri»-
suni white ; colors black and white, in ma.sses Clangula
(f, white spot before eye. (Clangula proper.)
(f, white patch behind eye. (Charitonetta. )
Bill about as long as head. Head of (f black, red, or brown, without spots ; crissnm dark.
Bill bluish or blackish. Head of ^f black Fiiliffiila
Head of (f reddish .Klhtria
Bill reel. Hi-ad red, crested. (European.) Xetta
NKT'T.V. ((ir vrjTTn, nelln, or vrjaira, nissa, :i duck: cijuivahMit to ]A\t. anas.) General
diaracters of .Kythyd and FitJigula, as noted beyoml. IJill nf ordiuary shape, much as in
Scaups and I'ochards, but witli more prominent lamell.r, and wider nail, occupying more than
^j width nf Iiili ; fcathirint,' nf sides nf u|iit( r mandible nearly straight, rather concave than
922 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
convex. Bill and feet bright-colored ; head red, as in Pochards, fully crested in $, less so in 9 .
One s[)ecies, of Europe, Asia, and Africa. (Included in Fuligula in 2d-4th eds. of the Key.)
N. rufi'na. (Lat. rufina, reddish.) Red-crested Pochard. Adult ^•. Conspicuously
crested. Bill vermilion, white-tipped; feet orange-red witli dusky webs ; eyes brown. Head
and upper neck rusty-red, with a rosy tint. Lower and hind neck, fore back, breast, and
middle of belly black. Back grayish-brown, with a large white patch on each side, black-
ening on rump and upper tail-coverts. Tail ashy-gray. Primaries whitish, edged and tipped
with dusky-gray ; speculum white, very large, formed by the secondaries, which have a dark
band near tlieir ends; lining of wings, their anterior border, and a large flank-patch, white.
Length 2L00-22.00 ; wing 10.00; bill 2.00 ; tarsus 1.50. 9 : Bill dusky with pink tip, and
feet pinkish, with dusky webs. Upper parts generally rufous-brown; under parts brownish-
white ; throat and upper fore-neck whitish ; crown and rump darker than other upper parts ;
dorsal feathers with pale edges ; quills brown, edged and tipped with darker ; speculum gray,
bounded terminally with brown. Europe, etc. One specimen found in Fulton market. New
York, Feb. 1872: see Ridgw. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 21^ 1881, p. 85; Allen, Bull. Nutt.
Club, vi, 1881, p. 173 ; Coues, Check-List, 2d ed. 1882, p. 136. {Fuligula rufina Coues,
Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 700; Netta rufina Kaup ; A. 0. U. List, No. [145].)
FULI'GULA. (Lat. fuligula or fulicula, dim. of fulix or fulica, a ccjot; fuligo, soot.)
Black-heads. Scaups. Bill ordinary, without special gibbosity or peculiar outline of
feathers at base, where the feathers sweep the sides of the upper mandible with gently conve.x;
outline; nail at end distinct, decurved, narrow, less than J as wide as end of bill; frontal
feathers extending to approximately equal distances on top and sides of upper mandible, with
a well-marked re-entrance between them reaching back to about opposite angle of mouth,
those of chin advancing rather farther. Nostrils in basal f of bill. Outline of upper mandible
gently concave to the decurved nail : sides nearly parallel, or widening toward end (whole
bill much as in ordinary Anatince). Tail short, rounded, less than ^ as long as wing, 14-16-
feathered. Tarsus less than § (^-f ) as long as middle toe and claw. Head not crested (in
our species). Head and neck black ^ or brown 9 • Sides or back or both finely waved with
black and white. Axillaries white. Crissum black. Speculum white or gray. Bill blackish,
or black and blue. Legs dark. (As subgenus of Aytliyu in A. 0. U. List.)
Obs. — The type of the restricted genus Fuligula Steph. 1824, is the crested Scaup of Europe, F. fuligula, or
cristata; Fulix Sund. 1836, and Nettarion Bd. 1858, have both the same type, and are strictly synonymous. In modi-
fying the generic arrangement of tlie Scaups and Pochards from the 2d^th eds. of the Key, I do so rather in deference
to the A. O. U. tlian in accordance witli my own judgment. In 1884 I put them all under Fuligula, with 3 subgenera —
equivalent to Fulix, Aythya, and Aristonetta of Baird, and stating that Fuligula in this broad sense seemed to be sepa-
rable into three full genera — one for the Red-crested Pochard of Europe, one for the Black-heads and Red-heads to-
gether, and one for the Canvas-back alone. I still think that the latter is quite as distinct from the Red-heads proper
as these are from the Black-lieads, though it resembles the Pochards more than it does the Scaups in the color of the
head; and that therefore our three genera should be : (1) Netta, for the Red-crested Pochard alone ; (2) Fuligula, for
the Scaups and ordinary Pochards together, with two subgenera (a) Fuligula for Scaups proper, (b) ^thgia for Pochards
proper; and (3) Aristonetta, for the Canvas-back alone. Here, however, I follow the A. O. U. in adopting (1) Netta;
(2) Fuligula ; (3) JEthyia.
Analysis of Species.
Black-heads : ^ with head, neck, body anteriorly, lower back, rump, tail, and its coverts, black, the head glossy ;
below, including lining of wings, white, with fine black waving on sides and lower belly ; bill black and blue, or
dusky ; feet dark. 5 with head and neck brown, witli or without white around bill, and other black parts of ^f
rather brown.
No ring around neck.
(f Speculum white ; back and sides finely waved in zig-zag with black and whitish ; bill blue, with black
nail. $ witli tlie face white.
Length about 20.00 ; wing 9.00 ; gloss of head green marila
Length about IG.OO ; wing 8.00 ; gloss of head purple affinis-
An orange-brown ring round neck of (f .
Speculum gray ; back nearly uniform blackish ; bill black, pale at base and near end ; $ without collar ;
lores and chin whitish, and ring round eye collaris.
ANATIDJZ — FULIGULIN.E: SEA DUCKS. 923
F. mari'la. (Qu. proper name? Qu. Gr. fiapiXT], marile, charcoal, from the pitch-bhick
fore-parts'?) Greater ScAUP DucK. Mussel Duck. Big Black-iieao. Green-head.
Black-neck. Gray-back. Blue-bill. Broad-bill. Raft Duck. Flock Dick.
Flocking Fowl. Shuffler. (These names also with several different qualifying terms,
when the present is distinguislied from the following species.) Adult ^ : No ring around
neck. Speculum white. Bill dull blue or pale bluish-gray, with black hooked nail; broad
and flat at end, where rounded tiut considerably wider than at base. Iris yellow. Feet livid
plumbeous, with blackish webs. Whole head, neck, and fore parts of body pitch-black, on
head with cliiefly green iridescence. Lower back, rua)p, tail, with both upper and under
coverts, black or blackish. Middle of back, scapulars, and most of under parts, white; inter-
scapulars, scapulars, sides of body, and lower belly waved with fine zigzag cross-lines of black,
quite in " canvas-back" style; flanks similar, more plainly white. Upper wing-coverts similar
to back, but darker and more obscurely grizzled ; greater coverts tipped with black, framing
anterior border of white speculum, vvhicli is formed by secondaries; white extending quite
across these, but their tips more or less perfectly black. Priuiaries brownish-black, becoming
gray for a space on the inner webs of all but the four outer ones (this gray space on the six
inner primaries, instead of a whitish space on the same six, being the alleged character of the
North American nearcticn in comparison with typical European marila). Axillars and most
under wing-coverts white, the marginal ones more or less mottled with dark gray. Adult 9 •
Bill and feet as before, but rather darker; eyes yellow. The black parts of $ replaced by
dusky or dark snuffy brown, which latter is the color of head, except a broad belt of pure white
around base of upper mandible, forming a conspicuous white face; chin also white. The
black-and-white vermiculation less distinctly developed or hardly apparent and the general
plumage more sordid or obscure : observe, however, the white mask on the snuff-colored head,
the yellow eyes and dark livid feet, and you will not mistake your bird for any other (except
F. affinis). The young ^ is like the adult 9; the old ^ in moult has a similar dress, and
there are various intermediate plumages. Length of (J 9 18.00-20.00 ; extent SO-OO-S-l-OO,
usually over 30.00; wing 8.50-9.00 ; tail 3.00 ; tarsus LoO; middle toe and claw 2.60; bill
2.00 on an average in length of culmen, ranging 1.90-2.10, and just about 1.00 in greatest
breadth. Nortliern ITemisphero ; North America at large ; on the whole more northerly than
F. aj/inis, thougli breeding no farther north — from near, possibly over, northern border of
U. 8., as Michigan and northwestern states, to far northward. Ranges in winter to Guate-
mala and West Indies. The more frequent U. S. Scaup is F. affinis. Nest on ground, in
June and July, lined with dark brown down with obscurely paler centres but no pale tips;
eggs G-12, greenish-gray or -brown, or drab-colored, 2.50-2.70 X about 1.72. This is a true
Sea-Duck, flocking in "rafts" in tidal estuaries in winter, but by no means exclusively mari-
time; wliether it is a good table-duck or not depends upon its state of flesh when it is killed,
and its food for some time previously. Its name is the same as that of the scaups or scalps,
upon which it feeds much, i. e. of the low banks whereon mussels and other marine inollusks
grow, and such diet tends to make the meat rank. Aythi/a marila of A. 0. U. (The commou
American Scaup was attempted to be distinguished as '^Ai/thi/a" marila neardica by Dr.
Stejncger, Orn. Expl. Kamtsch. 1885, p. Kil ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1880-95. No. 148; but North
American specimens are absolutely identical with the European : sec Bislio]), Auk, July, IH95,
I.p. 29:}-295; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. .Mus. xxvii, 1895, .359; Elliot, Wild Fowl, 1898, p. 28(1;
A. O. V. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 104 — as held in every edition of tiie Key since 1872.)
F. aUl'iiis. (Lat. affinix, allied, aflined ; ad i\m\ finis.) LESSER ScAUP DucK. LITTLE
I>la('K-iieai) (and other names of tiie foregoinir, witli or without (pialifying terms). Y.\-
trciiicly similar to the last ; gloss of head chictly purple; sides and flanks less closely waved
witli black ? Flank feathers saitl to be always waved, and those of F. marila to be always
while, in adull ^. Smaller: Leuirili 15.00-17.00; extent under .30.(KI ; wing 8.00 or less,
924 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
down to 7.50; tail 2.50; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw 2.30; bill averaging 1.75 along
ciilmen, ranging l.fiO-l.UO ; its greatest width probably never 1.00. It is difficult to define
this bird specifically, but it appears to preserve its characters, though constantly associated
with the last. North America at large; breeds from the northern borders of the U. S. north-
ward, nesting commonly in parts of N. Dakota; winters in and migrates through the U. S.
to Central America and West Indies. This is the common Scaup in winter in most parts of
the U. S. — in Florida often in "rafts" of thousands. Its nest and eggs (6-12) are indistin-
guishable from those of the foregoing, but the eggs average smaller, about 2.25 X 160.
Aythya affinis of A. 0. U.
F. colla'ris. (Lat. collaris, pertaining to colluni, the neck : collared.) Ring-necked Di:ck.
Ring-necked Scaup. Ring-necked Black-head. Ring-billed Black-head. Ring
BILLED Shuffler. Ring-bill. Moon-bill. Marsh Blue-bill. Bastard Broad-
bill. Black-jack. Bunty. (Popular fancy has thus seized upon the peculiar parti-
colored bill, and not the ring round the neck, for most names of the bird.) Adult i$ :
A chestnut or orange-brown ring round neck. Speculum bluish-gray (not M'hite). Bill
dark slate, broadly black at end, the base and edges, and a belt near end of upper mandible,
pale bluisli. Iris yellow. Feet grayish-blue, with dusky webs. Head and neck above
collar lustn)us black, with green, violet, and purple iridescence ; extreme chin white. Lower
neck, fore breast, and upper parts generally, blackish ; scapulars scarcely waved or only dotted
with grayish. Crissum black ; under parts generally, including axillaries, and most of the
lining of wings, white; lower belly and sides finely waved with black; the white solid on
breast, where sharp-edged against black, but behind gradually passing into black of crissum
through wavy markings ; under wing-coverts mixed gray and white. Wings plain dark
brown or fuscous, the gray speculum formed by outer webs of some of the secondaries, which
may be uniform, or a little darker at their ends, and very narrowly tipped with white ;
primaries blackish on outer webs and tips, otherwise dark gray. Tail of 16 blackish feathers.
Adult 9 • No collar ; head umber-brown, darker on top, with whitish cheeks and chin,
and white eye-ring ; other black parts of ^ dark brownish ; under parts less extensively and
less purely white without any of the fine vermiculation of the ^, only a space on the breast
and belly white, the fore breast, sides, and flanks being plain light umber-brown ; wing and
its speculum as before ; markings of bill obscure ; eyes and feet as before. Young ^ resem-
bling the 9 . In some 9 or immature plumages this bird closely resembles the corresponding
states of the Red-head ; but it is much smaller, to say nothing of its generic distinctions.
Downy ducklings grayish-brown above, with a bufi" spot in median line of fore back, on each
side of back and of rump, and along hind border of winglets; forehead, sides of head, and
under parts dingy buff, with a spot of grayish-brown on the ear-coverts and a brown bar across
flanks. Length 16.00-18.00; extent 30.00 or less; wing 7.50-8.00; tail 2.75; tarsus 1.25;
bill 1.75, not so much widened at end as that of the Scaups. North America at large ; breeds
from some of northern interior and Western U. S., but chiefly beyond, to far north ; one Maine
record ; winters in and migrates through U. S. to Central America and West Indies ; accidental in
Europe. Eggs 6-12, 2.25 X 1-60, pale greenish-gray or drab, indistinguishable from those of
the foregoing. This very distinct Scaup, which represents in this country the European Tufted
Duck, F. fuligula, and consequently comes nearest to being the type of the genus, was origi-
nally discovered by Lewis and Clark on the Columbia River at Deer Island, March 28, 1806,
and fully described from a specimen in the dress of the 9 or young ^ : see my edition of the
History of the Expedition, 1893, p. 888. It was first named Anas collaris, and figured from a
specimen taken in England : see Donovan, Brit. B. vi, pi. 147, 1809. A. fuligula WiLs. 1814,
pi. 67, fig. 5. A. rvfitorqties, Ord, 1825. Aythya collaris of A. O. IT.
.^THY'lA. (Gr. aWvia, aithuia, a kind of water-bird in Homer's Odyssey and Aristotle's
Natural History first rendered in modern ornithology Aythya BoiE, Isis, 1822, p. 564, type
ANATID.E — FULIGULINJE: SEA DUCKS.
925
by elimination Anas ferina Lixn. I am willing to follow the A. 0. U. in adopting the genus,
but not in violating plain rules for the transliteration from the Greek to the Latin, which give
us neither Aythya Boie, nor Aithya Kaup, nor Aithi/ia lip., nor anything but ^thyia.)
Pochards. Red-heads. Little different from Fuligula. Bill more moderate, parallel-
sided, not obviously widening out toward end. Head of adult $ not black, but chestnut-red in
most species, darker brownish-red in the Canvas-back, which, also, in shape of bill and its set
on the head, diflers more from typical Pochards than these do from Scaups. Heuce the genus
is divisible into JEthi/ia proper and Aristoncttu. (Included under Fidigida in 2d-4th eds.
of the Key.)
Analysis of Subgenera and Species.
Bill .shorter than middle toe without claw, not longer than head, nearly J as wide as long, with concave culmen not
rising notably high on forehead and out of line therewith ; chord of culmen not over '2.'J5. Nostrils fairly in ba.sal
half of bill. Nail of bill well hooked, {^tliyia proper. )
Red-hedd : (f with head and neck chestnut, hi $ plain bromi ; body anteriorly, rump, tail, and its coverts, black, in
5 brown ; back, scapular.s, and sides finely waved with black and white or ashy-white in equal amounts ; speculum
gray. Bill blue with black belt at end. Back distinctly vermiculated with black on an ashy-white ground
americana
Bill equal to middle toe without claw, longer than head, about i as wide as long, with scarcely concave culmen rising
high on forehead in line therewith ; chord of culmen up to 2.50. Nostrils reaching middle of bill. Nail of bill
little hooked. {Arislonetla.)
Canvas-back: (f head dark chestnut-brown, much obscured with dusky on top and about bill. Silverj'-whitish of
back prevailing over the black waved lines, which are narrow and much broken into chains of dots . vallisneria
2E.. america'na. (Figs. 644, G45, fi4G.) American Pochard. Red-headed Hroad-
BiLL. Red-headed Raft Duck. American Red-head. Adult $ : Feathers of head
somewhat full and puffy, though forming no crest. Bill broad and flattened, little widened
toward end, running into forehead, which
arches abruptly over and away from it;
not rising gradually into line with fore-
head; shorter or not longer than head,
2.25 inches or less in length along culmen,
the same along gape ; nostrils within its
l)asal half, tlie forward end of nostril about
I distance from upper corner to end of bill.
Bill dull blue with a black belt at end.
(Compare head and bill of Canvas-back.) Iris orange. Feet
dull grayish-blue, with dusky webs and black claws. Head and
neck all around rich pure chestnut, not obscured with dusky-
brown, but with bronzy or coppery red reflections. Lower neck
and fore parts of body above and below, with rump and tail-
coverts above and below, blackish. Back mixed whitish and
blackish in about equal amounts, the dark wavy lines distinct
and unbroken. (In tin; European Pochard, .^. ferina, from
which our bird differs, the back is also distinctly and completely
waved with black, but the ground is quite white, as in our Can-
vas-back, in which the dark lines are much broken uj), the white
thus prevailing. This fine vermiculation, when not too closely
e.xamined, gives a delicate silvery-gray tone, of different shade
in tlic different species.) Sides of body under wings vermiculated
mucli lil<i- back, the unduLitions subsiding in grayi.sh-wliite on
middle under parts. Wing-coverts ashy-gray, minutely dotted
with white ; speculum hoary-ash, bordered internally with Idack ; liniiiL; i.f wings mostly
white. 9 : Bill ob.xcured bluisli, with black belt near end; iris yellow ; feet as in ^. Same
shaj.e <.r bill and he;i.l. Head .nid upper neck dull reddish-brown, paler or whitish ou
Fio. CAr). — Rcd-hcnd, J iint. niite.
(From nature, by J. L. UidRwny.)
926 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
cheeks, chin, and behind eye ; upper parts brownish, the feathers paler edged ; breast and
sides brownish. Wings much as in $ ; white lining restricted. Length 20.00-23.00; extent
about 33.00; wing 9.00-10.00; tail 3.00, of 14 feathers; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw
2.75 ; greatest width of bill 0.87 or less. North America at large, but particularly E. of the
Rocky Mts. ; breeds
from Michigan, Mis-
souri, Nebraska,
Utah, Nevada, and
California N. to the
fur countries, most
abundantly in British
America ; one Maine
breeding r e c o r d ;
winters from U. S. to
the West Indies and
Mexico. One of the
commonest market
Ducks in eastern
cities in winter, sell-
ing readily for Can-
vas-back, and more
likely to be distin-
guished therefrom
with the feathers on
than oflF! Nest of
this slongh-breeding duck on ground near water, or among reeds over water like a Coot's, often
bulky and well made, lined with more or less down ; eggs 7-10 or more, even to a baker's
dozen and over, 2.30-2.45 X 1.65-1.75, buff with an olive or drab tinge, or light buff; shell
smooth, hard, thick.
The names Red-head
and Gray-back, ap-
plied to this species,
are goodly distinctive
from the darker-
headed and whiter-
backed Canvas-back.
The name " Wash-
ington Canvas-back "
which Mr. Gurdon
Trumbull quotes with
relish from Cones and
Prentiss' Avifauna
Columbiana, is sim-
ply a political witti-
cism of the latter au-
thors, who say that it
is at the Capital '' one
of the commonest Fig. C47. - Canvas-backs. (From Lewis.)
market Ducks, passing about half the time for Canvas-back, and equally available for promot-
ing Congressional legislation." (Fuligiila ferina aviericana, of 2d-4th eds. of the Key.)
ANATID^ — FULIGULIN^ : SEA DUCKS.
927
{Subgenus Aristonetta.)
2E. (A.) vallisne'ria. (Name of a genus of aquatic plants, the wild celery, V. spiralis,
dedicated to Antonio Vallisneri, an Italian naturalist. Figs. ()43, 647, 648.) Canvas-back.
White-back. Bull-neck. "Can." Adult ^■. Head close- feathered. Bill high at base
and narrow throughout or scarcely widened toward end, sloping gradually up to top of head in
line with sweep of forehead, altogether
somewhat like a Goose's in shape ; de-
cidedly longer than head, 2h inches to
nearly or quite 3 in length, measured
along culmen ; nostrils reaching middle
of hill, their fore end half-way from upper
corner to end of hill. Bill not blue,
black-belted, but blackish throughout.
Eyes red. Feet grayish-blue. Head and upper neck not cop-
pery brownish-red, but dark reddish-brown, further much
obscured with dusky or quite blackish about the bill and on
top. Ground color of back white, very finely vermiculated
with zigzag blackish bars much narrower than the interven-
ing spaces, and tending to break up, or mostly broken up, into
little chains of dots across the feathers ; the resulting silvery-
gray tone consequently several shades lighter than in the Red-
head. Other characters substantially as in that species. 9
iiiffers as 9 Red-head does; head dark snuffy-brown, etc., but
bill colored as in ^, and sufficiently preserves its peculiar
shape ; eyes reddish-brown. Size of the Red-head, or a little
larger ; tarsus 1 .75 ; bill longer, as above ; culmen much over
2 inclies; gape about 2.67; line from upper corner to tip
nearly or quite 3.00, of which distance the nostrils reach half-
way. North America at large ; breeds from the northwestern
tier of States N. to Alaska, in tlie Rocky Mts. farther S. and
in Nebraska, Oregon, and Nevada; winters in the U. S. and
southward to Guatemala, formerly abundantly along Atlantic .size. (R'rom nature, by J. h
coast S. from the middle districts, especially in the Chesa- "'''^'■'
peake ; rare from the middle districts northward. I have found it breeding in North Dakota,
hit. 49°. Nesting quite like that of the Red-head ; eggs less buffy, greenish-drab or grayish-
olive, of a darker shade than usual in eggs of the Red-head. When feeding on wild celery the
tlcsh acquires a i)eculiarly fine flavor, which has gained for the bird great renown among gas-
tronomers; l)Ut its flesh is of no special excellence under other circumstances, in fact inferior to
tliat of most River Ducks (Anatinfe). There is little reason for squealing in barbaric joy over
this over-rated and generally under-done bird ; not one person in ten thousand can tell it from
any other Duck on the table, and then only under the celery circumstance just said. One of
the most noted old Washington restaurateurs and caterers told me that he could tell a plucked
("anvas-back with the head off from a similarly dressed or rather undressed Red-head, "by
tlu! mash." I was some time in discovering tluit by "mash" he nieant mesh, i. e.. the pattern
l)resented on the bare skin of the breast and belly by the little points whence the feathers grew.
The earliest reference to this bird in literature that I know of is in President Jefferson's cele-
brated Notes on Virginia, where it api)eiirs as the " Shcldrach, or Canvas back." r. rj. p. 77 of
edition of 17d6. {Fuligula vallisneria of 2d-4th eds. of the Key.)
Fio. C4S. — Canvas-back, \ nat.
Ridg.
928 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
CLAN'GULA. (Lat. elangula. dim. of clangor, a noise : applied to the Garret, the leading spe-
cies of this genus, by Gesuer, 1555.) Garrots. Bill much shorter than head, about as long
as tarsus, very high at base, tapering to end, with definite narrow nail, and acute upper cor-
ners; frontal and mental feathers little in advance of loral. Nostrils median. Tail about half
as long as wing, 16-feathered, pointed. Body plump; neck short; feet far back. $ with
bead puffy or slightly crested, dark-colored, iridescent, with great white patches ; lower neck
all around, uuder parts including sides, and most of the wing-coverts, scapulars, and second-
aries, white; lining of wings dark; most of upper parts black; no waving on back or sides;
crissura not black ; bill dark ; feet light or bright. 9 with less puffy dark brown or gray head,
and traces or not of white patches. Medium-sized and small Ducks, mostly black and white.
They include two types of at least subgeneric value; one (Clangula proper) represented by
the Garrots, the other (Charitonetta) by the Buffle-head. A well-marked genus, whose name
Clangula has come down to us from the heroic age of ornithology, as that of its leading species,
and was formally installed as the generic designation " ex Gesner " by W. E. Leach in Ross'
Voyage, 1819, App. p. xlviii, type Anas clangula Linn. (Clangula of former editions of the
Key, and of most authors; " Glaucionetta" (based on the identical type A. clangula!) Stej.
Pr. U. S. N. M. viii, 1885, p. 409; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95; Clangula, A. 0. U. SuppL
List. Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 125. Cf. Count Salvador!, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii, 1895, p. 376.
Analysis of Species.
Nostrils rather before middle of bill, (f head uniformly puffy, the gloss green ; a round or oval white spot before
eye, not reaching upper corner of bill ; white of wings continuous ; lining of wings entirely dark ; eye yellow ; feet
orange. 9 head dark brown, unmarked. (Clangula proper.) clangula americana
Nostrils as before, cf head somewhat crested, the gloss purple and violet ; an angular or crescentic white space
before eye, applied against whole base of bill ; white of wings divided by a dark line ; lining of wings entirely
dark ; eye yellow ; feet orange. $ head dark brown, unmarked islandica
Nostrils rather behind middle of bill, cf Iiead extremely puffy, the gloss various. No white before eye, but great
white space on side of head behind, meeting its fellow on nape ; white of wing continuous ; lining of wing with
some white ; eye brown ; feet flesh-color ; $ head dark gray, with trace of white auricular patch. (Char Hone //a.}
albeola
(Subgenus Clangula.)
C. clan'gula america'na. (Fig. 649.) American Garrot. American MoRiLLON. Amer-
ican Golden-eye. American Whistler. Whistle Duck. Whistle-w^ing. Brass-
eyed Whistler. Whiffler. Jingler. Merry-wing. Great-head. Bull-head.
Iron-head. Copperhead. Cub-head or Cob-head. Cur (Curre). Bill with nostrils
rather before than behind its middle line. Head moderately uniformly puflpy. Adult ^ : Gloss
of head chieHy green. A large round or oval spot before eye, not touching base of bill through-
out; no white behind eye. Bill black, or greeiiish-du.sky. Iris golden-yellow. Feet orange,
with dusky webs and black claws. Lower neck, under parts at large, middle and greater
wing-coverts, many secondaries, and shorter scapulars in part, white, that of wings perfectly
continuous. Shorter scapulars in part, long scapulars, inner and outer secondaries, edge of
wing, primary coverts, primaries, and back at large, black, the latter glossy. Lining of
wings dusky, as are some feathers at insertion of legs and on sides of rump. The white
greater coverts have dark bases, not extensive enough, however, to divide the white wing-
surface by a dark bar, as in C. islandica. Tail ashy. Young ^ resembles adult ? , but has
white spot before eye more or less indicated, and gray of chest lessened. Adult 9 : Bill, eyes,
and feet as in ^, but former usually varied with yellowish at end. Head less puffy, snuffy-
brown, without white loral space. White collar on neck. Black parts of ^ inclining to
brownish ; feathers of upper back with bluish-gray edgings ; upper tail-coverts tipped with
pale brown ; white of wings less extensive and complete, often waved with gray tips of
some of the coverts; white of under parts often waved with gray or brown on lower neck
and along sides. Various imperfect plumages range between or combine those of adult
A NA TID^ — FULIG UL TNJE : SEA D UCKS.
929
^ aud 9 ; but iu none can tlie bird be confounded with any but C. islandica (which sec).
DuckUngs in down dark sooty-brown above; spotted with white; cheeks and throat white;
lower parts dingy whitish, shaded across breast and along sides. Length 17.00-20.00; extent
27.00-82.00; w^ng 8.00-9.00 ; tail
3.00-4.00; tarsus 1.30-1.50; mid-
dle toe and claw 2.50; bill 1.30
along culinen, about 2.00 along
gape, 0.90-1.05 deep and 0.75-
0.85 wide at base ; nail 0.25 wide.
9 smaller than $ — about at the
minimum of the dimensions just
given. North America at large,
resident northerly or only forced
S. from its summer home by freez-
ing of the waters ; a common win-
ter Duck of the U. S., and some-
what farther S., breeding largely
in high latitudes, N. to the limit '^ 'i^:
of trees, but also from the nortlicrn ,--
borders of the U. S. Nest iu lu.l- ^«» ^^- " An^ericau Golden-eye. (L. A. Fa.-.t.-
lows of trees, sometimes stumps ; the down lining it very light gray, scarcely paler-centred;
eggs indefinitely many, 5 or G to 10-12 or more, 2.20-2.40 X about 1.70, smooth, rather
gh)ssy, pale greenish, ranging from dear sea-green to dingy grayish-green, but not buflfy. An
expert diver, and very strong flier on its wliistling wings ; very handsome, too, but meat rank
and fishy. C glaucium of 2d-4th eds. of the Key, and hardly different from the common
European Garrot; but it averages a trifle larger, with a stouter bill, and I am now willing to
let it stand as a subspecies. C. americana Bp. 1838. C. c. Americana A. 0. U. Suppl. List,
Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 125, No. 151.
C. islan'dica. (Of Island or Iceland. Fig. 650.) B.\rrow's Golden-eye. Rocky
Mountain Garrot. Very similar to the last. Bill with nostrils as before. Head moder-
ately puflfy, and with lengthening of coro-
nal and occipital feathers into a slight
crest. Gloss of head chiefly purple aud
violet (pansy- purple). A large wedge-
shaped, triangular or crescentic white
spot before eye, running up iu a point,
applied against whole side of base of bill.
Wliite area on wing more or less divided
by a dark bar resulting from extension of
the dark bases of tlie greater coverts.
Averaging larger than tlie last: $ length
20.00-22.50; extent 30.00 or more ; wing
9.00-10.00; tarsus 1.00; bill relatively
shorter than in C. c. aiuciianin, and pro-
portionally deeper at base, tlirowing tlie
nostrils in a slightly ditft rent relation with
measurements of length and depth ; this
may be seen on diicct (■omjiari-'^on of specimens, hut is not easily expressed in figures. 9 smaller
than (J; wing about 8.50, etc. pjirope; Iceland; Greenland; North America, northerly, in
winter S. to New York, Virginia, Illinois, Utah, and Sau Fraiicisco Bay ; breeds from the Gulf
69
Fio. 050. — Barrow's Goldcu-cye. (L. A. Fiierti's.)
^30 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES - ANSERES.
of St. Lawrence, mountains of Oregon, and in the Rocky Mts. from Colorado, N. to high lati-
tudes. Well distinguished from the foregoing in the full plumage of the $, but the 9 and
young $ are not easily discriminated. The 9 may usually be recognized by division of white
area on wing, or tendency thereto; some blackish spots on the ends of the greater coverts;
darker and more snuffy brown of the head, running farther down the neck, especially in front,
and thus making the white collar narrower; darker toned and more extensive gray of fore
breast; puffier head, with more tendency to an occipital crest; different shape of bill, as above
indicated, and its more extensive particoloration ; and somewhat greater size, on the whole.
The nest and eggs are indistinguishable. This bird belongs to North America, and is rare
or only casual in Europe, even in Iceland, whence its specific name is derived. This case is
curiously parallel with that of Fuligula collaris, above noted. The greatest ornithologist of
the last century, Brisson, described it nnmistakably from a specimen in the Reaumur Cab-
inet, though he thought it was the common Golden-eye; for he says, Orn. vi, p. 418, of the
white spot before the eye, " versiis synciput in acumen producta," i. e., runs up in a point
on the forehead, and his pi. 37, fig. 2, shows this very plainly, as well as the black bar divid-
ing the white alar area. The best figure is Swaiuson's plate 70, in the Fn. Bor.-Am. ii, 1831,
p. 456, when and where Dr. Richardson dedicated the handsome bird to Sir John Barrow, of
Arctic fame.
(Subgenus Charitonetta.)
C (C.) albe'ola. (Lat. alheola or albula, dim. of albus, white. Figs. 651, 652.) Little
Black and White ^ or Little Brov\^n 9 Duck. Buffalo-headed Duck. Buf-
FLE-HEAD. Buffel-head. Butter Duck. Butter-ball. Butter-box. Butter-
BACK. Wool-head. Spirit Duck. Conjuring Duck. Marionette. Dipper. Bill
___^ ^ - _ _ with nostrils rather
behind than before its
middle line. Adult (J:
Head particularly
puffy with much
lengthened feathers of
lateral and hind parts,
splendidly various
with purple-violet and
green iridescence ; a
large snowy patch on
each side behind eye,
blending on nape with
its fellow. Bill dull
bluish, with dusky
nail and base. Eyes
brown. Feet
fl e s h - c o 1 o r,
blackish claw^s.
parts at
Fio. G51. — Buffle-head.
pale
with
Up-
(Prom Lewis.) . . ■,
per parts at large
black, finding to grayish-white posteriorly. Lower neck all around, under parts at large,
scapulars in part, nearly all wing-coverts, and most secondaries, white. Outer scapulars white,
edged with black; inner secondaries velvet-black; sides and sometimes across lower belly
shaded with dusky ; lining of wings mixed dusky and white. Adult 9 : Much smaller than ^;
head scarcely puffy, but a thin compressed nuchal elongation of feathers, dusky gray, with
trace at least of the white space of ^, and commonly a white touch under eye. Bill dusky;
ANATID^E — FULIGULIN.E: SEA DUCKS.
931
feet livid bluisli-gray, with dusliy webs. Above at large dusky-gray or blackish, with white
speculum on outer webs only of 5 or G secondaries ; below white, shaded into dark along sides
and across fore breast and lower belly. Thus a very small insignificant-looking Duck, but
easily recognized on that very score; notice tlap of hind toe, livid feet, dark bill, white spot
on dark head behind eye, etc. Length of $ 9 12.25-15.00; e.xtent 22.00-25.00; wing 6.00-
7.00; tarsus 1.10-1.24; middle toe and claw 2.00-2.25 ; bill 1.00, along gape 1.40; ? at or
about the lesser of these dimensions. North America at large, and casual in Europe; U. S.
in winter, one of the most abundant Ducks; also to Cuba and Mexico; breeds from Maine,
Iowa, Montana to high latitudes. The
drake in full feather is one of the hand-
somest Ducks, dressed in broad black and
white in artistic contrast, to say noth-
ing of the brilliancy of the head. Notcil
for its adroitness in diving to escape ;i
shot, as smartly as a Grel)e, and on that
account known in some of our elegant
vernacular as "hell-diver" and "devil-
diver," as well as by divers other nanus
of Grebes, as Dipper, Dapper, Dopixr.
Diedapper, Water-witch, etc. The flessli
is little esteemed, so it is iust as well there
' •' . Fig. i;.VJ. - l',utll.-ln':..l.-.l Duck.
is so little of it. Nest feathery, in a tree ;
eggs up to 14, ellipsoidal, about 2.00 X 1.50, in tint buffy-drab (between grayish-olive and
rich creamy-white). {Bucephala alheola Bd. 1858; CouES, 1872, original edition of Key;
Clangula alheola of later editions. Charitonetta alheola A. 0. U. Lists. There is certainly
some difference from Clangitla proper; but not so much as there is between Aristonetta and
^thyia ; and as the A. 0. U. declines to give Aristonetta full generic rank, so do I continue
to allow this form to bear the name it has usually borne since 1824, and is likely to bear for
an indefinite period.)
IIAVKL'DA. (New Latin Harelda Stei'H. 1824, by a miswritiug or misprint of Havelda Eay,
]7i;i, Latinized from hdvelle, "the common Icelandic name for the bird, having reference to
the trilling sound of its musical notes," Newt. Diet. p. 406; harelldn and havelld also found
in WoRMUS, WilhTtHBY, and Chakleto.n; Englished hareld Stepii. 1824, and corruptly
herald. If we consider it a misprint, A. 0. U. rules allow us to correct it to Havelda.)
Havelds. SiXGixtt Ducks. Loxg-tail Ducks. Bill shorter than head, about as long
as tarsus, high at base, nearly parallel-sided to the rounded cud occu})ied by the broad nail ;
upper lateral angles obsolete, the feathers sweeping obliquely downward from those on culmen ;
those <if cliin reaching about opposite nostrils, which are placed higlj up in basal lialf of bill ;
commissure ascending near end, then decurved into tlio prominent nail. Tail of 14 feathers,
in (J as long as wing by excessive elongation of the narrow middle feathers (more so than iu
iJtiJild or Anatinfp) : ^ scapulars also long lance-linear, jirodiiced straight over tlie wing.
Sexual and seasonal plumages unlike. C'rissinn white; no wliite on wing nor any speculum ;
coloration chiefly black, white, and Itrown, with reddish on l>ack iu summer. One species.
(Clangidn! A. 0. U. Lists, 188(i-!>5 ; llanllaA.O. U. Hth Snppl. List, 18!t7: for the pn. per
use of Chtngala Leach, 181!>, see under that head, antea, p. !>28.)
II. hienia'lis. (Lat. of or ix'rtaining to hieins, winter wintry: a]>plied to this species by
LlNN. .Syst. Nat. 17.18, ]>. 126, and 1766, ]>. 202, in one j)lnmage; it being called by Idui iu
another jdumage glacialis, the name which has been most frecpiently u.sod, as in former editions
of the Key.) ].,()N(;-t aii.kd DrcK. Lonc.-taii.ei) Hakei,i>. Sw \i.i.<iw-TAir.i:i) Duck.
SdUTii-.soUTiir.ui.v. Sou rii-S()UTiiEULANi«. (»i.i> NN'iri;. <>i.i> Sgi aw. <)i.i> In.m n.
932 SVSTEMA riC synopsis. — LA MELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
Old Granny. Old Molly. Old Billy. John Connolly. Uncle Huldy. My
Aunt Huldy. Cowheen or Coween. Calaw or Calloo. Cockawee. Scolde-
NOKE. Scolder. Quandy. $ , in breeding dress : Bill black on basal half and nail, the
intervening portion of a variable and fugacious bright tint in life, as pink, salmon-pink, or
pinkish-orange, which changes soon after death to reddish- purple, and in long-dried skins
shows as orange or orauge-rcd ; iris yellow ; feet livid bluish, with dusky webs and black
claws. Head on top and behind blackish, with a great patch of silvery-gray, whitening around
and behind eye. Neck all around and fore breast, vei-y dark chocolate-brown, almost black-
ish ; quills and lining of wings the same; under parts from breast abruptly white. Upper
parts at large, and long tail-feathers blackisli ; long scapulars varied with bright reddish ;
shorter tail-feathers whitish, lateral wholly so, intermediate ones in part dark. Length very
variable, according to development of tail, up to 23.00 ; middle tail-feathers up to 8.00-9.00
hmg, Literal only about 2.50; wing 8.50-9.50; extent 30.00; bill 1.25; tarsus the same;
middle toe and claw twice as much. Adult $, in winter: No reddish on upper parts; scapu-
lars pearly-gray. Head, neck, and fore back white or whitish, with gray cheek-patch, and
dark brown or blackish patch below ear. Fore breast of the latter color, set squarely between
white of neck and belly. Upper parts except as said, and 4 middle tail-feathers (less devel-
oped than in summer) blackish ; rest white. Bill extensively bright-colored, with nail and
broad saddle on mandible black ; iris straw-yellow. Young ^ in first winter with bill and feet
dusky: iris brownish. Adult 9 in summer: No elongation of tail or scapulars; length about
18.00; extent under 30.00 ; wing 8.00-9.00; tail about 3.00. Bill and feet dusky-greenish ;
iris yellow. Head, neck, and upper parts dark grayish-brown, paler on throat, with large
grayish-white patch around eye and another on side of neck ; under parts white, shaded along
sides. Thus an obscure medium-sized Duck ; notice generic characteristics of bill, 14 tail-
feathers, no white on wing, gray head- and neck-patches in dark surroundings. Adult 9 ? ii^
winter: Head and neck mostly white; top of head and isolated auricular patch dusky, and
chin similarly obscured, neck below and fore parts of body dark gray, tending to form a sort
of loose collar; under parts broadly white; upper parts dusky-brown, nearly plain, but varied
on scapulars with brighter brown and gray. Ducklings in down plain brown above, with
light touches and a dusky stripe on sides of head; below white, with a dark band on the fore
breast. Northern Hemisphere, northerly, especially maritime; also on large inland waters;
U. S. in winter only, and then rare S. of the middle districts, but casually to South Carolina,
Florida and Texas ; not many California recor<ls ; breeds chiefly in high latitudes, mostly be-
yond the limit of trees, as in our Barren Grounds, the Siberian tundras, Greenland, Spitz-
bergen, and Nova Zembla. A lively, voluble Duck, called by Sunde vail melodious : ^^ Anas
canora, oh cantum rernalem stiavem et sononim" ; among its many curious names it has ac-
quired, those given from its loud three-syllabled notes are conspicuous. It is a swift, wayward
flier, an expert diver, and at most seasons a rank animal feeder; meat bad. Nest on ground;
eggs 5-9, smooth, drab-colored, more grayish or greenish as the case may be, 2.20 X 1.60, to
1.90 X 1.40; June, July. H. glacialis of former editions of the Key, as of most authors.
Clangula hyemalis of A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 154 (by error). Harelda hyemalis A. 0. U.
Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 124 (see remarks anted, under genus Clangula).
HISTKION'ICUS. (Lat. histrionicus, histrionic, relating to histrio, a stage-player, the bird
being. tricked out in various colors, as if to play a part-) Harlequins. Bill very small,
shorter than head or tarsus, rapidly tapering to rounded tip which is wholly occupied by large
fused nail ; but higher than wide at base, with lateral upper corners as in Fuligulince gener-
ally, and convex sweep of feathers across its side intermediate in extent between frontal and
mental projections, former reaching farthest. A membranous lobe at base of commissure,
formed by production of skin of cheeks. Nostrils in basal half of bill. Wings and tail short,
latter pointed and about half as long as former. Longer scapulars and inner secondaries curv-
ANATID.E — FULIGULIN^: SEA DUCKS.
933
ing outward over wing as in Eiders, with which this genus connects by means o^ Heniconetta,
though in both tliese genera the bill is simple, as usual in FuligidiiuB, without the peculiar
gibbosity and special outlines of feathers characteristic of Eiders. One species, remarkable for
its fantastic markings, the ^ being patclied with different colors; a metallic speculum (here
only among our Fuligidincc, excepting H. stelleri).
H. histrioii'icus. (For etym. see generic name. Fig. G53.) Harlequin DucK. Paintb:d
Duck. Mountain Duck. Rock Duck. Lord and Lady. Squealer. Adult $ : Bill
olivaceous; iris reddish -brown ; feet grayish-blue, with dusky webs and pale claws. Aside
from the definite mark-
ings to be given, general
color deep leaden -blue or
slate-color, with a purplisli
tinge, blackening on top of
head, on lower back, ruinj*.
and tail above and below,
darker on head and neclv
than on breast and back,
changing from breast
backward, including lining
ofwinsfs, to sooty brown,
on flanks to chestnut-
brown. A white patch
between bill and eye, curv-
ing upward and backward
to margin the black coro-
nal stripe, changing to
chestnut from over eye to
nape. A round white spot on side of hind head ; long white spot on side of up])er neck ;
white collar around neck, interrupted or not before and behind ; white crescent on side of
breast in front of wings ; these marks black-bordered. A white spot on wing-coverts; white
bar across ends of greater coverts and some of the secondaries; outer webs of inner sec-
ondaries mostly white ; scapulars mostly white. A white spot on each side of root of tail.
Speculum metallic pur{)lish or violet. Two or three years appear to be required to perfect this
plumage; J found iu almost every condititm between tliis and plumage of 9; the final stas^e
is completion of white ring around neck and white tips of secondaries. Adult 9 '• Bill dusky ;
feet dull bluish-gray. Iris brown. A whitish spot before eye and behind ear. General plu-
mage on head and upper parts dark brown, darkest on head and rump; lower parts similar,
more grayish, i)assing through gray mottling to whitish on belly. Thus 9 is :i very small
and obscure duck, widely different from ^ ; observe small size, very siiort bill, only about
1.00 along culmen, higher than wide at base; plumage without definite markings except-
ing two spots on each side of head; extent of dapjiicd gray and white on under parts very
variable. Length of $ Ki.OO-l/.OO; extent 24.(H»->J7.(IO; wing 7.00-8.00; tail 3.00-1. (M);
tarsus L;}0 ; bill along culmen LIO, along gape 1. .")(). 9 •'' <"" under these minima or aver-
ages. Eur<)pe, Asia, North America, northerly and chictly coastwise, but also in interior;
S. in winter to Middle States and California, but not coninion on Atlantic coast beyond nortii-
ern New England; breeds in Uncky Mts. of U. S., as in Colorado; also at lat. 38° iu Sierra
Nevadas of California, and north, as from Newfoundland to Alaska; Greenland. Nest iii
hollow iif a tree or stump (f), or on ground, under rocks, etc, of weeils and grasses and
jtarents' down; eg^s tJ-8-lO, U.IO X l.(iO to 12.40 X I ^.l, pale buff or creamy. (//. tninutus
of 2d-4th cds. of Key; but our rules call for the tautouym above given.)
Harlequin Duck.
934
SYSTEiMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
CAMPTOL^'E'MUS. (Gr. KayLirros, Tcamptos, flexible; XaifjLos, laimos, throat; referriDg to
leathery expausiou of bill) Pied Duck. Bill nearly as long as head, longer than tarsus,
not higher than broad at base, nearly parallel-sided, but widened toward end by a leathery
expansion of edge of upper mandible ; nail distinct. Teeth of upper mandible slight, oblique ;
of under mandible very prominent, vertical. Frontal angles slight. Nostrils high up in basal
third of bill. Cheek-featliers stilfish and bristly, with enlarged horny ends, extending on side
of upper mandible in moderately convex outline, to about opposite those of chin. Wings short,
vaulted, with curved primaries, 1st and 2d subequal and longest ; inner secondaries long and
tapering. Tail short, about f the wing, 14-feathered. Coloration of ^ black and white ; 9
brown, gray, and white. One remarkable species, related in some degree to Eiders, lately be-
come extinct. (A. O. U. has Camptolaimus, after the original misspelling.)
C. labrado'rius. (Of Labrador. Fig. 654.) Labrador Duck. Pied Duck. Adult <?:
Bill black, orange at base and along edges, grayish-blue along ridge ; iris reddish-brown ; feet
grayish-blue, with dusky webs
and claws. Head and upper neck
white, with a longitudinal black
stripe on crown and nape; stiff
feathers of cheeks obscured.
Neck below ringed with black
continuous with that of upper
parts, then half-collared with
white continuous with that of
scapulars. Below, from this
white, entirely black, excepting
white axillars and lining of wings.
Above black, except as said;
wing - coverts and secondaries
white, some of the latter mar-
gined with black ; some of the
long scapulars pearly-gray ; pri-
maries and their coverts and tail-
feathers brownish -black. Adult
9 : Bill, eyes, and feet as in ^ ;
several secondaries white, forming
a speculum, but no white on wing-
coverts or scapulars ; axillars and
lining of wings mostly white ; inner secondaries edged with black ; general color dappled brown-
ish-gray, paler and more ashy or plumbeous on wing-coverts and inner secondaries. Young ^
most like 9> but more white on throat, fore breast, and wing-coverts. Length 18.0U-20.00;
extent about 30.00; wing about 9.00; tail 3.50; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw 2.50; bill
along culmen 1.75, along gape 2.25. Former range, as far as known, Labrador to New Eng-
land, New York, New Jersey, along the coast, and inland to some parts of the Great Lake
region; known to have lived to 1875, and believed to have been exterminated since that date.
In 2d edition of Key, 1884, I said, " extremely rare now, and probably in a fair way to become
extinct " — a prediction which now appears to have been ex post facto. See especially Rowley's
Orn. Misc. part vi, Jan. 1877, pp. 205-223, list of 33 known specimens; Dutcher, Auk,
April, 1891, pp. 201-216, pi. 2; 38 known specimens, 27 in North America, 11 in Europe,
with historical and critical notes ; Dutcher, Auk, Jan. 1894, pp. 4-12 ; total known speci-
mens 41, 29 in North America, with further historical data, criticism of statements in Newton's
Diet. pp. 221-223 (reply ibid. p. 736), and insistence upon date of 1875 as authentic, being
Fio. Go4. —Labrador Duck. (From Eucy. Brit.)
A ^A TW.E — FULIG UL IN.E : SEA D UCKS.
935
that of a young ^ shot on Long Island, acquired in 1879 by the Smithsonian Institution from
J. G. Bell. The bird became best known in the period, say, 1840-60; the authentic record
dwindles notably after the fifties, and ceases in 1875. The Grand Manan record of April, 1871,
is authentic, though the specimen is not extant. The Michigan record of April 17, 1872 (For-
est and Stream, May 4, 1876), is not authentic, neither is the Elmira, N. Y. record of Dec. 12,
1878 (Am. Nat. Feb. 1879, p. 128). A plate of the bird forms the well-known vignette on title
of Pennant's Arct. Zool. ii, 1785. A pair, adult ^ ? , procured by Daniel Webster, " Vineyard
Island," Mass., served for Audubon's description and plate, Orn. Biogr. iv, 1838, p. 271,
pi. 332; for Baird's description, B. N. A. 1858, p. 803; and for mine of 1884, substantially
as above; these are now in the U. S. Nat. Mus. Nos. 1792 J', 2733 9 ; together with two
mounted specimens. No. 61,300 ^, and No. 77,126, the young ^ above said to have been
killed on Long Island in 1875 — the last known of the species. In England $200 was
Stcller's Duck. iKr..iii •• WiLl K..ul i,i N.inii Ai
.'. I), (i. Kill.. I.
offered for a good pair in 1884. The extinction of ti\e species is credibly believed to have
been due to extirpation by human agency.
HENICONET'TA. (Gr. fPiKos, henikos, single, i.e. singular, peculiar, particular; ufj-rra,
nctla. a duck.) Stkli.krias. General characters those of Eiders (see Somnteria, beyond),
more nearly tlian tlmse of Camptohcmus even, and little dift'ereiil except in lackinu special gib-
bosity of the bill and any unusual shape or outline of the frontal feathers. Bill imt feathered
to the nostrils, its tomial edges dilated and leathery, its width at base much less than half its
cuhninal length. Wing with metallic speculum set between white bars ; head of ^ tinged
with sea-green like an Eider drake's ; feathers of cheeks stiffish, those of occiput tufted ; sys-
tem of chiefly black and white coloration of $, and sexual dilfereiices, much as in Somnteria.
I gave this as a subgenus of Somnteria in all former editions of the Key, there stating, how-
936 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS.— LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
■e\CT, tliat this was going too far (2d ed. p. 709), though no farther than such a high authority
as Professor Newton goes without hesitation. I now follow the A. 0. U. in according to Heni-
conetta full generic rank, but as I am not a cockney, and do not drop my /I's, I must crave per-
mission to spell the word as well as I know how — not Eniconetta, as A. 0. U. insists upon,
after G. R. Gray's original cockneyism of 1840. A case like this reminds me of the English
veterinary surgeon who swore that a haitch and a ho and a har and a hess and a he spelt 'orse !
H. stel'leri. (To G. W. Steller. Fig. 655.) Steller's Eider. Adult ^ : Bill and feet
dull grayish-blue, the former lighter at tip ; webs darker ; iris brown of variable shades.
Top and sides of head and collar on neck silvery-white, washed across forehead and hind head
with sea-green ; chin with a black patch narrowing to run down, breaking through the white
collar and continuous with a broad black ring around neck; a similar patch around eye; these
black areas with various lustre. Upper parts at large glossy jiurplish blue-black ; wiug-
coverts white ; several secondaries forming a violet speculum, tipped with white ; long inner
secondaries and outer scapulars silvery-white, the inner scapulars vit)let, striped with white
edges; lining of wings, mostly, and axillars, white. Under parts dull chestnut-brown, passing
to sooty black on belly and crissum, with an isolated black spot on each side of breast.
Young (J closely resembles 9 • I^ both sexes bill and feet of an undefiuable dark color in
dried specimens. Adult 9 • Differs as Eiders do; dark reddish-brown, blackening on belly
and crissum, nmch mottled and barred with black ; head and neck lighter brownish, speckled
with dusky ; wing-coverts dusky, with paler gray tips ; no white except on lining of wings and
tips of greater coverts and of secondaries, these forming two white bars enclosing an imperfect
speculum. Length 16.00-18.00, extent 27.00-30.00; wing 8.00-8.50; tail 3.50; bill 1.50
along culmen, 1.75 along gape; tarsus 1.25 ; middle toe and claw 2.20. Northern regions of
Europe, Asia, and western North America ; accidental on east side of continent ; abounding
and sometimes gathering in enormous flocks on the islands and both shores of Bering's Sea and
the Arctic coast of N. E. Siberia ; wintering mainly on the Aleutian Islands ; usually found in
company with Pacific, Spectacled, and King Eiders. Like other Eiders the Drake moults
during the breeding season into a temporary, dull, protective plumage of the body, preliminary
to the annual moult. The most beautiful of many specimens I have handled have been winter
birds. Eggs 7-9, 2.25 X 1-60, or a little more, ranging through drab t(j clearer greenish, and
thus exactly like those of the common Eider in shape, color, and texture of shell; nest the
same, on the ground, generally sunken in moss or sphagnum, and furnislied copiously with
down; May- July.
ARCTONET'TA. (Gr. ap/croy, arktos, a bear, esp. the brown bear of Europe, Ursus arctos,
also the constellation Ursa Major, hence the North ; i/^rra, netta, a duck. Fischerias.
Characters of Somateria strictly, except the formation of the base of the bill and outline of the
frontal feathers, as described under head of the only species ; and with further exception of
peculiar circumorbital plumage. (As subgenus of Somateria in former eds- of the Key.)
A. fis'cheri. (To Gotth. Fischer, a Russian naturalist. Fig. 656.) Spectacled Eider.
Bill (in both sexes) peculiar in extension ujjon it of dense velvety feathers which reach to a
point on culmen beyond nostrils, thence sweeping past nostrils obliquely downward and back-
ward to commissure ; nostrils opening just beneath line of feathers. Feathers of chin extend-
ing in a point nearly as far as those on culmen. A dense, puffy patch of velvety feathers about
eye, suggesting spectacles; frontal feathers erect, pilous, like a pad, in ^ somewhat stiffened;
occipital feathers lengthened into a hanging hood ; these characters of head-feathering best
marked in ^, but indicated also in 9. Nail of bill distinct. Adult ^ : Bill orange; feet
brownish-olive with yellowish scales on front of tarsus; iris white, ringed with light blue.
General color grayish-black; neck and most of back white; lesser and median wing-coverts,
long curved inner secondaries, lining of wings, axillars, and patch on side of rump, white. On
head, white of neck gives way to rich sea-green, especially on occipital crest ; frontal feathers
ANATID/E—FULIGULIN.E: SEA DUCKS.
937
also tinged with greenish ; but the " spectacles " are pure silvery wliite, framed in black. Bill,
in dried state, dingy yellowish; feet the same, with dusky webs. Smaller than the common
Eider: Length 20.00-22.50; extent 34.00-36.50 ; wing 11.00; tail 4.00 ; tarsus 1.75; middle
toe and claw 2.75 ; bill witli only about an inch of bare culmen, but about 2.25 along gape.
9: Greatly different in color, as are all Eiders, but little smaller than $. Bill black in dried
state with whitish uail of under mandible, in life dull bluish; feet dingy yellowish-brown,
drying dark. General j)lumage like that of the common Eider, barred almost throughout
with black, chestnut-brown, and yellowish-brown, giving way ou belly to dull brownish
nebulated with dusky ; on head to pale brown streaked or otherwise obscured with dusky ;
axillars white. Coast of Alaska from Unalashka and some other islands of the Aleutian chain
N. to Point Barrow on the Arctic coast; confined to the salt marshes, and very locally dis-
tributed ; common in some localities, nearly coincident with those occupied by the Emperor
J;Wol<j.
Via. 050. — Spectacled Eider. (From " Wild Fowl of North America," by D. G. Elliot.)
Goose: breeds from tlic Kuskoipiim montli to Point Barrow, but especially about St. Michael's
and the Yukon delta, where it arrives about the midille of May; eggs in June and July, 5
to 8 or 9, 2.()0-2.80 X 1.80-1.00, light olive drab; ne.'^t on ground in tlie grass; young tiy
in August, and during that month the drakes moult into a plumage somewhat resemblinu; tliat
of the dui-ks. See Nelson's Alaska, 1887, j)p. 7(i-78 for biography and colored pi. 5, fig. I.
SOMATK'KIA, (C;r. a-u>na, (Toifiaros, soma, somatos, the body ; (piov^ eriu)i, wool, down.)
I'.iDKUs. Bill variously tumid or iiibbous, with different dispositions of frontal jirocesses and
niitlincs nf feathers, in the several species (as in Scoters ((Edeiuia); in botli of these genera
tlic particulars of the bill being specific and in a measure sexual characters, to found genera
u])on tbem would l)e to make one for almost every species). Nostrils averaging median,
variable in position ; featliers reaching under or not to them. Frontal angles of bill variously
exaggeratetl. Nail of bill large, fused, forming whole tip. Inner .«!ecoMdaiies and scapulars
sickle-shaped, curved outward and falling oblii[uely over wing. Sexes very unlike. (J chiefly
938
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES— ANSERES.
black and white, with sea-green on head ; feathers uf head in part sliurt, dose-set, and erect,
like pile of velvet, in part usually stiffish and bristly. Several remarkable species, of the
Northern Hemisphere.
Analysis of Subgenera, Species, and Subspecies.
(f Bill gibbous at base of upper mandible ; outline of culmen variously curved ; with long, acute or clubbed, tumid
process extending in line with culmen on each side of forehead, divided by extension of feathers on culmen ;
feathers of side of bill advancing to about under nostrils, far beyond those on culmen. (Somateria proper.)
(if No black V-mark on chin.
Frontal processes short, narrow, acute, parallel. Smaller mollisslma borealis
Frontal processes long, broad, clubbed, divergent. Larger dresseri
(f A black V-mark on chin v-nigruni
(f Bill extremely gibbous at base of upper mandible, with broad squarish nearly vertical frontal processes bulging
angularly out of line of culmen, on each side of forehead, divided by extreme projection of featliers on culmen far
beyond those on sides of mandible, which do not nearly reiich nostrils. (Erionetta.)
(f A black V-mark on chin spectabilis
S. mollis'sima borealis, (Lat. molUssima, very soft, superlative of mollis, soft ; referring to
the down of the Eider; and borealis, boreal, northern. Figs. 657, 658.) Northern Eider
Duck. Greenland Eider. Bill (in both sexes) with lateral frontal process extending on
each side of forehead, between the short
pointed extension of feathers on culmen and
tlie much greater extension of those on sides
of bill, which reach to below nostrils, about
opposite those on chin. General upper
outline of bill nearly straight, and frontal
processes narrow, acute, and nearly parallel
(see figs, and compare description of next
species). Adult $ : Plumage almost en-
tirely black and white. Top of head glossy
blue-black, including eyes, and forking be-
hind to receive the white of the hind head.
Occiput more or less washed with sea-green,
which does not encroach on the white of sides
of head. Neck all around, fore breast, most
of the back, most of the wing-coverts above
and below, curly inner secondaries, and sides
of rump, wliite, on breast tinged with pale
creamy-brown. Middle line of rump, upper
tail-co verts, and under parts from breast,
black or blackish. Bill yellowish. Length
about 24.00; extent 40.00 ; wing 11.00; tail
4.00 ; tarsus 1 .75 ; middle toe and claw 3.75 :
culmen of bill 2.00 or less, from apex of
frontal processes to tip 2.60 ; along gape
2.40. Adult 9: Sufficiently similar to ^ in
character of bill, and feathering of its base ;
plumage entirely different, being nearly
everywhere varied, chiefly in bars, with
black, chestnut-l)rown, and yellowish-brown, giving way on under parts to grayish-brown
with dusky nebulation. Size less than that of ^. Eggs nearly or about 3.00 X 2.00, from
pale bufl" through drab shades to greenish. Greenland and eastern parts of arctic and sub-
arctic America, S. in winter to Massachusetts. This is a boreal American race of the common
Fig. 657. — Bills of Eiders, * nat. size, viewed from above
and in profile. 1, S. vioUissima ; 2, S. dresseri. (From
Sharpe.)
ANATID.E — FULiaULIN.E: SEA DUCKS.
939
Eider of Europe (S. moUissinm), seinidoinesticated in some places, so kmous for yielding the
prized down of commerce, which the parent plucks from her breast to cover the eggs; but the
common American Eider is of the following species {S. dresseri). I have not hitherto discrim-
inated this subspecies from moUissima proper in any edition of the Key ; the latest monographer
of the Anatida; finds no tangible distinction, and none was indicated in the A. 0. U. List of 1886.
Vm,
W^x
HV
'"^■^v^t
.jiir J/
Fio. G58. — Eider Ducks, ,",, nnt. size. (From Unlim. )
The present bird is Plnti/pus horenlis C. L. Hreiim, 1824; Somateria bunnU^ i'. L. Ukkiim,
Isis, 18M(), p. 9!»8, and Allkn, Auk, Apr. 189.3, p. 123: see Salvadoui. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xxvii, IHiK"), p. 428. S- moUissinui borenlis A. K. Hkk.iim, 18()(); Hinc.w. Man. ISS7, p. KUt;
A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 18!»r), No. |-.!»; Suppl. List, Auk. Jan. I8!t!>. p. KM.
S. dres'seri. (To H. E. Dres.ier of En-rland. Fig. (».")7.) .Amkkican Kii>kk I)rtK.
Dresskk'.s Eider. Ska Ditk 9 ani> Dijaki: ^. lii,ArK-ANi)-\ViiiTK Coot ^. Ixi.y.s
OF SnoALS Duck. Sqtam l)rt k. Wami* (^. Like tlio la.'<t ; phimage the same, more
940
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
extensively greenish on sides of head, along border of the black cap, and sometimes a trace
of black on chin indicating an approach to v-nigrum ; form of bill diflferent, exhibiting an
approach to that of spectahilis. General profile of culmeu concavo-convex, the frontal processes
being wider, higher, more obtuse, and more divaricating than iu mollissima (compare figs, and
foregoing description). The difference is obvious on comparison of specimens, and may now
be held of specific value, as no intermediate specimens are forthcoming. Culmen 2.00 or more;
from apex of frontal process to tip of bill about 3.00; along gape 2.50. 9 differs as in case
of mollissima. Ducklings in down plain grayish-brown, paler grayish below, grayish-white
on belly, these tones all shading insensibly ; but has a dusky stripe on each side t)f the head,
conti-asting with light color over the eyes and on the chin. North America, northerly, especially
on the Atlantic Coast ; also on large inland waters ; not noted from the N. Pacific ; S. regu-
larly in winter to New England, more rarely to the Middle States; breeding from the Maine
-^3V"~'S
J-Wo^.
Fig. C,r>9. — Pacific Eider. (From " Wild Fowl of North America," by D. G. Elliot.)
coast northward, abundantly in Newfoundland and Labrador, where it is one of the character-
istic birds. Nest on the ground, of mosses, lichens, hay, sea-weed, and down-feathers ; eggs
6-10, usually fewer, plain dull greenish-drab, about 3.00 X 2.00, laid in June and July. S.
mollissima (var. ?) of orig. ed. of the Key, 1872, p. 293; S. m. dresseri of 2d-4th eds. 1884-
90, p. 712 (on p. 905 of 4th ed. given inadvertently, as S. m. borealis). S. dresseri Shakpe,
1871 : A. 0. U. Lists, 188G and 1895, No. 160.
S. v-nig'rum. (Quasi-Lat. v-nigrum, noting the black V-shaped mark or chevron on
the throat. Fig. 659.) Pacific Eider. Like the two preceding, but with a large black
V-shaped mark on throat, pointing forward and forking behind, as in spectahilis. While the
plumage is otherwise as in the common Eider, the shape of bill and character of its feathering
are appreciably different, furnishing useful characters, especially in the case of 9 . The frontal
processes are acute and parallel, as in mollissima, but the gibbosity of bill is greater than in
dresseri ; while the feathers upon its sides do not extend so far (scarcely or not reaching oppo-
ANATID.E -FULIGULINJ:: SEA DUCKS.
941
site hind end of nostrils), and have rounded instead of acute termination ; their lower border
is also more nearly ])arallel with edge of commissure. The extension of feathers on chin equals
or even surpasses that on side of hill, rather the reverse being the case witii mollissima and
dresseri. The bill of the adult $ is bright orange, that of the 9 dull greenish-yellow, in both
cases with paler nail. N. Pacific C(»ast to the Arctic Ocean, common in suitable localities on
both coasts and islands of Bering's Sea, and the polar coasts of Siberia; replacing the conmion
Eider, and associated with tlic King, Spectacled, and Steller's Eiders. Kecorded from Great
Slave Lake. Nesting like that of other true Eiders, and eggs probably not distinguisliable ;
tluy measure 2.87-3.12 X 2.00 or a trifle more, and are light olive drab in color; laid mostly
in June, during which month the drakes go off to flock by themselves; the moult progresses in
July and August, and the flappers hardly fly before September.
{Subgenus Erionetta.)
S. (E.) specta'bilis. (Lat. spectabilis, conspicuous, spectacular. F'ig. 6G0.) King Eider.
Characters of bill and its feathering quite diff"erent from those of other Eiders, and moreover
varying much, not only in the two sexes, but in $ at different seasons. In adult $, in breed-
ing season, the bill develops immense rounded or squarish lateral frontal processes, bulging high
out of line with rest of bill; these
processes are soft, and moreover de-
pend for their prominence upon devel-
opment of a mass of fatty substance
upon which they are supported; they
shrink and become more depressed
in winter, when the general forma-
tion of the parts is not very different
from that of other Eiders. The
frontal feathers extend in a definite
line along the elevated culmen to
about opj)osite hind end of nostrils ;
those of side of bill, on the contrary,
fall far short of nostrils ; those of
chin reach about opposite those of
,, . ., I 1 <• *i 1 ♦ Fio. Cr/). -King Eider, Post iiii|itial Dress. (L. A. Fuertes.)
cuMiien ; the whole feathered out-
line of bill being thus very different from that of any other Eider. In 9; thouirh all the
jiarts concerned are less developed, the same relative extension of featlit-rs (d»tains, so that
the bird is distinguished easily from 9 of '"^'ly other Eider; culminal and mental feathers both
reach about opj)osite nostrils, those on side of bill not extending nearly so far. Such confor-
mation is discernible even in downy ducklings. Adult (J: Black ; neck and fore part of body,
most of tlie wing-coverts and lining of wings, and spot on each side of rump, white; white of
lircast tinged with creamy-brown; curly inner secondaries black (white in other Pjders). A
lilack V-shaped chevnm on chin, as in v-nigrum. Top of iiead and nape beautiful jirarl-gray ;
sides of head washed with sea-irreen ; eyelids and spot below eye black ; processes of hill frameil
about with glossy black. Bill reddish-orange; feet reddened, with dusky webs, iris yellow.
Length about 22.00; wing 11.00; tail 4.(K); bill along culmen 12."); along gape 2.25; from
apex of processes to tip aI)out the satne ; from feathers <m side of upper mandible to tip aliout
l.fiO. Aiiiilt 9 : Hardly distinguishable from other 9 Eiders in plumage, hut readily recognized
by the bill, as ab<n-e said. liill olive-brown, drying blackish ; feet dingy ochraceoiis. tlrying
darker; iris didl yellow; dimensions of bill, aside from the frontal proces.<es, nearly as in ^.
As usual, the drake moults to an "eelipse" |)lumaiie which in a general way is like that of the
duck. This beautiful Eider is cinumpolar, ahoimdiiiL' at various points along the shores of the
942 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAiMELLIROSTRES -ANSERES.
Arctic Ocean, thence S. in winter on the Pacific side in great numbers to the Aleutian Islands
and beyond, tliongh rare on the Alaskan coast of Bering's Sea; on the Atlantic side S. rarely
but regularly to New York, exceptionally to Georgia, and in the interior to the Great Lakes,
though it is a thoroughly maritime bird, sometimes found far at sea, and much attached to its
Arctic waters ; individuals found far south are mostly stray young ones. Breeds north from
Labrador ; eggs about 6, their variation in number not well ascertained ; smaller than those of
other Eiders, commonly 2.75 X 1-80 or less, down to 2.45 X 1.70; color dull greenish-gray;
laid mostly in July.
CEDE'MIA. (Gr. otdrjua, oidema, Lat. oedema, a swelling. Fig. 661.) Scoters. Sea.
CoDTS. Surf Ducks. Bill tumid or gibbous in various character according to the species,
and sexes of same species ; out-
^^^^ ^ta-Bi™J •^^"'^ "^'^ feathers equally variable,
^^^^^^^^^^ 9|HH but aln'ays extending farther on
^^g||^^BkB^^^^^^^^^^^^e;^^^^H ridge sides upper
jt^^^^^^^^^^KB^^^^^^^^ ^^^I^H mandible, and without
^^a^KSm ' ^^W^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^k1 terminally expan-
^^BhBP ^^^n*^^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^B^^ ' ' '^ sive, with large, elevated, and
__^^_^^'''~.::'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^KK^ decurved fused with and
^^^^^mHI^^^^^^^^^^^^I occupying whole tip. Nostrils
_ ^; ^^^^^l^m in middle of bill or beyond.
,-, ^^. o re . /. A T^ ^ X Feathers of chin running far for-
FiG. 661. — Surf Scoter. (L. A. Fuertes.) "^
ward, more or less nearly oppo-
site nostrils. Color of $ black, relieved or not with white patches on head or wings, or both ;
bill singularly gibbous at base, particolored. 9 sooty-brown, bill simply turgid, much
widened at end. Young $ like 9 . Embracing the black Sea Ducks, Surf Ducks, Sea Coots,
or Scoters, as they are variously called ; maritime mollusk-eating species, scarcely fit for food.
Our three regular species inhabit both coasts, sometimes large inland waters, breeding north-
ward, occurring abundantly in winter along the whole U. S. coasts ; a fourth is only North
American as occurring in Greenland.
Analysis of Subgenera and Species.
Gape shorter than inner toe without claw.
(f Bill scarcely encroached upon by frontal feathers, which sweep directly across base ; gibbosity superior, cir-
cumscribed, orange. Nostrils median. Nail narrowed anteriorly. Plumage entirely black. Feet dark. Tail
normally 16-feathered. (CEdemia.)
$ Sooty-brown, paler below, whitish on throat and sides of head ; bill not gibbous, black . . americana
Gape longer than inner toe without claw.
(f Bill broadly encroached upon by frontal feathers, on culmen nearly or quite to nostrils, on sides to less ex-
tent, shorter than head, the gibbosity superior, circumscribed. Nostrils beyond middle Nail broad and
obtuse. Bill black, orange-tipped ; feet orange. Plumage black, with white wing-patch and eye-spot. Tail
normally 14-feathered. (Melanetta.)
$ Sooty-brown, with white wing-patch ; bill all black, less tumid fusca and deglandi
cf Bill narrowly encroached upon by frontal feathers ; on culmen nearly or quite to nostrils, on sides not at all ;
about as long as head, the gibbosity lateral as well as superior. Nostrils beyond middle. Bill orange and
white, with black lateral spot. Plumage black, with white frontal and nuchal patch, but none on wing ; feet
orange. Tail normally 14-feathered. (Pelionetta.)
$ Sooty-brown, paler below, whitish on head, chiefly in loral and auricular patches ; bill black ; feet dark
(Subgenus CEdemia.)
CE. america'na. (Fig. 662.) American Black Scoter. Black Sea Coot. Brown
Coot 9 . Gray Coot 9 • Smutty Coot 9 • Broad-billed Coot. Hollow-billed
Coot. Pumpkin-blossom Coot. Butter-bill. Butter-nose. Copper-bill. Cop-
per-nose. Yellow-bill. Fizzy. Bill shaped as above said. Adult ^ : Plumage en-
tirely black, less glossy and jetty below than above, grayish on inner webs of quills. Bill
black or blackish, the knob orange or yellow, or partly both. Iris brown. Feet blackish.
AXATID.E — FULIGULIN^E: SEA DUCKS.
943
Young $ resembling 9. 9 : Sooty-brown, paler below, becoming grayish-white on belly,
there chinky-specldeti, <.n sides and Hanks dnsky-waved ; throat and sides of head mostly con-
tinuous pale gray or whitish, not in special spots; bill blackish, not bulging; feet livid oliva-
ceous with black webs. Ducklings covered with dusky l)rown down, lighter grayish-browu
on belly, and whitish nii
tliroat. Linigth 17. 00-
21.00; extent 80.00-
.3().00; wing 8.00-10.00;
tail 4.00; tarsus 1.75;
middle toe and claw
^25; bill ].7.-i-2.00.
9 much smaller than (^;
near the lesser figuies
given. DiHers from
European Qi. nigra in
shape and color of the
protuberance on bill (if
^, and more hooked
miil. X(irth America,
cliietly coastwise, but
also on large inland waters ; U. S. in winter, generally in large flocks or rafts, not very .suuth-
«rly, chietly the northern half of the States, though I have shot it in North Carolina; common
(m N. Atlantic coast; on Pacific to S. California; breeds in Labrador and from Hudson Bay
to the Arctic, and on Aleutians and islands and Alaskan coast of Bering Sea. EggsG-10, 2..')0
X 1-60, pale buff, June and July, in a nest with neutral-gray, light-centred down. The bufly
eggs of Scoters are quite unlike the grayish-green eggs of their relatives the Eiders. (X. B. The
upper fig. 662 shows extent of feathers under bill — to first acute angle from the left — and
shape of mandibular rami, reaching to next obtuse re-entrance.)
Fio. 002
Feni'iU' Blaok Scoter. (Ad. luit. dt-1. K. c.
(Subgenus Mklani-ita. )
CE. fus'ca. (Lat. /».<tcrf, dusky; but the adult (^ is black.) Europfan Velvet Scoter.
TIh; tru(^ Scoter of Europe and Asia has occurred in Oreenland, and therefore enters our fauna
as an extralimital species. It is distinguished fmm the .\nierican Velvet Scoter, CE. deglandi,
by a somewhat difierent outline of the feathers upon the base of the upper mandible, as the
hiral featliers do not advance so far toward the nostrils. In other res]>ects like the next spe-
cies. This is tiie "velvet" Scoter of the A. 0. U. Li.sts, 188(5 and 18!ir), No. [Iti-I].
(K. deglaiKi'i. (To C- I). Degland, author of a work on European birds published in 184!'.)
A.MERicAN Velvet Scoter. Velvet Duck. Wiiitk-winckd Sike Duck or Sea
Coot or Scoter. Black ^ or Gray 9 Whttk-winc. Pii-d-avinckd Coot. I'nci.e
Sam Coot. Bell-tongue Coot, r.ii.i, (Oor. r>i;\Ni' Cndr. Ska ISuant. May
WiMTE-wiNii. Assemblyman. Bill shaped as above said. Adult ^ : IMumage black, paler
below ; a white speculum, formed by most of the secondaries and tips 4if greater coverts ; a small
white spot under and behind eye. Iris jiearly or dead white. Feet orange or carmine-red, with
black webs and joints ; the outer aspect inclining to purplish-pink, the other side to the carmine
hue with the orange tint. Hill black at base, this color e.xtending on the hiu>h and along the
edges to the nail ; sides of upper mandible reddish passing to orange on the knob and nail,
with a white space between; under mandible black with orange nail. Young ^ rt-.-^embles 9-
Adult 9 : '^'11 I< •'^-^ bulging, entirely dark or blackish ; eyes dark brown ; feet much paler than
in the (J, rather tlesh clnr. somcwhiit ..l.^.'ni.,!, tl.-' w.-b< bl i.-k ,is l...|'.,n.. I'liiiiiai:e sooiy-brown
944 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
above, pale grayish below, but retaining the white speculum; some whitish on head, tending
to form loral and auricular spots, as in the Surf Scoter, but variable and unreliable ; disregard
this, and look to the white wing-mark, which always shows in this species, never in either of
the other American Scoters. Largest: Length 19.50-22.50 ; extent about 36.00 (33.50-40.00) ;
wing 11.00-12.00; bill along gape 2.50 or more; tarsus about 2.00; middle toe and claw
3.50. 9<$- North America at large, chiefly coastwise, but also on large inland waters ;
abundant. Winters in the U. S. as far south as Virginia, Illinois, Colorado, and S. California,
iu some cases farther; breeds from Labrador, N. Dakota, and British Columbia to Alaska.
Nest on the ground, generally hidden under bushes or otiier low growth, lined with grayish-
brown down having indistinctly paler centres; eggs about 8 or 9 to 11 or more, 2.70-2.90 X
1.85-1.95, pale buff or flesh color, laid late in June and in July. This is the Anas, Fuligula,
or Oidemia fusca of early American authors who did not separate it from the European spe-
cies; the double macreuse d'Ame'rique of Degland, Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, p. 474, whence Oidemia
deglandi of Bonaparte, Rev. Crit. 1850, p. 108, actually antedating 0. relvetina of Cassin, Proc.
Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. for Oct. 1850, p. 126; (E. fusca relretina of tlie Key, 3d and 4th eds.
1887 and 1890, p. 890.
Note. — It is possible that a third species of Velvet or White-winged Scoter occurs in Alaska. This is the form of
N. E. Asia. {Anas carbo Pall. Oidemia stejnegeri Ridgw. CEdemia carbo Salvad. Brit. Mus. Cat. xxvii, 1895, p. 411,
which see.)
{Subgenus Pelionetta.)
CE. perspicilla'ta. (hat. perspicillata, conspicuous, spectacular. Figs. 661, 663, 664.) Surf
Scoter. Surf Duck. Surfer. Sea Coot. Brown Coot 9 . Gray Coot 9 . Bay
Coot. Box Coot. Spectacle Coot. Butterboat-billed Coot. Hollow-billei>
Coot. Speckle-billed Coot. Blossom-billed Coot. Patch-polled Coot. Horse-
head Coot. Patch-head. White-head. White-scop. Bald-pate. Skunk-head.
Skunk-top. Plaster-bill. Morocco-jav\^. Goggle-nose. Snuff-taker. Adult
^•. Bill shaped as above said, and singularly variegated in color; mostly white or pinkish,
and orange, with a
great round or squar-
ish black spot on side
of upper mandible
near its base, like a
piece of court- plaster,
bounded behind by a
line of carmine-red ;
culmen to nostrils deep
red ; lower mandible
white and orange ;
both nails yellow ; iris
pearly white ; feet or-
ange-red, with dusky
webs and joints, and
the difl'erences in tints
noted for the Velvet
Scoter. Plumage glossy black, duller below ; no white on wings, but a triangular white patch
on forehead, pointing forward, reaching to or beyond opposite eye, and another on nape, point-
ing downward. Young $ resembles the 9 , before the bill acquires distinctive shape and
color. Adult 9: Bill blackish, not particularly tumid; feathers of culmen restricted, not
reaching opposite nostrils ; feet dark, tinged with reddish or yellowish ; webs blackish.
Plumage sooty-brown, below silvery-gray ; side of head with much whitish, chiefly in two
Fig. CC3. — Bill of young cf Surf Duck, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
ANATID.E — FULiGULIN.E: SEA DUCKS.
945
patches, lural and auricular; no frontal or nuchal white. A bird in this non-committal plu-
mage, but with the whitish on side of head gathered into two definite patches, is most likely
a young $, as shown in the figure. Length 18.(10-21.00; e.xtent 31.00-3(».00; wing 9.00-
10.00; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and claw 3.25; bill 2.25-2.50 along gape. 9 fairlv smaller
than (J, at or below minima and
averages here given. North
America at large, chiefly coast-
wise, but also on large interior
waters; U. S. in winter, abundant
in more northerly portions, not
rare even to Florida and Lower
California ; Jamaica ; casual in
Europe (for numerous British
cases, see Seebohm, Hist, vi, 1885,
p. 607; a late case is Hjellefjord,
Norway, Sept. 23, 1893). Breeds from Labrador, British Columbia and Sitka to Arctic coast,
Alaskan coast of Bering Sea and Aleutian islands. Eggs 5-8 or 9, 2.25-2.50 X 1-60-1.75,
pale bufT, more grayish or creamy in different instances, laid in June and July. (X. B. In
upper fig. 663 tlie first re-entrance indicates extent of feathering under the bill, the ne.xt the
mandibular rami.)
Obs. — IT. p. Iroubridijii, queried as " scarcely tenable " in former editions of the Key, has been abandoned by
common consent.
ERISMATU'RA. (Gr. tpeiafia, ereisma, a stay, prop, pier, and ovpd, oiira, tail, as the stiff-
ened member might seem to be.) Rudder Ducks. Remarkably distinguished from our
other Fulignlina' exce{)ting Nomonyx by the stiffened, linear-lancecdate tail-feathers, normally
18 in unmbor, exposed to base by reason of e.\treme shortness of coverts, their shafts enlarged,
channelled underneath; appearance of tail strikinu;ly like that of a Cormorant. Bill about as
Fio. CG4. — Surf Duck, reduced. (From Elliot
(a^
Tia. f.fi.5. — Ruddy Duck. (L. .\. Fn.Tto8.)
long as head, scarcfly higher than broad at ha.>ie, widcnrd and drprc^iscd at i-nd, which is almost
turned up; its sjuxin-shape suggesting that of the Shoveller, though the widening is not so
great. Nail as viewed from above very small, narrow, and linear, greatly expanding on a do-
cnrved part bent und«'r einl of bill (uiii(pn). Ile.id small, and neck thick ; you can easily ilraw
the skin of the Ruddy Duck over the heati, which is impracticable with mo.st Ducks. Tarsus
short ; toes very long, the outer longer than midille, the latter with claw twice as long as tarsus.
60
9-16 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS — LAMELLIBOSTBES — AN SERES.
One North American species, of 7 which compose the ahnost cosmopolitan genus. It is quite
different from the foregoing Scoters and Eiders, in f:ict from all ordinary Sea Ducks; the pe-
culiarities of the tail are sliared by Nomonyx, lluilassornis, and Biziura, and these four genera
constitute a group sometimes recognized as the subfamily ErismaturincB (p. 921).
E. jamaicen'sis. (Lat. of or pertaining to Jamaica, whence the bird was originally described
by Latham as the Jamaica Shoveller, 1785; Anas jamaicensis Gm. 1788; Anas ruhida WiLS.
1814. E. ruhida of most authors, as of all former editiims of the Key. Fig. 665.) Ruddy
Duck: called also by more fanciful and absurd names than any other, the Scoters not ex-
cepted. Tlie following is Trumbull's list, for the most part : Dumpling Duck. Daub Duck.
Deaf Duck. Fool Duck. Sleepy Duck. Butter Duck. Butter-ball. Butter-
bowl. Batter-scoot. Blather-scoot. Bladder-scoot or Blatherskite. Salt-
water Teal. Brown Diving Teal. Widgeon Coot. Creek Coot. Sleepy Coot.
Booby Coot. Bumble-bee Coot. Quill-tailed Coot. Heavy-tailed Duck. Quill-
tail. Stiff-tail. Pin-tail. Bristle-tail. Stick-tail. Spine-tail. Dip-tail
Diver. Ruddy Diver. Dun Diver. Dun-bird. Mud-dipper, Dopper, or Dapper.
Spoon-billed Butter-ball. Spoonbill. Broad-billed Dipper. Broad-bill.
Hard-headed Broad-bill. Blue-bill. Sleepy Brother. Sleepy-head. Tough-
head. Hickory-head. Steel-head. Bull-neck. Leather-back. Paddy-whack.
Stub-and-twist. Lightwood-knot. Shot-pouch. Water-partridge. Dinkey.
Dickey. Paddy. Noddy. Booby. Rook. ^J in perfect plumage : Neck all around and
upper parts and sides of body rich brownish -red, or bright glossy chestnut. Lov.'er parts silky
silvery white "watered" with dusky, yielding gray undulations; this time due to gray bases
of the feathers, showing more or less, and often overlaid with a rusty tinge. Chin and sides of
head dead white ; crown and nape glossy blaclc. Wing-coverts, quills, and tail blackish-brown ;
under wing-coverts and axillaries gray, with some white edgings ; crissal feathers white to the
roots. Bill and edges of eyelids grayish-blue ; iris reddish-brown ; feet bluish-gray, with dusky
webs. Not often seen in this faultless dress in tlie U. S. As generally observed, and 9 '•
Brown above, finely dotted and waved with dusky; below paler and duller, more grayish, with
dark undulations, and often a tawny wash, as also occurs on the white of head; crown and
nape dark brown ; crissum white ; bill dusky. In this state it h)oks obscure and sordid, but
is unmistakable ; 9 ™<iy ^6 known from y(jung by a dusky streak from bill backward in the
whitish of side of head. Length 15.00-17.00; extent 20.00-24.00; wing 5.50-6.00; tail 3.50 ;
tarsus 1.25; middle toe and chiw 2.60; bill 1.50 along culmen, 0.90-0.95 wide. A curious and
interesting Duck, abundant in North America at large, wintering in the U. S. and beyond to
the West Indies and South America ; breeding over much of its range, as in parts of western
U. S. and from N. border of the U. S. northward, and in West Indies and Guatemala. It is
an expert diver, and swims well under water, when its rudder comes into use, like a Cormo-
rant's; it is held cocked up when not in use, so that this Duck does not slope down behind as
most do on the water. When alarmed, it sometimes sinks quietly backward into the water,
like a Grebe; but some other Sea Ducks, as the Harlequin, will do the same. The tail well
illustrates a method in which early down-feathers are supplanted by true quills. Up to the
time the ''flappers" are 8 or 10 inches long, the true tail-feather (teleoptile) bears at its end
the simple stem of the down-feather (neossoptile), terminating in a bushy tuft of loose barbs;
the whole affair then breaks off and falls. (See Am. Nat. xii, 1878, p. 123, fig.) Ducklings
in down are smoky-brown above and on the fore breast, grayish-white on the belly, with a
whitish spot on each side of the back, and a light and a dark stripe on each side of the head.
Nest bulky, usually among reeds, etc., in a slough ; eggs 9-14, very large for the bird, about
2.40 X 1-80, less elliptical than usual, finely granular, buffy white. (£". ruhida, A. 0. U.
Lists, 1886-95, No. 167. E. jamaicensis Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii, 1896, p. 445;
A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 125.)
ANATIDM — MERGIN.E: MERGANSERS. 947
N03I0'NYX. (Gr. vojxo^. nomas, law, order; ow^. onux, nail: nail of bill ordinary.) RuD-
DKK DUOKS. Character of Erismatura, but nail of bill not peculiar, and outer toe shorter
than middle one. Inner secondaries so lengthened as to fold over primaries in closed wing.
One species.
N. domi'nica. (Of St. Domingo.) St. Domingo Duck. Adult $: General color ferru-
ginous, or chestnut-red, more or less extensive and continuous on under parts and around neck,
lightening on belly to rusty-yellowish, varied with black centres of the feathers on the back,
scapulars, and flanks; most of head black ; large white area on wing formed by ends of many
of the coverts and bases of corresponding secondaries; axillars al.M) white ; tail black. Bill
blue, black-tipped; feet dark: eyes brown, with a bluish ring. Adult 9 or young $: Back
blackish, spotted with yellowish-brown ; general rusty color dappled with dusky; two blackish
stripes on each side of head, one through eye, the other lower down, each bordered above with
buff; speculum white, as before; bill (d)scurcd. Length 13.00-14.50; wing 5.50; tail 4.00;
tarsus 1.00; culmeu 1.40. A small, curious Duck of Central and South America and the West
Indies, N. to the Lower Kio Grande, accidental in the U. S. Liike Chamjilain, N. Y. and Lake
Koshkonong, Wisconsin (see Proc. Bost. Soc Nat. Hist, vi, .'575; xiv, 154; Amer. Nat. v,
441 ; Baird, B. N. A. 1858, 925) and in Massachusetts near Maiden (Auk, 1889, p. 336).
Subfamily MERGING : Mergansers.
Bill narrow, more or less nearly cylindrical, nail hooked and overhanging, lamellae highly
developed into prominent serrations, nasal fossae lengthened and narrowed. Nostrils median
or siib-basal. Tarsi compressed, anteriorly scutellate, with smaller plates on sides and behind,
^-f as long as middle toe and claw. Hind toe lobate. Tail rounded, usually ^ or more the
length of the pointed wings, l()-18-feathered. Head usually crested. Excepting character of
bill, Saw-bills or Fishing Ducks are simply Fuligulince, somewhat modified in adaptation to a
more exclusively animal regimen ; the lamellaB of the bill become detainers of large objects, not
sifters or strainers of minute things. Tlie princi{)al p<iint in their economy is ability to pursue
fish under water, like Cormorants, Loons, and other birds of lower orders. The nature of their
food renders their flesh rank and unpalatable; in buying a "Duck,'' notice the bill that it be
not cylindric, hooked, and saw-toothed. The flap of the hind toe is as in any Sea Duck; the
tarsi are much compressed. The gizzard is rather less muscular than in most Ducks ; intes-
tines and their cceca shorter ; syringeal capsule of $ very large, irregular, partly membranous ;
the trachea has other dilatations (fig. 3). Birds of this group inhabit fresh as well as salt
water, and are abundant in individuals if not in species. There are about 8 species, chiefly of
the Nortlicrn Hemisphere, but .several occur in South America : wo have 3, commonly and
properly referred to 2 genera, Merganser and Lophodytes ; besides a fourth, which is only a
rare straggler.
Annli/sis of Genera and Species.
Tarsus shorter than culmeii. Tail of IS feathers.
Bill not shorter th;ui head, mostly red. Serrations of bill acute, recurved, claw-like. Tarsus about two-thirds
as long as middle toe. Tail about half as long as wings. Crest low, ttiwsy, oitiiutal, if any. Head green or
brown. (Mkroanser.)
Nostrils near nuddle of hill. Frontal feathers beyond those on side of bill. Crest scarcely developed <f
with breast uncolored '"• nmrrirtiuiit
Nostrils near base of bill. Frontal feathers not beyond those on siile of bill. Crest better develoi»ed. cT
with breast and sides colored "•• setTiitnr
Bill shorter than head, mostly black. Serrations of bill low, obli(iue, not hooked. Tarsus about half oa long ait
middle toe. Tail more than half as long as wing. Crest of cf highly developed, erect, compressed, semicircu-
lar, coronal as well as occipital. (Lophodytes.)
Nostrils near base of bill. Frontal feathers produced beyond those on «id.w -f I'll /. ciiculUtlut
Tarsus longer than culmeu. Tail of Ki feathers. (Mrkous.)
A .straggler fnim Kiin.pe "•• "IMItU
948 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES.
MERGAN'SEK. (Lat. mergus, a diver, and anser, a goose.) MerCxAnsers. FiSHiNa
Ducks. Saw-bills. Characters as given in the above analysis. We have two perfectly
distinct species, one of them closely related to, the other identical with, the corresponding birds
of Europe. (Mergus of former editions ot the Key; but Merganser Briss. 1760, antedates
Mergus as restricted to M. albellus by Leach in 1816.)
M. america'nus. American Merganser. American Goosander. American Shel-
drake. Buff-breasted Merganser or Sheldrake (with many other qualifying terms
of " Sheldrake," mostly shared by the next species). Fishing Duck. Saw-bill. Spar-
ling Fowl. Dun Diver (9). Morocco-head (? ). Velvet-breast. Breakhorn
or Bracket. Weaser or Tweezer (rmmbiiU). Nostrils near middle of bill. Frontal
feathers extending acutely on culmeu about half-way from those on side of bill to nostrils ; loral
feathers sweeping in nearly
vertical line across side of
base of upper mandible,
ibout opposite those on
^id( of lower mandible.
Htad scarcely crested —
merely a line of little
U ngthened feathers along
occiput and nape — better
d< \ eloped in 9 than in ^ .
Tail 18-feathered. Adult
(J Bill and feet vermilion-
H d in breeding season, with
bl uik hook of the bill, and
tlie culinen more or less
bl uikened ; iris carmine.
Ile.id and upper part of
neck splendid dark green
like a Mallard's. Under
puts white, more or less
'^ ilmon-colored, the flanks
and lower belly marbled or
watered with dusky, the
white extending all around
the lower neck. Upper
parts glossy black, fading to ashy-gray on rump and tail; surface of wing mostly pure white,
crossed by a black bar formed by bases of greater coverts. Primaries and outer secondaries
black, intermediate secondaries white, inner secondaries and scapulars black and white. 9 •
Bill red with dusky culmen ; iris yellowish ; feet chrome or orange with duslcy webs ; crest
better developed than in ^ — still flimsy, however long. Head and neck reddish-brown ;
throat white ; under parts white, less salmon-tinted than in ^. Black parts of ^ ashy-gray j
scapulars without white ; white of wing restricted to some of the secondaries and greater coverts,
which are black at base ; smaller coverts ashy. Length 23.50-27.00; extent 34.00 or more ;
wing 10.00-1 LOO; tail 5.00; bill 2.00 along culmen, 3.00 along gape; tarsus 1.75-1.95 ; middle
toe and claw 2.75; 9 niuch smaller than ^, at the lesser or below the single dimensions here
given. Downy young: Brown above, with four white spots; the head more rusty-brown,
with a white loral stripe between two dark brown ones; under parts white. North America
at large, common on inland fresh waters as well as coastwise ; U. S. in winter, and breeding
from northern borders northward, and in mountains of Middle States, Colorado, California, etc.
Fig. GGG. — European Merganser, (f , I nat. size. (Prom Brehm.)
A NA TIDJ^ — MER GIN.E : MER GA NSERS.
949
Fig. CG7. — Bill of Red-breasted Merganser, nat. size. (Ad. iiat. del. E. C.)
Nest in a hole in a tree or cliff, or on the gronnd, down-lined; eergs G-10, elliptical, creamy
bnff, 2.75 X 2.00. (Mergus merganser of 2d-4th eds. of the Key ; M. americanus Cass. 1853;
Merganser americanus, A. 0. U. Lists, No. 129. As stated in the Key, the American differs
from the Enropean Merganser iu the evident black bar across the white area of the wing, and
in some other particulars.)
M. serra'tor. (Lat. serrafor, a sawyer. Fig. 667.) Red-brkasted Merganser. Red
BREASTED GOOSANDEK or SHELDRAKE. SaLT-WATER ShELDRAKE. FiSHING DuCK.
Saw-bill (with various other names, more or less shared with the foregoing species). Nos-
trils near base of bill. Frontal feathers extending obtusely on culmen, and not beyond those
on sides t)f upper mandible ; the loral swee{)ing forward convex beyond those on side of lower
mandible. A long, thin, pointed occipital and nuchal crest in botli sexes. Adult ^i Head
and upper neck all around splendid dark green as in the foregoing. A white ring almost mund
lower neck, but inter-
rupted behind by a dark
line. Under parts white,
more or less salmon-
tinged, fore breast
brownish -red streaked
vvitli dusky, sides finely
waved with dusky. A
white black - bordered
patch of broad feathers
in front of wing. Fore
back, interscapulars, and
long inner scapulars,
black ; middle and lower back gray, waved with whitish and dusky. Surface of wiiii; mostly
white, including outer scapulars ; inner secondaries edged on outer web with blaclv ; wing
crossed by two black bars at bases and just beyond ends of greater coverts. Bill carmine-
red, dusky on top; eyes carmine; feet bright red. Adult 9- Bill and feet duller colored;
head grayish-chestnut ; under parts wliite, shaded with ashy-gray along sides. Upper parts
plumbeous-gray, the feathers with paler edges ; white of M'iug restricted to a patch formed
by ends of greater coverts, and much of the outer secondaries; like the last, smaller than ^.
No peculiar feathers in front of wing. Length about 24.00; extent .'U. 00; wing 8.50-9.50;
tail 4.00; tarsus 1.(50; middle toe and claw 2.(i0; bill 2-20 on culmen, 2.(i0 on gape. Young
^ resembles 9; both closely resemble M. (luiericamoi in plumage, but are smaller, and easily
distinguished by the positinn uf tlie nostrils and outline of tlie feathers on the bill. Nestlings
in down curiously patched : hair brown above witii a yellowish white mark on each side of
rump and alouiz; liiud border of wing ; lower ])arts dingy whitish ; sides of head and neck rusty,
witli jiale lores between two dusky stripes, and whitish eyelid. X. Am. at large, more numer-
ous than Goosander. U. S. al>undantly in winter, and breeding northerly in many places as
well as N. to Arctic regions; X. parts of Xortliern Ili-misphere. Xest on ground, down-lined,
often well concealed; eggs 0-12, oftener 8-10, elliptical, dull buH", 2.50 X ••05.
LOPHOD'YTES. (Gr. \6(i>o<:, lophos, a crest; Sur^s. (hites. a diver.) Charactei-s as civen
in the foregoinj; analysis. One species, the ^ of which is known at a glance by the el<'<jant
cre.st. (As subgenus of Mergus in all former eds. of the Key.)
L. cuculla'tiis. (Lat. cticitllntiis, wearing a hooil. Fit,'. (itiS.) IIooi>ki> Mkug.anser.
IIooDKD Sheldrake. Little, W(1(id, Swamp, Pond, I'ickax. and Simmku Sheldrake.
Little Fishing Duck or S.wv-itn.i,. Koi-nd-crested Di'ck. Fan-ckestkd Dick.
"Wood Dick (a name sliand witli yEr spotisa.) Trek Dick. Simke-bill. IIaiky-
Hi.AD. .Mdss-iiiad. Tow-iii.AD. 'I'adpole. Snowl. Smew (a namt' properly belonging to
950
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES— AN SERES.
Mergus nlbellus). Bill shorter than head. Nostrils iu its basal half. Frontal feathers ex-
tending far beyond those on side of bill, the latter beyond those on lower mandible. A magnifi-
cent ci'est, compressed, semi-circular in outline when erected, in both sexes, but in 9 snialler.
and less strict ; the ^ can open and shut it like a fan, by lifting or lowering it. Adult ^ : Bill
black ; eyes yellow ; feet light brown, with dusky claws. Head, neck, and upper parts black,
changmg to brown on lower back; crest elegantly centred with snowy white; lower fore-neck
and under parts white : sides regularly and finely waved with brownish-red and black ; crissum
STEGANOPODES: TOTIPALMATE BIRDS. 951
waved with dusky. Liuiug of wings and axillars wliite. Enlarged white doubly black-barred
feathers in front of wing. A white speculum, with two black bars, the white being on outer
webs of secondaries and ends of these and greater coverts ; inner secondaries black, with white
median stripe. Young ^ similar to 9- Adult 9 '• i^ill dusky, with orange base below. Head
and neck grayish-chestnut, darker brown on crown; throat and under parts whitish; back and
sides dusky- brown, the latter not undulated, the feathers generally with paler edges. No black
and white bars before wing; white of wing restricted or impure; speculum crossed with only-
one dark bar. Young in down dark brown above, with a pair of whitish spots on back,
another pair on rump, and hind edge of wing whitish ; sides of head but!', paler on throat ; fore
breast and sides of body dingy, belly white. Length 16.50-18.00; extent about 25.00; wing^
7.00-8.00; tail 4.00; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 2.35; bill 1.50 aUmg culmen, 2.00
along gape. North America at large, common ; breeds at large in the U. S., as well as farther
north; winters in the IJ. S., Mexico, and Cuba; casual in Europe. This beautiful species
usually if not always nests in holes in trees or stumps like the Wood Duck and some others,
the young, it is said, being transjjorted to the water in the bill of the mother. Eggs 6-10 or
more, 2.05 X 1-70, white or faintly buft'y, and more rounded than those of the foregoing.
MER'GUS. (Lat. mergus, a diver; mergo, I immerse). Smews. General characters of
the foregoing Mergansers, but bill very short, less along culmen than length of tarsus. Tail
of 16 feathers. Size small. A slight crest. Colors white and black in ^. One species, of
the Old ^Vorld, only a straggler in America. (Not in former eds. of the Key. Mergellus
Kaup; Selby, 1840.)
M. albel'lus. (Lat. dim. of albus, white.) White Merganser. White Nun. Smew.
Adult ^ : Pure white ; glossy greenish-black patch about eye, and V-shaped mark of the
same on back of head ; back, rump, two crescents on each side of fore breast, secondaries^
and wing-coverts in part, black ; tail and its coverts ashy-gray. Bill and feet slate-gray.
Length 16.50; extent about 23.00 ; wing 7.75; bill little over 1.00. Adult 9- Smaller than
^, with less crest; upper parts and sides of body ashy-gray, darkest on lower back; head
reddish-brown, shading on sides into the wliite of under parts, which arc shaded with gray
across fore breast ; markings of wings nearly as in (J. A well known bird of Europe and Asia,
of casual occurrence only in North America, though given as North American by most of the
early writers. Audubon records and figures a 9 taken l)y himself near New Orleans, winter
of 1819; another is in the British Museum, received from the Hudson's Bay Co. (Not hitherto
admitted to the Key. A. 0. U. List, Eighth Suppl. Jan. 1897, p. 118, No. [131.1].)
Order STEGANOPODES: Totipalmate Birds.
Feet totipalmate, witii 3 full webs (as in fig. 52, for example); hind toe semi-lateral,
larger and lower down than in other water birds, connected icith inner toe by a complete iveb
reaching from tip to tip. Nostrils minute, rudimentary, or entirely abortive. A gular pouch.
Bill not membranous nor lamellate; tomia sometimes serrate.; usually, a long sulcus on upper
mandible reaching alongside culmen nearly to tij) of bill, which is commonly hooked with a
more or less distinct nail ; moiitli much cleft.
This is a definite and perfectly natural group, which will be immediately recognized by
the foregoing characters, (uie of which, complete webbing of hallux, is not elsewhere observed
among birds. It is represented by 6 genera, all in North America, each type of a family- The
name Stegauopodcs was given to the order by Illiger in 1811 ; it is akso called Totipalmat(r. and
was named D>/!<])oromorphre by Huxley in 1867.
The nature is altricial (nidicolons). The o<:s^ are few. fn<in<iiil y only one, usually if
n-it alu-.i\s plain-colored, and encrusted with a peculiar wliite chalky substance; they are
952 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
deposited in a rude nest on the ground, on rocky ledges, or on low trees and bushes in the
vicinity of water. Tlie dietetic regimen is exclusively carnivorous, the food being chiefly
iish, sometimes i)ursued under water, sometimes plunged after, sometimes scooped up. In
accordance with this, we find the alimentary canal to consist of a capacious distensible oesoph-
agus not developing a special crop, a large proventriculus with numerous solvent glands, a
small and very moderately muscular gizzard, rather long and slender intestines, and an ample
globular cloaca. The cfeca are small, in some cases fuuctionless, or only one csecuin exists.
The tongue is extremely small, a mere kuob-like rudiment (as in piscivorous Kingfishers).
The characteristic gular pouch varies greatly in development, T)eing enormous in Pelicans, but
inconspicuous in Tropic-birds. The condition of the external nostrils is a curious feature ;
they are generally obliterated in the adult state, but in some species, like the Tropic-hird,
they remain open. Intrinsic syringeal muscles may be present or absent in birds of this
order. But the most notabh; fact in connection with the respiratory system is the extraordi-
nary pneumaticity of the body in some of the families, this reaching its height in Pelicans and
Gannets. The interior air receptacles are of an ordinary chai'acter, but the anterior of these
cells are more subdivided than usual ; from them, air gets under the skin through the axillary
cavities, and difi'uses over tlie entire pectoral and ventral regions, in two large parallel inter-
communicating cells on each side, over which the skin does not fit close to the body, but hangs
loosely. It is further remarkable that the skin itself does not form a wall of these cavities, a
very delicate membrane being stretched from the inwardly projecting bases of the contour-
feathers. Thus there is yet another, although a very shalhtw, interval between this membrane
and the skin, this also containing air, admitted from the larger spaces by numerous minute
orifices close to the roots of the feathers. This subcutaneous areolar tissue is that which,
in ordinary birds and mammals, holds the deposit of fat, no trace of which substance is found
in these birds.
The pterylosis adheres throughout to one marked type, tliere being little variation except
in density of plumage, which would seem to accord with temperature, tro])ical forms being tlie
more sparsely feathered; however, it is peculiar to some extent in Anhingidce. Excepting
Phaethon, the gular sac is wholly or in part bare; aftershafts wanting or minute {Fregata).
The remiges are from '^(J to 4(1 in number, of which 10 are always long, strong, pointed prima-
ries. There are usually 22-24 tail-feathers in Pelicans, but 12, 14, or 10 in other sfeTiera.
All have the oil-gland large, with circlet of feathers and more than one orifice; sometimes, as
in Pelicans, it is protuberant, heart-shaped, as large as a Pigeon's egg, with 2 sets of 6 ori-
fices; in Gannets it is flat and disc-like. The carotids are double as a rule, but single in
Darters, some Pelicans, and a Gannet ; the great pectoral muscle is likewise double, witii a
different mode of insertion of its two divisions into the humerus. The ambiens is normally
present; other muscles of the thigh vary to a degree.
The palatal structure is extremely desmognathous ; no basipterygoids ; maxillo-palatines
large and spongy ; mandibular angle is truncate ; other cranial characters appear under two
aspects, one peculiar to Pelicans, the other common to the rest of the order. Tiie cervical
and cervicodorsal vertebrae are from 15 in Phnethontidce and Fregatidee to 17-20 in the other
four ftimilies ; and the 8th or 9th one has a peculiarity of its articulation which causes the
kink or bend of the neck at that place so characteristic of these birds, but best marked in
Cormorants and Darters. The sternum is short and broad, with transverse, entire or emar-
giuate, posterior border. The upper arm bones are very long; tlie tibia does not develop
the very long cnemial apophysis or so-called " rotular process" seen in many Pygoiiodes.
(See fig. 675.)
The species of this order are few — apparently not over 70, of which Cormorants repre-
sent one half — very generally distributed over the world. Of the 6 families, I'haethontidce
and FregatidfB differ as much from each other as both do from the other 4 — Phalacrocoracidce,
SULIBJE: G AN NETS, BOOBIES. 953
AnhingidcE, Sulidce, and Pelecanidce being more closely related to one another. Such inter-
relationships might serve for formal division of the order into 3 suborders, one containing
Tr()})ie-birds akme, another the Man-of-war birds, and a third the Cormorants, Darters, Gan-
uets, and Pelicans. But as it is hardly necessary to insist upon this refinement, I proceed at
once to consider the 6 families.
Family SULID-<E : Gannets ; Boobies.
Bill rather longer than head, cleft to beyond eyes, very stout at base, tapering and a little
decurved toward tip, whicli however is not hooked, the tomia irregularly serrate, or rather
lacerate. An evident nasal groove. Nostrils abortive. Gular sac little developed, but naked
and thus obvious. Wings rather long, pointed ; 1st primary longest. Tail long, stiflT, wedge-
shaped, 12-18-feathered. Feet stout and serviceable, more nearly beneath centre of equilib-
rium than in some other families of this order; tarsus rather short ; 3d and 4th toes of about
ecpial lengths. General configuration somewhat that of a Goose ; body stout ; neck rather
long ; head large, uucrested ; plumage compact. Marine.
Two carotids ; oil-gland disc-like ; cceca very small ; gall-bhidder large. Pneumaticity
extreme, even to intermuscular air-cells. Ambiens, femorocaudal, and semitendinosus present ;
accessories absent ; former with a peculiarity of insertion. Sternum very long for its breadth;
coracoids nearly parallel with its axis. The relationships of the family are decidedly with
Cormorants.
Gannets are large lieavy sea-birds of various parts of the world. There are numerous
well-established species, of which the six following are the principal ones. They are piscivo-
rous, and feed by plunging on their prey from on liigh, when they are completely submerged
for a few moments ; but they do not appear to dive from the surface of the water like Cormo-
rants. The gait is firm ; the flight vigorous and protracted, performed with alternate sailing
and flapping. In fliglit the neck is held straight, at full length, after the manner of Cormo-
rants, Geese, Storks, Ibises, etc. Although so heavy, they swim lightly, owing to the re-
markable pneumaticity of the body, already noticed. They are highly gregarious ; the common
Gannet congregates to breed in almost incredible numbers on rocky coasts and islands of high
latitudes, while the Booby similarly assembles on low shores of warmer seas. The nest is
none, or a rude bulky structure of sticks and seaweed, placed on rocks or in low thick bushes ;
egg, generally single, elliptical or long-ovate, plain greenish in ground color, but encrusted
with white calcareous matter ; two are sometimes laid. Both sexes incubate ; they are alike
iu color, the young being diflferent.
SU'LA. (Norse sula or side. Havsida, meaning '^ sea-swallow," is a Scandinavian name of
the common Gannet.) Gannets. Character of the family, as above. The white Gannet,
type of 7J//.s^90?'MS Illigek, 1811, difi'ers subgenerically from the brown Boobies wiiich have
generally been referred to DysporuH. but one of which becomes by elimination tlie type of
Sula Brisson, 17G0, as now restricted.
Analysis oj Species {adults).
Gannets. Lower jaw, chin, and throat not extensively naked. (Subgenus Dysporiis.)
White, with black primaries, head washed with amber. Naked parts of head, and feet, blackisli. Tail 12-
feathered. Young spotted. Atlantic coast bassiina
Boobies. Lower jaw, chin, and throat extensively naked. (Subgenus Sula.)
Plumage extensively white on head, neck, and back.
Feet red or reddish ; face and sac blue. Tail of lG-18 feathers. Florida cunnnp.i
Feet red ; face blue ; sac blackish. Tail of U-16 feathers. Florida pisoilor
Feet blue. Tail of IG feathers. Lower California neboiixi
Plumage extensively or entirely brown on head, neck and back ; belly white.
Feet greenish ; face blue. Tall of 14 feathers. Lower California laeusteri
Feet yellowish ; face light-colored. Tail of 1--14 feathers. S. Atl.intic oo:i«t sula
954 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
{Subgenus Dysporus.)
S. (D.) bassa'na. (Of Bass Rock, Firth of Forth.) Common Gannet. White Gannet.
Solan or Soland Goose. Jan van Gent. Grand Fou. Adult J* 9 : Bill pale grayish,
tinged with greenish or bluish ; nasal groove, lores, and gular sac blackish ; feet black, with
greenish or bluish scutella; claws pale gray ; iris white or pale yellowish. Plumage white;
primaries and their coverts black ; head washed with amber-yellow. Length 3 feet or more ;
extent 6 feet, more or less; wing 17.00-21.00 inches; tail 9.00-10.00, pointed, 1 2- feathered ;
culmen 4.00, gape 6.00 ; tarsus 2.00 ; middle toe and claw 4.00. Young : Bill brownish ;
lores livid bluish ; feet dusky ; iris green. Plumage dark brown, spotted with white, be-
low from neck grayish-white, each feather darker-edged (character much as in a young
Night-heron) ; wing-quills and tail-feathers blackish. This dusky, sharply-spotted plumage
gradually clears up white, the changes beginning on the head, neck, and under parts, which
become white while the back is still brown and more or less spotted ; the change is completed
at the end of the 3d year. North Atlantic coasts, swarming in summer at certain northern
breeding -places, as Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, and Bonaventure Island and Gannet Rock
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; S. to Africa and the Gulf of Mexico in winter. Nest of seaweed ;
egg single, 3.00 X 2.00, pale greenish-blue flaked over with white chalky substance. Young
hatch naked, blackish, pot-bellied ; later covered with thick white or pale yellowish down.
(Subgenus Sula.)
S. (S.) cy'anops. (Gr. Kvavos, kuanos, Lat. ci/aneus, blue ; w\|/', ops, face.) Blue-faced
Booby. Sundev all's Booby. Gular sac ending squarely across throat. Adult ^ 9 '■
Naked face and sac livid blue, drying slaty or blackish ; bill grayish, greenish, or yellowish,
drying undefinable horn color; iris yellow; feet reddish, drying dingy. Plumage white; pri-
maries, secondaries, and their coverts, and tail-feathers, blackish, latter more or less extensively
white fnjm the base. Young : Only white below from the neck ; head, neck, and upper parts
dark grayish-brown, with white feathers here and there, especially on hind neck and rump.
This plumage gradually clears up. The color of the soft parts varies much in life, and always
changes in drying. Length about 30.00 ; wing 15.50-17.50 ; tail 7.75-8.75, composed of 16,
rarely 18 feathers; culmen 3.50-4.00; depth of bill at base 1.25-1.60; tarsus 1.75-2.25;
middle toe 2.25 or more. A Booby of wide distribution in warm seas of the globe, inhabiting
the West Indies and occasionally occurring in Florida. It should have been admitted to 2d
edition of the Key, 1884, having been then ascertained to occur within our limits (Lawr.
Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, xiv, p. 302. Dysporus cyanops Sund. 1837 ; Sula cyanops Sund.
1842 ; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 890 ; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 75 ; A. O. U. Lists, 1st and
2deds. No [114].
S. (S.) pisca'tor. (Lat. piscator, a fisherman.) Red-footed Booby. Gould's Booby.
Gular sac ending squarely across throat. Adult $ 9 : Sac blackish ; bare face violet-blue ;
bill bluish, becoming reddish toward base, there contrasting in color with lores and sac; iris
gray; feet rich red, varying from pink or coral to purplish, drying dingy. Plumage white,
tinged with buff on head and neck ; primaries and their coverts, secondaries and coverts in
part, slate-gray, or wearing to blackish, this color chiefly on outer webs and tips of seconda-
ries and their coverts ; shafts of tail-feathers yellowish. Young : Brown, nearly uniform, but
paler on breast and belly ; wings as in adult, but more extensively blackish. This plumage
clears up by degrees, with great variability, but the species is easy to recognize at any age
by the characters here given. Length about 29.00; wing 15.00-15.50; tail 8.50-9.00, com-
posed of 14-16 feathers ; culmen 3.25 ; depth of bill at base 1.10 or less; tarsus 1.35; middle
toe 2.25. Eggs 2, 2.60 X 1-80. Tropical and subtropical coasts and islands of most
SULIDjE: GANNETS, BOOBIES. 955
parts of the world; casual in Florida; perhaps N. on Mexican coast to Lower California?
The species should have been taken into the Key with S. ajanops in 1884 (Lawr. Pr. Bost.
Soc. Nat. Hist, xiv, p. 303). Pelecanus piscator L. J758; Sulci piscator Gray, 1845;
CouES, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 890 ; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 7G ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95,
No. [116].
S. (S.) neboux'i. (To — Neboux.) Blue-footeu Booby. Neboux's Booby. Goss'
Booby. Adult ^ ?: Bill dull olivaceous blue; sac and face slaty-blue; iris yellow ; feet
brio-ht blue. Pkunage white, plain below, but head and neck streaked with brown or dark
Cray, and back and scapulars dusky with only whitish tips. Primaries brownish-black ; second-
aries like wing-coverts ; tail-feathers white and brown to varying extent. Downy young pure
white. Length 34.00 ; extent (i-2.00-<i6.00 ; wing 15.75-16.75 ; tail 8.75-9.75, composed of
16 feathers; bill 4.20-4.70 ; tarsus about 2.00. A large Booby resembling cyanops in some
respects and piscator in others, but easily distinguished by the blue feet, etc. Gulf of Cali-
fornia and S. to the Galapagos and Chili. It breeds in profusion on San Pedro Martir Is-
land in the Gulf near lat. 28°, and on Tres Marias Islands. Egg single, 2.40 X 1-60, long
ovate, color as usual, but generally stained with guano ; laid on bare rock, A))ril, May.
S. neboiixii Milne-Edw. Ann. Sc. Nat. 6th Ser. Zool. xiii, 1882, p. 37, pi. 14 ; Ridgw. Man.
2d ed. 1896, p. 584 ; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 124. S. gossi Ridgw. MS.
Goss, Auk, V, July, 1888, p. 241 ; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 906; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed.
1895, Xo. 114.1.
S. (S.) brew'steri. (To William Brewster, the eminent ornithologist of Cambridge, Mass.)
Green-footed Booby. Brewster's Booby. Adult $ : Bill dull olivaceous-blue; sac
bluish; face indigo-blue; feet pea-green. Adult 9- l^iH bluish-horn color, fading to dirty
buff after death; face slate-blue; sac pale greenish; feet greenish-yellow. In (J 9 j iris dark
brown with a whitish ring. Adult i^ 9 • Phimage not so extensively w^hite as that of any of
the foregoing, this being a "brown" Booby, more like the next species {S- sulci). Upper
parts brown, lightening through gray to white on head and throat of $, darkening on quills
and tail ; under parts white from the breast. Nestlings covered with white down. Length
29.50-31.50; extent 55.50-59.50; wing 14.50-15.50; tail 8.00; tarsus 1.75-2.00; culmen
3.50-4.00; 9 averaging larger than $. Gulf of California and southward, breeding numer-
ously on San Pedro Martir Island and the Tres Marias Islands with S. neboitxi, and on other
islands to the head of the Gulf. Eggs 2, 2.44 X 1-60, laid in a sort of nest on the ground,
otherwise indistinguishable from those of nehouoci, laid in May and June. The species was for-
merly identified with the common Brown Booby. S. hreivsferi Goss, Auk, July, 1888, p. 242 ;
Cokes, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 905; A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 115.1.
S. (S.) su'la. (Etym. that of the generic name.) Common Booby. Brown Booby. Yel-
low-footed Booby. Catesby's Booby. Adult ^ 9: Bill and bare parts of heatl liiclit-
cnlored, very variable, inclining to greeni.sh or yellowish ; feet similar ; all drying indefinably
li^ht ; iris white. Plumage dark brown, abruptly white below from the neck, including lin-
iui,' of wings. Young : Plumage grayish-brown, paler below, more or less mixed with white
on the parts wliich are to become pure white; bill and feet obscured. The full plumage is
imibably assumed after the third year. Length 28.00-30.00; extent 50.00 or more; wine
I l..")0-16..>0, averaging nearly 16.00; tail 6.50-9..")0, averaging about 8.00. composed of 12-
14 feathers; tarsus 1.50-1.90; middle toe and claw 3..")0 ; ctilmen 3.25-4.00, averaging 3.75 ;
gape 5.00 ; depth of bill at base 1.25. A long and well known species, widely dispersed over
warm seas of most parts of the world, and the only Booby which inhabits the U. S. to any
great extent ; it is abundant on our South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, N. to Georgia, but ap-
parently is not found on the Pacific side, where it is replaced by hrcwsteri. It swarms at its
breeding places on low shores and keys, where it builds a nest of sticks and weeds on buslies ;
one egg or two, 2 2.")-2..")0 X 1.50-1.75, of tiie same chalky character as tliat of the whoh'
956
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
genus. This is the original Booby of Catesby, 1731, pi. 87 ; Pelecanus sula L. 1766, which
most authors have called Sula fiber, as I did in Key, 1st ed. 1872, p. 298; S. sula Yrrr. and
Des Muks, Rev. Mag. Zool. I860, p. 442 ; A. O. U. Lists, 1886-9.5, No. 115 ; Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 75. It is also Pelecanus leticogaster Bodd. 1783 ; Sula leucogastra of many authors,
as of Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 720.
Note. -S. websteri Rothschild, Bull. Brit. Oru. Club, vii, No. liv, 1898, of the Revillagigedo Islands, will prob-
ably be found within our limits.
Fio. GC9. — Bill of North American White Pelican.
Family PELECANID^ : Pelicans.
Bill several times as long
as head, comparatively
slender, but strong, straight,
broad, flattened, grooved
throughout, ending with
a distinct claw-like hook.
Mandibular rami joining
only at their apex ; long
broad interrarnal space, and
throat, occupied by an enor-
mous membranous sac.
Nostrils abortive. Wings
extremely long, in upper-
and fore-arm portions, as well as pinion, with very numerous remiges. Tail very short, up
to 22-24 feathers. Feet short, very stout; tarsi compressed, reticulate. Size large. Marine
and lacustrine or fluviatile.
The remarkable pneumaticity of the body (shared however by Gannets) has been already
described- A principal osteological character is, that "the inferior edge of the ossified inter-
orbital septum rises rapidly forward, so as to leave a space at the base of the skull, which is
filled by a triangular crest formed by the union of the greatly developed ascending processes of
the palatines." The sternum is short and broad, with shallow emargination on each side
l)ehind ; furculum is firmly anchylosed with it. Cteca an inch long. Tongue a mere rudi-
ment. But the most obvious peculiarity of these birds is the immense skinny bag hung to the
bill, capable of holding several quarts when distended. The covering is ordinary skin, but
very thin ; the lining is skin modified somewhat lilie mucous membrane; between these "is
interposed an equally thin layer, composed of two sets of verj' slender muscular fibres, sepa-
rated from each other, and running in opposite directions. The outer fibres run in fascicles
from the lower and inner edge of the mandible, those from its base passing downward, those
arising more anteriorly passing gradually more forward, and reach the middle line of the pouch.
The inner fibres have the same origin, and pass in a contrary direction, backwards and down-
wards. From the hyoid bone to the junction of the two crura of the mandible, there extends a
thin band of longitudinal muscular fibres, in the centre of whicli is a cord of elastic tissue. By
means of this apparatus, the sac is contracted, so as to occupy but little space. When the bill
is opened, the crura of the lower mandible separate from each other to a considerable extent
[in their continuity — not at the symphysis], by the action of muscles inserted into their base,
and the sac is expanded." This organ is used like a dip-net, to catch fish with; when it is
filled, the bird closes and throws up the bill, contracts the pouch, letting the water run out of
llie corners of its mouth, and swallows its prey. Pelicans feed in two ways ; most of them, like
mir white one, scoop up fish as they swim along on the water; but the brown species plunges
PELECANIDJE: PELICANS. 957
headlong into the water from on wing, like a Gannet, and makes a grab, often remaining sub-
merged for a few seconds. Neither species often catches large fish ; tliey prefer small fry of
which several hundred may be required for a full meal. The prevalent impression that the
pouch serves to convey live fish, swimming in water, to the little Pelicans in the nest, is
untrue; the young are fed with partially macerated fish disgorged by. the parents from the
crop. As Audubon remarks, it is doubtful whether a Pelican could fly at all with its burden
so out of trim.
The gular pouch varies in size with the diff'erent species, reaching its greatest develop-
ment in the Brown Pelican, where it extends half-way down the neck in front, is a foot deep
when distended, and will hold a gallon. Besides this singular adjunct, the bill of our White
Pelican has another curious structure, not found in other species. The culmen is surmounted
near tiie middle by a high thin upright comb or crest, the use of which is not known. It is
found only during tlie breeding season, being shed and renewed in a manner analogous to the
casting of deer's antlers. Its structure explains how this can be : " The crest-like excrescence
on the ridge of the upper mandible is not formed of bone, nor otherwise connected with the
osseous surface, which is smooth and continuous beneath it, than by being placed upon it, like
any other part of the skin ; and wlien softened by immersion in a liquid may be bent a little
to either side. It is composed internally of erect slender plates of a fibrous texture, externally
of horny fibres, which are erect on the sides, and longitudinal on the broadened ridge; these
fibres being continuous with the cutis and cuticle."
Pelicans are found in most temperate and tropical countries, both coastwise and inland ;
they are gregarious birds at all times, and gather in immense troops to breed. A large rude
nest is prepared on the ground, or built of sticks in a bush or tree near water; the eggs are one
ti) three or four, plain dull whitish, with a thick roughened shell. The gait of these cumber-
some birds is awkward and constrained ; but their flight is easy, firm, and protracted, and they
swim lightly and gracefully, buoyed up by the interior air-sacs. The sexes are alike; the
young difterent; most species are white, with yellow or rosy hue at times, and a crest or length-
ened feathers, at the breeding season; while nearly every one of them has a peculiar contour
of the feathering at the base of the bill, by which it may be known. There are only 9 un-
questionable species, although some authors admit more. The exotic ones are : P. onocrotalus
of Europe, Asia, and Africa ; P. roseus of Asia, etc. (including minor and javanicus of
authois) ; both of these with frontal feathers extending in a point on culmen ; P. crispus
of Europe, Asia, and Africa, largest of the genus ; P. rtifescens of Africa ; P. phiUppensis
of India and eastward ; in all three of these the frontal outline concave on base of culmen ;
the Australian P. conspicillatus, in which a strip of feathers cuts ofi" a naked circumocular
region from base of bill. This is an entirely peculiar feature; and our Wiiite Pelican shows
another, having the sides of the under mandible feathered at base for a short distance.
Finally, the South American Brown Pelican, P. thnrfus, is believed to be distinct from ours.
PELECA'NUS. (Gr. rrtXtKav, pclckan, or neXeKivos, pelckinos, Lat. pelecanus, a pelioau.)
Pklicans. Cliaracter as above.
Annly.tis of Subgenera ami Species.
Cthtopelecanus. White, with black wing-tips. Tail of 24 feathers. Phimage extending on side of lower mandible.
eri/throrfii/nr/inj
LEPT0PELECANU8. Not white, but of varied dark colors. Tail "i'J-feathered. Plumage restricted from side of lower
mandible.
Length 48.00-50.00; wing 18.r>n-21.flO; bill 9.50-12.00; pouch always dusky /iiscus
Length 54.00-CO 00 ; wing 20.50-23.00 ; bill 12.00-15.00 ; pouch sometimes reddening cali/omicits
(Subgenus Cyrtopelecanis.)
V. erythrorhyn'chus. (Gr. t'pvffpoi, eruthros, red; pvyxos, hrugchos, beak. Fig. WO.)
Amkuican Whitf, Pelican. Adult $ 9 '■ Plumage wliite, with black primaries, tlicir
958
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
coverts, alula, and mauy secondaries ; shafts of quills white. Lengthened feathers of occiput
and breast, and some of the lesser wing-coverts, pale straw-yellow. Tail-feathers said to be
rosy at times ; a dark spot on occiput after the breeding season, when the crest and the ridge
of tlie bill have been slied. Iris pearly white, brown or dusky at times or in young. Bill
and feet ordinarily yellow, much reddened in breeding season, when the general tone of bill
is reddish-salmon ; under mandible brighter than upper, which has the ridge whitish ; pouch
passing from livid whitish anteriorly through yellow and orange to red at base ; bare skin
about eye orange ; eyelids red ; feet intense orange-red. Length 5 feet ; extent 8-9 feet ;
wing 2 feet or more ; bill a foot or more; ft)re arm about 15 inches ; tail 6.00, 24-feathered ;
tibia bare 1.00; tarsus 4.50; middle toe about 5.00. The size varies much, some individuals
being over and others under the usual dimensions here given. The average weight may be
about 17 pounds. Young birds differ from adults mainly in having lesser wing-coverts and
some feathers on head marked with gray ; bill and feet pale yellowish. This magnificent bird
ranges over temperate North America at large, but irregularly; rare on Atlantic coast, casual,
or wanting in Middle and Eastern States and beyond ; Florida and Gulf coasts, common in
winter when also S. to Guatemala ; in the West abundant in suitable places, inland as well as
coastwise, up to 61° N. at least. Breeds in colonies, sometimes of vast extent; nest on ground
or rocks, simple, of sticks, weeds, etc. ; egg single or multiple, long, oval, or somewhat ellip-
tical, chalky white, but usually found stained or soiled, 3.30 X 2.20. (P. trachyrhynchiis of
former eds. of Key. P. erythrorhynclios, A. 0. U. Lists, No. 125.)
{Subgenus Leptopelecanus.)
P. fus'cus. (Lat. /mscms, brown. Figs. 070, 671.) American Brow^n Pelican. Adult
(J 9 in breeding plumage : Bill mottled with light and dark colors, much tinged in places
with carmine ; eyes white ; bare
i^pace around them blue ; eyelids
red ; pouch blackish ; feet black.
Plumage dark and much varie-
gated. Head mostly white,
tinged with yellow on top, the
white extending down neck as
a bordering of pouch and some-
what beyond ; rest of neck dark
chestnut. Upper parts dusky,
each feather pale or whitish -
centred, the paler gray color
prevailing on wing-coverts.
Primaries blackish, their shafts
basally white ; secondaries dark, pale-edged; tail-feathers gray. Lower parts grayish-brown,
striped with white on sides ; lower fore-neck varied with yellow, chestnut, and blackish. $ 9 ,
in winter: Most of the neck white. Length about 4.50 feet; extent 6.50 feet; wing 18.50-
21.00 inches; bill a foot or less ; gular pouch extending about the same distance along neck.
Tail 7.00, 22-feathered ; tarsus 2.50 : middle toe and claw 4.50. Bill and soft parts variable
in color with age or other circumstance, but pouch ne.ver reddish. Young lack special colora-
tion of neck, which is simply brownish ; at first, covered with whitish down. Feathers of
neck of adult peculiarly soft and downy ; a slight nuchal crest, with stiff bristly feathers on
forehead, and lengthened acute feathers on lower fore-neck and breast. The Brown Pelican is
exclusively maritime, inhabiting the Atlantic coast of America from tropical regions to North
Carolina, and only casually occurring inland, as in Wyoming. It plunges for its prey like a
Gannet, not scooping it up swimming like the White Pelican. Breeds in colonies, indiffer-
FiG. ("0. — Brown Pelican Nestin
PHA LA CROCORA CIDJ^ : CORMORANTS.
959
€utly ou the ground or ou bushes and h)\v trees. Eggs 2-3 cununuuly, white, chalky, elliptical,
3.00 X 2.00. (P. onocrotalus, ^ occidentalis Linn. 1766, in part; P. fuscus Gm. 1788.)
P. califor'nicus. (Lat. of California.) Californian Brown Pelican. Similar to the
last; larger; length 4.50 feet or more; wing 21.00-23.00 inches; bill 12.00-15.00. In full
breeding plumage the j)t>uch more or less reddisli, the bare skin about the eyes brownish, the
I'lG. CTl. — AiuLii(:.iu Dii
i,L. A. Fuertes.)
•chestnut of the neck very dark or brownisli-black. Pacific coast of America, from southern
British Columbia soutluvard to the Gahipagos; an abundant and conspicuous bird on the
coast of California. The difference from P. fuscus is not great, but as the habitats of tlie two
forms are apart, in North America at least, intergrachition does not occur, and the peculiarities
of the West coast bird may therefore be regarded as specific. Hist. N. A. Water Birds, ii,
1884, p. 143; A. 0. U. List, 1886, p. 112, No. 127; Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 891.
Family PHALACROCORACID^ : Cormorants.
Bill about as loug as head, stout or slender, more or h?ss nearly terete, strongly epig-
nathous or hooked at end: tomia generally irregularly jagged, but not truly serrate; a long,
jt.o.
Fio. C72. — Skull of Phnlncrnrnrnr hirri.ilnliis, showing at. o. occipital style or nuchal bone ; nat. size. (From nature
by Dr. H. W. Shufeldt. The style is somewhat tilted upward from its natural position.)
narrow, nasal groove, but nostrils obliterated in adult state; gape reaching below eyes, which
are stt in naked skin. Gnlar pouch small, but forming an evident naked space under bill and
on thmat, variously encroaclied upon by feathers. Wimis short for the order, stiff and strong;
2d primary usually longer than 3d; both these e.vceediug 1st. Tail rather long, largo, more
960
SYSTEM A TIC S YNOPSIS. — S TEG A NOP ODES.
or less fan-shaped, of 12-14 very stiff, strong feathers, denuded to base by extreme short-
ness of coverts; thus almost " scansorial" in structure, recalling that of a Woodpecker or
Creeper, and used in a similar way, as a support in standing, or an aid in scrambling over
rocks and bushes. Body compact and heavy, with a long sinuous neck ; general eonfigura-
^'
tiun, and especially the far
backward set of the legs,
much like that of Pygopt)-
dous birds. While other Ste-
ganopodes can stand with the
body more or less nearly ap-
proaching a horizontal posi-
tion. Cormorants are forced
into a nearly upright posture,
when the tail affords with
the feet a tripod of support.
They also, like the birds just
mentioned, dive and swim
under water in pursuit of their
prey, using their wings for
submarine progression, which
is not the case with the other
families, except Anhingida;.
In both these families the
body is not in the least pneu-
matic under the skin — quite
the reverse of Pelicans and Gannets.
Among osteological characters, aside from the
general figure of the skeleton, a long bony style
in the nape, in position of the ligamentum nuchce
of many animals, but in relation with extensive
temporal muscles, and articulated with occiput,
is the most remarkable (fig. 672). It occurs in the Anhinga also, but is there much smaller.
The desmognathous structure is seen in its highest development; palatines not only soldered,
but sending down a keel along their line of union; iuterorbital septum very defective, with
horizontal inferior border (a general character of the order except in Pelicans). There are 20
Fig. 673. — The nest of the Cormorant (P. bicris-
tatus). (Designed by H. W. Elliott.)
PHA LA CR OCORA CID^ : CORMORA NTS.
961
vertebrae in the neck, where the kink already mentioned (p. 95'2) begins at the 9th; the 20th-
24th are opisthocoelous. The sternum has a short deep keel, with which the furculum is not
ankylosed. There is a bulky free pa-
tella, coexistent with a short cnemial
apophysis or rotular process of tibia, ;^?C>;^^^'^#=='*'^^^^?§^N
but perfectly distinct therefrom, as in
Grebes. The muscles of the legs are
as in Sulidcc ; there are two carotids ;
the subcutaneous cellular tissue is not
Fio. G74. — Sternum and Bhouhler-pirJle
of I'hnliicrocorai bicristn/u.^, nat. size.
(From nature by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt.)
emphysematous. The ptcrylosis agrees essentially
with ordinary pterylogruphic churacters, but tlio apteria
are very narrow, and the plumage is peculiar in certain
details. Excepting a few sj)eckled s})ecies, and some
others that are largely white below, the plumage is glossy or lustrous black, often highly
61
Fio. 675. — Knee-joint of Phalacrocoraz
bicrislatii.t, nat. size, from nature by Dr. R.
W. Shufeiat. F, fuiuur ; P, patella ; T, tibia ;
Fb, fibuhi.
962 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
iridescent with green, purple, and violet tints, commonly uniform on head, neck, and under
parts, but on back and wing-coverts, where the feathers are sharp-edged and distinct, the shade
is more apt to be coppery or bronzy, each feather with well-defined darker border. This con-
cerns, however, only the adult plumage, which is the same in both sexes ; the young are plain
brownish or blackish. Cormorants have other special featherings, generally of a temporary
character, assumed at the breeding season and lost soon after ; these are curious long filament-
ous feathers (considered by Nitzsch filoplumaceous), on head and neck, and even, in some
eases, on upper and under parts too. These feathers are commonly M'hite, as is also a large
silky flank-patch acquired by several species. Some Cormorants are also crested with ordinary
long slender feathers ; the crest is often double, and when so, the two crests may be either one
on each side of head, or they may follow each other on middle line of hind head and nape.
Our species illustrate all these various featherings. The naked parts about the head vary with
the species and afford good characters, especially considering shape of the pouch ; the skin is
usually brightly colored, sometimes carunculate. Eyes, as a rule, green — a color not com-
mon among birds. These birds are highly psilopsedic as well as altricial ; the young are for
some time blind, naked, and perfectly helpless.
Thirty-five species of Cormorants may be considered established. Their study is difficult,
owing to great changes in plumage, high normal variability in size, and close inter-relation,
which is such that the single genus Phalacrocorax does not appear capable of well-founded
division. Species are found all over the world, excepting the uttermost polar regions, and are
usually very abundant in individuals ; they are all very much alike in their habits. Many are
maritime, but others range over fresh waters as well. They are eminently gregarious, espe-
cially in the breeding season, when they congregate by thousands — the boreal kinds generally
on rock-begirt coasts and islands, those of warm countries in the dense fringes of shrubbery.
They often migrate in large serried ranks. The nest is rude and bulky ; the eggs are com-
monly 2-3, but may be 4-5 or more, elliptical, pale greenish, overlaid with white chalky
substance. Cormorants feed principally upon fish, and their voracity is proverbial, though
probably no greater than that of allied birds. Under some circumstances they show an intelli-
gent docility ; witness their semi-domestication by the Chinese, who train them to fish for their
masters, a close collar being slipped around the neck to prevent them from swallowing the
booty. Inquisitiveness is another trait of Cormorants. These ugly, ungainly, and untidy
birds have provoked various poets to uncomplimentary remarks, since Milton's comparison of
Satan thereto in Paradise Lost, iv, 192 ; but Newton makes the more sensible suggestion that
a lot of Cormorants sunning themselves look like a row of black bottles. Longfellow notes
the flight in these fine lines :
" As with his wings aslant,
Sails the fierce Cormorant,
Seeking some rocky haunt
With his prey laden."
PHALACRO'CORAX. (Gr. (^oKaKpoKopa^, phalakroTcorax ; Lat. phalacrocorax, a cormo-
rant, sea-crow, corvus marinus : (j)aXaKp6s, phalakros, bald, and Kopa^, korax, a raven.)
Cormorants. Shags. Character as above said. There appears to be but one genus in the
family, but several groups of species may be cited subgenerically. There are five such groups
among our species, respectively exemplified by P. carbo, P. dilophus, P. mexicanus, P. peni-
cillatus, and P. pelagicus ; a sixth is represented by the extinct P. perspicillatus.
Analysis of Subgenera, Species, and Subspecies. {Adults in breeding plumage.)
Tail of 14 feathers. Crested. {&uhgeaua Phalacrocorax.)
Gular sac heart-shaped, bordered with white feathers. Atlantic coast carbo
Tail of 12 feathers. Crested or crestless.
Gular sac convex or nearly straight-edged behind. Lateral crests of curly plumes on each side of head. (Sub-
genus Dilopkalieus.)
PHALACROCORACID^E: CORMORANTS. 968
No border of white feathers behind gular sac.
Large : length about 3G.00. Crests cliiefly white. Northwest coast d. cincinnalus
Medium : length 30.00-33.00. Crests chiefly black. N. Am. at large dUophus
Small: length about 30.00. Crests black. S. Atlantic coast d. floridanus
Small : length about 30.00. Crests partly w^hite. California coast \ d. albociliatus
A border of white feathers behind gular sac. (Subgenus i'iguacarbo.)
Very small : length under 30.00. Gulf coast and lower Mississippi Valley mezicanus
Gular sac heart-shaped behind.
No crests nor white flank-patches. Tail very short. (Subgenus Compsohalieus.)
Sac dark blue, bordered by a fawn-colored gorget. Pacific coast penicillatus
Two black crests in median line, and white flank-patches. No colored gorget.
Very large, with short wings and tail. (Subgenus Palla.sicarbo.)
Shafts of tail-feathers white. Bering's Island (extinct) perspicillatus
Medium or small ; tail more than \ as long as wing. (Subgenus Urile.)
Frontal feathers not reaching bill, which is surrounded with red skin ; base of bill blue. Alaska
bicristatus
Frontal feathers reaching bill.
Larger : wing 10.00 or more. Pacific coast, northerly pelagicux
Smaller : wing under 10.00. Pacific coast, southerly p. resplendens
Note. — Tlie above analysis is available for winter plumages and young of most of the forms, if attention is paid
to number of tail-feathers, shape of gular .sac, relative lengths of wing and tail, feathering or nakedness of face, size of
bird as a whole, and geographical distribution. In case the genus Phalacrocorax should be restricted to its type, with
14 rectrices, the next name in order for the other species would be Carbo Lacep, 1801. There is no foundation in fact
for the reiterated statements that any of our species except P. carbo has normally more than 12 rectrices.
(Subgenus Phalacrocorax.)
P. car'bo. (Lat. carbo, carbou : from the black color.) Common Cormorant. Shag.
Tail of 14 feathers (here only among our species). Adult ^ ?: Gular sac heart-shaped be-
hind. Bill blackish, whitish along edges and at base below. Iris green. Skin about eyes
livid greenish, orange under eye; sac yellow, bordered behind by a gorget of white feathers.
Feet blackish. General plumage glossy greenish-black ; feathers of back and wing-coverts
distinct bronzy-gray, black-edged; quills and tail grayish-black; feet black. In breeding
plumage, a white Hank-patch, numerous long thready white plumes scattered on head and
neck, and a black occipital and nuchal crest of plumes 1.00-1.50 long. Length 36.00 ; extent
60.00 ; wing 12.00-14.00 ; tail 6.00-7.00 ; tarsus about 2.50 ; bill 3.40 along ridge, 4.00 along
gape, with appreciably concave culmen, and large strong hook, the latter about one-third the
length of the wiiolo culmen. In winter no crests or white feathers on neck or flanks. Young :
Bill grayish-brown, black on top and at tip ; bare skin and sac yellow. Top of head and hind
neck brownish-black ; back and wing-coverts brownish -gray, the feathers with dark margins,
some of them finally edged with whitish. Throat brownish-white, and under parts generally
whitish, blackish along sides, dusky under wings and across lower belly. The naked young iu
the nest are unpleasant livid purplish objects, with protuberant bellies, and large feet; the first
down is blackish. Eggs .3-4, sometimes 5, bluish-groen, coated with white chalky substance,
2.00 X 1.75; nests of sticks, moss, and seaweeds, very filthy and offensive. Atlantic coast <>f
Europe and North America ; breeds on rocky shores of Labrador and Newfoundland ; S. to
Middle States in winter. The American bird has been thought by some authors to be sub-
specifically distinct from that of Europe (P. c. viacrorhi/nchus).
(Subgenus Dilophalieus.)
P. dilo'phus. (Gr. Sis, dis, twice; X6(f>os, /ojj/jos, crest. Fig. G7C).) Double-crestei>
Cormorant. Tail of 12 feathers. Gular sac convex behind. No colored gorget of featliers
bordering the sac Adult ^ 9 '■ Glossy greenish-black ; feathers of back and wings coppery-
gray, black -shafted, black-edged; two curly black lateral crests in brooding season, but few if
any white filaments over eyes and none along sides of neck ; no white fiank-patchos : iris green;
gular sac and lores orange ; eyelids and inside of moutli blue; foot black. Adults in winter
964
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
similar, but no crests, and eyelids not blue ; bill bright yellow, blackening along culmen, gular
sac red anteriorly, ochrey-yellow posteriorly; feet dull black. Length 30.00-33.00; extent
50.00 ; wing 12.00-13.00 ; tail 6.00-7.00 ; tarsus a little over 2.00 ; bill along gape 3.50 ;
along culuien 2.30 ; the shape of bill and size of hook much as in carbo. ? rather smaller
than $. Young: Plain dark brown, paler or grayish (even white on breast) below. North
Fig. CTG. — Double-crested Cormorant, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
America, the commonest species, and the only one generally diffused over the interior; S. in
winter to the Gulf coast, breeding in summer from the northern U. S. northward. Eggs
3-4 or more; 2.50 X 1-55. This is the stock form, replaced southwardly in eastern North
America by floridanus in summer, and on the Pacific coast by cincinnatus northerly, by
albociliatus southerly.
P. d. cincinna'tus. (Lat. cincinnatus, having curly hair. Fig. 677.) White-crested
Cormorant. General character of the preceding, of which it appears to be a large northern
variety. White lateral crests, of a superciliary bundle of long curly filamentous feathers.
Larger: size of carbo; length up to 36.00; wing 13.00-14.00, etc. Northwest coast;
breeds in Alaska, S. in winter along the California coast.
P. d. florida'nus. FLORIDA Cormorant. "Nigger Goose." Similar to but smaller
than P. diloplms. Length 30.00 or less, sometimes only 22.00 ; extent about 45.00 ; wing
12.50 or less; tail 6.00 or
less ; tarsus a little under
2.00 ; but bill as large as
if not larger than that of
diloplms ; gape nearly
4.00; culmen up to 2.40.
The plumage is exactly
the same as in diloplms.
There are said to be cer-
tain differences in the life-
colors of the bills (blue
instead of yellow on un-
der mandible and edges
of upper — Audubon), but none show in my specimens. As originally stated in Key, 1872,
this is simply a localized southern race of diloplms, smaller m general dimensions, with rela-
tively larger bill, as usual in such cases; sac apparently more extensively denuded. Florida
and Gulf coast, resident, breeding by thousands on mangrove bushes ; ranging up the coast
to North Carolina, and up the Mississippi Valley to Ohio. Eggs about 2.40 X 1.50.
Fig. 677. — White-crested Cormorant.
Fuertes.)
PHA LA CROC OR A CID.E : CORMORANTS. 965
P. d. albocilia'tus. (Lat. cdbiis, white ; ciUatus, having cilia, i. e., the early plumes of the
lateral crests.) Faralloxe Cormorant. Small; leugth .'30.00 or less ; wing about 12.00;
l)ill 2.15. VlnnvAge ■a.s m floridanus ; but nuptial crests chiefly white, as in cincinnatiis, of
which it is the southerly representative. Coast and inland waters of southern Oregon and
California to Cape San Lucas, and thence in winter extending along the Mexican coast. Breeds
in abundance on Farallone and other islands ; nests in trees inland. Eggs 2.40 X 1.50.
(Subgenus Viguacarbo.)
P. mexica'nus. (Lat. mexicanus, Mexican.) Mexican Cormorant. Resembling the last,
l)at perfectly distinct from this or any other species of North America; closely related to the
Brazilian Cormorant, P. vigua, of which perhaps only a subspecies. Adult (J 9 > in breeding
dres.s : Black, intensely lustrous, rather purplish-violet than green ; feathers of back and scap-
ulars dark slate, with black edges, making more sharply lanceolate figures than usual. A
sharp white gorget bordering gular sac behind and reaching nearly to eyes ; sac not strongly
convex in posterior outline, where the feathers pass across throat with a straiglit or slightly
convex outline. Nuptial plumes white, in a packet on each side of head, and other long white
filaments scattered over the neck and some other parts. Thus there are lateral crests resem-
bling those of albociliatus, but the other filaments are difierent. Gular sac orange. Adults in
winter lack the white plumes and gorget, and the plumage is not so lustrous as in summer.
Young: grayish-brown, paler or even whitish on most of the under parts; the white gorget
thus undefined. Immature birds are thus of ambiguous aspect, but the very small size, and
shape of gular pouch, are distinctive. Length always under 30.00, usually 24.00-28.00; ex-
tent about 40.00; wing 10.00: tail 6.00-6.50, thus relatively long, l2-feathered; tarsus under
2.00; culmen 2.00 or less. Central America, Mexico, West Indies; Texas, New Mexico,
and Kansas, and up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois. Eggs 2.20 X 1-40.
{Subgenus Compsohalieus.)
P. penicilla'tus. (Lat. penicillatus, pencilled, brushy ; jienicillum, a painter's brush
or pencil.) Pencilled Cormorant. Tufted Cormorant. Brandt's Cormorant.
Townsend's Cormorant. Tail sliort, of 12 {not 14) feathers. Gular sac heart-shaped
behind, owing to a narrow pointed forward extension of feathers on median line, as in carbo,
but largely naked, the feathers reaching on it little if any in advance of those on lower man-
dible. No definite crests; no white flank-patch. Adult ^ 9 , in breeding plumage: Deep
lustrous greenish-black, changing to violet or steel blue-black on neck and head ; middle of
back plain, like under parts, but scapulars and wing-coverts showing narrow black edgings of
individual feathers, less conspicuous than in any of the foregoing species. White or pale
yellowish filamentous plumes, 2.00 or more in length, straight aud stiffish, spring in a series
along each side of neck ; a few others are irregularly scattered over back of neck ; many others,
still longer, and somewhat webbed, grow on interscapulars and scapulars. A gorget of mouse-
brown or fawn-colored plumage surrounding gular sac; this is conspicuous, especially when
palest. Sac dark blue ; bill dusky ; iris green, as usual in the genus. Adults out of season
lack the straw-colored filaments. Young: Blackish-brown, more rusty below, the belly gray-
i.'^li ; scapulars and wing-coverts with edges paler than centres; gorget fawn-colored, as in tlie
adult {P. townsendi Aud.). Length about 33.00; wing 10.75-11.75; tail hardly G.OO, little
rounded; tarsus 2.50; culmen 2.75 on an average, nearly straight to the small hook. Tlie
species does not closely resemble any other here described. Pacific coast of the U. S.. \ an-
couver Island to Cape San Lucas, abundant, bn-eding in large rookeries on rocky i>iantls, .some-
times in company with Baird's Cormorants (Loo.Mi.s, Proc Cala. Acad. 2d ser. v, June, 18!»5,
pp. 217-221). Nest of eel-grass or other seaweeds, about 20.00 X 6.(K) outside. lO.(M) X 4.00
966 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
inside; eggs ordinarily 3-4, 2.55 X 1-55, laid in June. Food largely consisting of a species
of rock-cod (Sebastodes paucispinis).
(Subgenus Pallasicarbo.)
P. perspicilla'tus. (Quasi-Lat. perspieillatus, wearing spectacles.) Spectacled Cor-
morant. Pallas' Cormorant. Tail of 12 (not 14) feathers. Adult in breeding plumage :
Deep lustrous green above and below, with blue gloss on neck and rich purplish on scapulars
and wing-coverts, where the individual feathers are black-edged. Shafts of tail-feathers mostly
white on upper side — a unique character among our species. Large median coronal and
occipital crests (not lateral paired crests), glossy black. Head and neck with long sparse
straw-yellow plumes. A white flank-patch. Feet black ; bill blackish ; sac orange, heart-
shaped ; bare parts of face mixed red, blue, and white, the latter color surrounding the eyes
like a pair of spectacles. Changes of plumage unknown. Very large; weight 12-14 lbs.;
length 36.00-39.00; wing 13.25; tail 7.50; tarsus 2.50; gape 4.00; bill very stout, and dis-
tance from feathers of forehead to tip 3.50. This was a very bulky, heavy Cormorant, with
comparatively short wings, tail, and feet, discovered on Bering's Island by Steller in 1741.
Known living for little more than a century, then becoming extinct, soon after the Great Auk
did, probably about 1852. Four or five specimens are known to exist — two in St. Peters-
burg, one in Leyden, two in the British Museum ; a few bones are in the U. S. National
Museum at Washington. Pall. Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, p. 305, from Steller; Gould, Voy.
Sulphur, 1844, p. 49, pi. 32; Elliot, B. N. Am. ii, 1869, pi. 50. For history, etc., see
especially Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. vi, 1883, p. 65; x, 1887, p. 138; xii, 1889, pp. 83-94,
pll. 2-4; xviii, 1895, p. 717, pll. 34, 35. The bird is questionably the Red-faced Shag of
Latham, Pelecanus urile Gm., at least in part. It has been given as North American in
all our systematic works since Lavs^r. in Bd. B. N. A. 1858, p. 877 ; Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 304 ; 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 728; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 81 ; but is relegated to A. 0. U.
Hypothetical List. 1886-95, No. 7.
(Subgenus Urile.)
P. bicrista'tus. (Lat. bic.ristatus, twice crested; bis, twice; crista, crest.) Red-faced
Cormorant. Violet Shag. Urile (Russian name). Tail of 12 feathers, as usual in the
genus. Face bare. Two median crests. Adult (^ 9 i i^ breeding plumage : Frontal feathers
not reaching base of culmen ; bill entirely surrounded by naked red or orange skin which also
surrounds the eyes, and is somewhat carunculate, forming a kind of wattle on each side of
chin ; feathering of side of under mandible also restricted ; base of under mandible blue ; sac
blue, becoming livid reddish behind. Crown with a median bronze-black crest, and nape with
another, in same line; few if any white plumes on neck; a large white flank-patch. Plu-
mage richly iridescent, mostly shining green, but violet and steel-blue on neck, purplish,
violet, and bronzy on back, and wings, the individual feathers there without definite dark
edgings. Adults out of season lack the white plumes and flank-patches, but are usually if not
always crested. Length 33.00; extent 48.00; wing 11.00-12.00; tail 7.00-8.00; culmen
2.25 ; gape 3.00 ; tarsus 2.97. Young : Rather smaller than old birds. Face less bare.
Plumage dark brown, darker and more glossy above than below. Nestlings are covered with
dark gray down. North Pacific; Kamtschatka, S. in winter to the Kuriles and Japan;
Alaska, resident, both on the coast and islands. It swarms on the Seal Islands of Bering Sea,
nests on rocky cliff's, and has habits in all respects like those of most other species. Eggs 3-4,
2.50 X 1.50. This is the Red-feced Cormorant of Pennant, but Pelecanus urile Gm. is not
exclusively pertinent, and the name had better be avoided. I therefore make no change from
former editions of the Key. P. bicristatus Pall. Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, p. 183; Coues, Key,
PHA LA CROCORA CID.E : CORMORA NTS.
967
Pelagic Coimoraut. (L. A. Fuertes.)
2(l-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 728, No. 757. Graculus bicristntus Bu. Trans. Chicago Acad, i,
1869, p. 321, pi. 33, Kadiak, original entry into our fauna; COUES, Key, orig. ed. 1872,
p. 304. Phalacrocomx urile, B. B. & R. Water B. N. A. ii, 1884, p. 1(32; Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 80 ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 124.
P. pela'gicus. (Gr. nfXdyios, pelac/ios, Lat. pelagicus, of the sea, marine, pelagic. Fig.
678.) Pelagic Cormorant. Violet-green Cormorant. Very closely related to the
preceding ; hut face not bare, the fi-ontal feathers reaching cnlmen ; gular sac inconspicuous,
very extensively feathered, the feathers reaching on sides of under mandible to below eyes, and
running in a point on sac fiir in advance of this. Adult ^ 9 , in breeding plumage : Deep
lustrous green, including back, the feathers of which are not margined; scapulars, wing-
coverts, and sides of body iridescent with purplish or coppery, neck with rich violet and blue.
Two median black crests, a few scat-
tered white plumes on neck and rump,
and white flank-patch, as in bicrista-
tus. Adults out of season lack crests,
plumes, and patches. Young : Not
easy to distinguish from young bicris-
tatus ; notice feathered face, and green
rather than purplish gloss, if any, on
back and scapulars ; plumage mostly
plain dusky, darkest and most glossy
above, grayer and duller below.
Downy young sooty gray. Small :
Length 25.00-29.00 ; extent about
40.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail 6.00-
7.00 ; tarsus 2.00 ; culineu 2.00 ; gape
3.00 ; bill smooth and slender, its depth at base about 0.33. North Pacific, on the Asiatic
side S. to the Kuriles and Japan, on the American side to Washington and the Aleutians ;
abundant in suitable places on the Alaska coast, breeding on cliffs. Eggs 2.35 X 1.45. It
is an error to attempt to separate Alaskan birds from jje?«(7ic».s ; they are absolutely iden-
tical, as I have long been assured: see also Gr.a.nt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi, 1898, p. 3G1, cdu-
firming this view. P. 2^elagicus Pall. Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, \). 303, pi. 76; B. B. & R.
Water B. N. A. ii, 1884, p. 160; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 80; A. 0- U. Lists, 1886-95, No.
123. Graculus violaceus Lawr. in Bd. B. N. A. 1858, p. 881; Coues, Key, 1872, p. 304.
Phalacrocorax violaceus Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 729, No. 758 ; but I have
abandoned the name, in the uncertainty attaching to Pelecanus violaceus of the early authors ;
and P. resplendens Aud. which I cited here, perliaps is better referable to the following sub-
species. P. pelagicus robustus, B. B. & R. Water B. N. A. ii, 1884, p. 160; Ridgw.
Man. 1887, p. 80; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 123 nr.
P. p. resplen'dens. (Lat. resplendens, resplendent, splendid.) Resplendent Coumokant.
Baird's Cormorant. Like the last, but very small, with extremely slender bill; wing
avera{:ing under 10.00; tarsus 1.67 ; culmen 1.75 ; gajie 2.67. This is a small soutiiern race,
bearing somewhat the relation to pelagicus that albociliatus does to cincittnatus, or Jloridauus
to dilophus proper, as noted in the original edition of the Key, 1872, p. 304. Eggs indistin-
guishable. Pacific coast of the TJ. S., Washington to Lower California and southward, breeding
on various rocky islands, especially on the California coast; type of resplcndois from the mouth
of the Columbia, type of hairdi from tiie Farallones. P. resplcndois Aid. v, 18.'ii>, p. 148, folio,
pi. 412, fiij. 1 ; 8vo, 1843, vi, j). 440, pi. 419. P. pelagicus resploidcus, B. B. &: R. Water
B. N. A. ii, 1884, p. 160; Ridgw. Man. 1887. p. 80: A. O. U. Lists, 188(!-95. No. 123/;.
Graculus bairdii Ghvbkr Ms., Cooper, I'r. IMiila. Acad. I8(>5. p. 5; Elliot, B. N. \. ii,
1869, pi. 4!». P. violaceus bairdi CnrES, Key, 2<l-4th ed.s. 1884-!>0. p. 729, No. 7.')9.
9G8
5 YS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — S TE GA NOP ODES.
Family ANHING-ID^ : Anhingas; Darters; Snake-birds.
(Formerly Plotid^.)
Bill about twice as long as head, straight, slender, very acute, paragnathous ; tomia with
fine serratures. Gular sac moderate, naked. Nostrils minute, entirely obliterated in adult.
Wings moderate; 3d quill longest. Tail rather long, stifi', broad, and fan-shaped, of 12 feath-
ers widening toward end ; outer web of middle pair curiously crimped.
There is an occipital style, as in Cormorants, but it is very small, and not always ossified.
There are remarkable peculiarities of the cervical vertebrse, in their conformation and articula-
tion, the passage of tendons through bony eyelets, etc. — a mechanism producing the strong
kink observable near middle of neck, and ability of the bird to thrust forward and retract the
head. Cervical vertebrae 20 ; the kink begins at the 8th ; the 22d-25th vertebrae are opistho-
coelous. The digestive system shows a remarkable feature ; instead of the lower part of the
oesophagus being occupied by proventricular glands, these are placed in a small distinct sac on
right side of gizzard, which, as in other Steganopodes, develops a special pyloric cavity, the
orifice of which "is protected by a mat of lengthy hair-like processes, much like cocoa-nut
fibre, which nearly half fills the second stomach." There is a single small coecum, as in Herons,
in our species, but a small pair in another. The tongue is very rudimentary and almost obso-
lete. Carotid single. Pterylosis peculiar in reduction of apteria to a lateral pair on the trunk
and one narrow inferior space. Subcutaneous tissue not emphysematous. Sternum as in
Cormorants.
Darters are birds ot singular appearance, somewhat like Cormorants, but much more
slightly built, and with exceedingly long slender neck and small constricted head that seems
to taper directly into the bill, the head, neck, and bill resembling those of a Heron. As in
Cormorants, there are long slender feathers on neck ; sexes commonly distinguishable, but 9
sometimes resem-
bles ^. Other
changes of plu-
mage appear to be
considerable, but
not well made out.
The feet are short,
and placed rather
far back, but the
birds perch with
ease. Unlike most
of the order, they
are not maritime, shunning the seacoast, dwelling in the most impenetrable swamps of warm
countries. They fly swiftly, and dive with amazing ease and celerity. They are timid and
vigilant ; when alarmed they drop from their perch into the water below, noiselessly and with
scarcely a ripple of the surface, and swim beneath the surface to a safe distance before re-
appearing. When surprised on the water, they have the curious habit of sinking quietly back-
ward, like Grebes ; and they often swim with the body submerged, only the head and neck in
sight, looking like some strange kind of water-serpent ; whence the names Snake-bird and
Anhinga. They feed on fish, which they do not dive down upon, but dive for and pursue
under water like Cormorants and Loons. Eggs 2-5, pale bluish, with white chalky incrusta-
tion. There are only 4 species: the African P. rufus, congensis or levaillanti; the Indian
P. melanogaster ; the Australian P. novce-Jiollandice ; with the following:
Fig. G79. —American Darter. (L. A. Fuertes.)
FREGATIDM: FRIGATES; MEN-O'-WAR. 969
ANHIN'GA. (South American name, meaning snake-bird. Compare Portuguese anhina,
Lat. anguina, snaky, serpentine.) Darters. Character as above. Plotus of most authors,
as of all former editions of the Key.
A. anhiu'ga. (Fig. G79.) Anhixga. American Darter. Black Darter. Black-
bellied Darter. White-bellied Darter (young). Snake-bird. Water-turkey.
Adult (J: Glossy greenish-black on head, neck, and body; wings and tail plain black, latter
tipped with whitish, fonner with a broad silver-gray band formed by greater and median
coverts ; lesser wing-coverts spotted, and scapulars striped with silver-gray. These silvery
markings variable ; greater coverts mostly of this color, with only a part of their inner webs
black; on the other coverts, inner secondaries, and long lanceolate scapulars the silvery is a
sharp median spot or stripe. In breeding plumage, back of neck with a sort of mane of long
black feathers, and along this a lateral series of filamentous plumes of a purplish-ash or brown-
ish-white color. Adult 9 • Differs decidedly ; jugulum and breast fawn color, sharply bordered
behind with rich chestnut-brown ; feathers of upper back with brown edges and white centres ;
head and neck grayish -brown varied with rufous, buff, and whitish, and with scattered series
of pale filaments. In both sexes iris red, ranging from carmine to pink ; bill yellow, with
dusky greenish ridge and tip ; bare skin about eyes livid green ; sac orange ; feet dusky olive
and yellow ; webs yellow ; claws blackish. Some of the inner secondaries are crimped cross-
wise on outer webs, like the middle tail-feathers. Young : Like 9 > but duller black ; silvery
markings unformed; no chestnut breast-band; under parts simply dull gray; primaries and
secondaries with whitish margins toward ends ; no crimps. Nestlings covered with buff down.
In full dress this is a very stylish bird, as picturesque in plumage as it is peculiar in form, atti-
tude, and action. Length of J 9 nearly or about 3G.00; extent nearly 48.00; wing 13.00-
14.00; tail lO.OO-lLOO; tarsus 1.25-L50; culmen 3.25-3.50. Tropical and sub-tropical
America ; in North America, S. Atlantic and Gulf .States, common ; N. along coast to North
Carolina, and up the Mississippi valley to Illinois and Kansas; New Mexico; accidental in
England near Poole, June, 1851 (Zool. pp. 3601, 3654 ; Newton's Diet. p. 882). Nest bulky,
placed on trees and bushes over water of secluded swamps or bayous, where Herons also con-
gregate to breed, built of sticks, leaves, roots, n)oss, etc. ; eggs 2-5, oftenest 3-4, 2.60 X 1-25,
like Cormorant eggs in color and texture, but narrower and more elongate ; laid April-June.
Young fed in the nest by regurgitation like Cormorants ; and in many other habits, such as
that of sunning themselves with drooping wings, the aflRnity of these birds is shown as plainly
as it is by physical characters. {Plotus anhinga of all former editions of the Key.)
Family FREGATID^ : Frigates; Men-o'-War.
(Formerly Tachvpetid.^^..)
Bill most like that of a Cormorant, longer than head, epignathous, stout, straight, wider
than high at base, thence gradually compressed to the strongly hooked extremity, where the
under as well as upper mandible is decurvcd. Culmen rounded, with lengthwise outline con-
cave to the hook; culminicorn divided from latericorn by a deep groove, which forks at the
unguicorn. Nostrils basal, very small, linear, almost entirely closed, in a long narrow groove.
Gular sac small, but caj)able of considerable distension. Wings exceedingly long and pointed,
of about 34 rcmiges, of which the 10 primaries are very powerful, with stout quadrangular
shafts; 1st primary mucii the lougest ; upper and middle portion of wings trreatly lengthened,
and the fore arm about a third longer than the humerus. Tail very long, deeply forked, of 12
strong feathers. Feet exceedingly small ; tarsus extraordinarily short, featliered ; tnrso-jneta-
tarsal bone .shorter than some of the digital phalanges, which latter have an unusual ratio of
kngth.s ; webbing restricted, that between inner and next too very slight ; middle too much
970
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — S TE GA NOPODES.
loTijrer than outer, its claw pectinate. The feet are thus unique among water-birds in externals ;
the"'tarso-metatarsus recalls that of Penguins to some extent. Bulk of body slight compared
^, with the great length of wings
-.-^^ -y^^ _ and tail. Here only in this or-
^ - >j;. der is found the os tmcinatum,
a peculiar skull-bone occurring
in nearly all Petrels, the Tu-
racous (Musophagid(S), and
many Cuckoos; and here only
the stomach develops no pyloric
cavity. Coeca 2, very small.
Sternum very broad for its
length, with posterior border
entire; furculum firmly anchy-
losed both with .sternal keel
and with coracoids, which latter
; are also soldered with scapulae.
- The sacrococcygeal vertebrte
develop continuous transpro-
cesses ; the ilia are discrete in
their preacetabular extent.
Femorocaudal and ambiens
present ; accessory femorocau-
dal, semitendinosus, and its ac-
cessory absent. The pterylosis
is of the Cormorant type, but
the pterylae are much less
densely feathered.
Frigates are maritime and
pelagic birds of most warm
parts of the globe. Their gen-
F.G. 680. - Frigate, with Tropic Bird in the distance. (From Michelet.) ^^^^ contOUr is Unique among
water-birds, in the immense length and sweep of wing, length of forked tail, and extreme
smallness of feet. In command of wing they are unsurpassed ; few birds approach them in
this respect. They are more nearly independent of
land than any other birds excepting Albatrosses and
Petrels, being often seen hundreds of miles at sea,
and delight to soar at an astonishing elevation.
They cannot dive, and scarcely swim or walk ; food
is procured by dashing down on wing with unerring
aim, and by harassing Gulls, Terns, and other less
active or weaker birds until these are forced to dis-
gorge or drop their prey. Their habit is gregarious,
especially during the breeding season, when thou-
sands congregate to nest in trees or bushes by the
water's edge, or on bare rocks. The nest is a very
slight, shallow structure of sticks ; eggs 1-3 in num-
ber, white, with thick smooth shell. The young are
covered with fluffy white down, like puff'-balls, and look at first as if they had no feet. " They
are fed by regurgitation, but grow tardily, and do not leave the nest until they are able to
follow their parents on wing." The following is the only genus :
Fig. CSl. - Gular pouch of Frigate.
PHAETHOXTIDjE: TROPIC BIRDS. 971
PREGA'TA. (Ital. fregata, Span, and Port, fragata, in some other languages fregat, fregatt,
fregatte, Freuch fregate, a frigate; a word supposed to be formed from hut. fabricata, fabri-
cated, constructed, built.) Frigate Birds. Man-o'-war Birds. Hurricane Birds.
Rabihorcados. Characters as above given for the family. The following is the leading
species; a subspecies of this is F. a. miyior ; a probable second species is F. ariel. (Tachi/-
petes of most authors, as of all former editions of the Key.)
F. a'quila. (In form Lat. aquila, an eagle, prob. =adj. aquilus, dark, swarthy.) Frigate.
Palmerston Frigate. Man-o'-war Bird. Hurricane Bird. Rabihorcado. Adult (^:
Brownish-black, glossed with green bronze or purple on head, scapulars and interscapulars,
where the feathers are long and lanceolate, duller on belly; wings usually showing some
brown or gray from wear. Adult 9= Less glossy than (J; less elongate feathers of head and
scapulars. Back of neck brown ; wing-coverts mostly brown, with darker centres and paler
edges ; fore neck, breast, and sides pure white. In <^ 9 > iris brown ; bill running through
various whitish or flesh-tints to livid bluish and blackish in old (J; bare space about eye livid ;
sac scarlet to orange; mouth carmine inside. Young: Most like adult 9 • niore extensively
white on head, neck, and under parts ; eyes, bill, feet, and soft parts livid bluish, or unde-
finable dark color. Length about 40.00, variable with development of tail ; extent 84.00-
96.00; wing 23.00-27.00; tail 15.00-19.00, forked more than half its length ; culmen 5.00-6.00 ;
tarsus 1.00 or less! Tropical and subtropical seas; in North America, South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, regularly; N. casually to Nova Scotia, and in the interior to Ohio, Indiana,
Wisconsin, and Kansas ; on Pacific coast N. to Humboldt Bay, California ; accidental in
Germany in 17!>2 (Beciistein). Nests on trees and bushes, chiefly mangroves, or on rocks;
eggs 1-3, usually 1, 2.70-2.90 X 1.80-2.00, white, unmarked.
Family PHAETHONTID^: : Tropic Birds.
Bill about as long as head, stout, straight, compressed, tapering, acute, paragnathous,
with continuous horny sheath (lacking the sutures seen in other birds of this order). Head
rather large ; neck short and thick, with comparatively few vertebrae, which lack those pecul-
iarities of the articulating surfaces so marked in the kinky necks of Darters and Cormorants.
Gular sac rudimentary, almost completely feathered. Nostrils small, linear, but remaining
patulous. Tomia somewhat serrate. Tail of 12-14-16 feathers with the 2 middle ones in
adult filamentous and extraordinarily prolonged, the rest short and broad. Wings moderately
long, pointed. Feet small; toes fully webbed; hind toe more elevated than in other families
of this order; middle claw not pectinated. Among anatomical characters it is to be noted that
the muscles of the leg are as in Larida;, as might be expected from the outward resemblance
of these birds to Terns ; they having the accessory semitendinosus, lacking in other families
of the order. The biceps cruris does not pass through a loop. The skull is holorhinal, as it
is not in Gulls and Terns; the sternum is doubly notched behind. There is considerable
pneumaticity of the subcutaneous tissue, as in various other birds of the present i>rder. Tlie
plumage is close and smootli. The single egg is marked, contrary to the rule in this order ;
the nesting place is indiflFereutly on the ground, rocks, trees, or bushes. The young is covereil
with wliite fluff.
Tlie Tropic Bird respuihks a large stout Tern in general figure; the bill, especially, being
almost exactly liUe tiiat of a Torn, and the system of coloration being similar. The principal
external peculiarity is the development of the middle tail-feathers ; the feathering of the gular
sac and the permanent patulanco of the nostrils are other features. They are strong and swift
birds on the wing, fly with quick regular strokes, and are capable of protracted flight, ventur-
ing far from land. They are gregarious at all times, and nest in communities along coasts and
972 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES.
on islands, in rocky places or among low trees and bushes. As implied in their name, they
are birds of the torrid zone, though in their extensive wanderings they visit Southern seas, and
have even been reported from beyond latitude 49° N. There were only 3 well-determined
species (P. flavirostris, P. cBthereus, and P. ruhricauda) for many years, but the latest mo-
nographer of the family recognizes 6 ; 3 of these are now known to occur in the U. S., and I
can consequently add one to the two formerly given in the Key. The additional species is
P. ruhricauda; besides which, the one formerly given as P. flavirostris is now named
P. amerieanus. The extraliuntal species are P. lexiturus, P. fulvus, and P. indicus.
PHAETHON. (Gr. 'Paedoiv, PhaetJion, son of Helios, the Sun; from cpaedeiv, phaethein, to
shine, beam.) Tropic Birds. Boatswain Birds. Straw-tails. Character as above.
Analysis of Species {Adults).
Tail of 12 feathers, middle pair not red. Bill yellow amerieanus
Tail of 14 feathers, middle pair not red. Bill coral-red mt/ierevs
Tail of IG feathers, middle pair red with black shafts. Bill orange-red ruhricauda
P. aethe'reus. (Lat. cethereus, from Gr. uWepaios, aitheraios, pertaining to the upper air or
ffither; etherial.) Red-billed Tropic Bird. Catesby's Tropic Bird. Tail of 14
feathers. Adult ^ ?: Bill coral-red. Iris black. Tarsi and tops of toes yellow; feet other-
wise black, including claws. Plumage pure white, finely barred with black on nearly all the
upper parts ; black markings on flanks ; a black transocular fascia, ending in a crescent on
side of nape ; several outer primaries with their outer webs and part of inner webs next the
shaft, black ; other primaries with a long black stripe ; several inner secondaries mostly black ;
most of the tail-feathers with black shafts, and some outer ones with black marks ; the long
middle pair, however, with the shafts white in most of their extent. Length 30.00-36.00, in-
cluding the long " pailles en queue ;" without these, about 18.00 ; wing 12.00 (more or less) ;
long middle tail-feathers up to 18.00 or more ; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.75 ; culmen
2.50 ; bill nearly 1.00 deep at base. Young birds do not differ much from adults ; middle tail-
feathers ungrown ; more black in the white plumage, especially on tail and flanks ; bill passing
from yellow through orange to red. Tropical and subtropical America on both coasts ; known
to breed on San Pedro Martir Island in Gulf of California; accidental N. to Newfoundland
Banks, Aug. 1876 (Freke, Pr. Roy. Soc. Dublin, 1879); said to have been seen iu Norway.
Egg 2.25 X 1.60, heavily colored with dark reddish -brown.
P. america'nus. (Lat. American.) Yellow-billed Tropic Bird. Grant's Tropic
Bird. Tail of 12 feathers. Adult J 9 • Bill yellow ; tarsi yellow ; most of toes black ; claws
black. Plumage pure white, in higli feather tinted with rosy on under parts and long tail-
feathers ; not finely barred with black, but with definite black areas : a black transocular
fascia as in cethereus ; an oblique black band on wing from lesser coverts to inner secondaries
and scapulars ; 1st primary with the black reaching within 0.50 of end ; 2d-4th with black
nearly reaching tips; 5th with black outer web to within about 1.00 of the end. Flank
feathers with blackish shaft-stripes toward their ends; most of the shafts of tail-feathers, in-
cluding middle pair, black. Young : Similar, but extensively marked with black bars or
crescents on most of the upper parts, and spots on tail. Smaller than the last ; bill notably
smaller, hardly 2.00 along culmen and 0.75 deep at base; wing 11.00; development of middle
tail-feathers about the same as iu cethereus, 16.00-21.00. Egg 2.20 X 1.55, indistinguish-
able from those of the foregoing. Tropical and subtropical America on the Atlantic side, rare
or casual in the U. S., as on the Gulf coast; Florida; Cuba ; the Bermudas ; has strayed to
western New York in one instance (Coues, Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 63). This is the
original Tropick Bird of Catesby, 1743, pi. 14 ; and the species figured by Audubon, folio
pi. 262, 8vo pi. 427, from the Tortugas, under wrong name of P. cethereus, which belongs to
the foregoing. It is also P. flavirostris of all former editions of the Key, and of A. 0. U. Lists,
LONGIPENNES: LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. 973
but Eot of Brandt, 1837, from which distinguished as P. americanus by Grant, Bull.
B. 0. C. No. xlix, Dec. 29, 1897, p. xxiii ; Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi, 1898, p. 456; A. 0. U.
Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 102, No. 112.
P. rubricau'da. (Lat. rubricauda, red-tail ; richer, red ; ccmda, tail.) Red-tailed Tropic
Bird. Tail of 16 feathers. Adult ^ 9 : Bill orange; iris black; tarsi and bases of toes
bluish, rest of toes black. Plumage pure white, with a delicate roseate hue in high feather.
A black transocular fascia, as in other species. Outer primaries with outer webs white. Inner
secondaries with au irregular black band ; remiges and lateral rectrices with most of the shafts
black on upper side to near end ; long middle tail-feathers carmine or scarlet, fading to white
toward the base, with stiff black shafts, and a narrow black edging next them on the very
slender webs ; flank-feathers with blackish stripes. Young : Bill black or blackish, gradually
changing to orange ; upper parts with more black than in the adults, in bars on most of the
upper parts, in spots and lengthwise stripes on the remiges and rectrices. Large : Length
about 36.00; wing 12.25-13.25; long tail-feathers about 18.00; tarsus 1.25; bill 2.50-2.60.
Tropical and subtropical Pacific and Indian Oceans : a recent addition to our Fauna, new to
the Key: one specimen taken near Guadalupe Island, California, July 23, 1898 (Anthony,
Auk, Jan. 1898, p. 39). P. ruhricauda Bodd. 1783; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899,
p. 102, No. [113.1]. P . phoenicurus Gm. 1788. P. melanorhynchus Gm. 1788 (young).
Order LONGIPENNES: Long-winged Swimmers — Jaegers, Gulls,
Terns, Skimmers.
Long-winged Natatores with open lateral nostrils and small free hind toe. Wings long,
pointed, reaching when closed beyond base, in many cases beyond end, of tail, which is usu-
ally lengthened and always of 12 rectrices. Tail square, or square with long-exserted middle
feathers, or forked, or forficate, exceptionally cuneate. Developed primaries 10; no 5th sec-
ondary (wings aquintocubital). Legs more or less perfectly beneath centre of equilibrium when
the body is in the horizontal position; crura more nearly free from the body than in other
Natatores, if not completely external ; tibiae naked below ; tarsus scutellate in part, elsewhere
reticulate. Anterior toes palmate ; hallux never united with the inner toe, highly elevated,
directly posterior, very small (rudimentary in Rissa). Bill of variable form, but never exten-
sively membranous nor lamellate, the covering horny throughout, sometimes discontinuous.
Nostrils pervious, lateral, slit-like, but never abortive. No gular pouch. Altricial and nidi-
colous, but young covered with down when hatched. Eggs oftenest 3, always colored ; nest
ordinarily on the ground or rocks. Chiefly piscivorous.
Palate schizognathous ; maxillo-palatines lamellar and concavo-convex ; basipterygoid
processes wanting; nasal bones schizorhinal. Cervical vertebrfe 15. Sternum singly or
doubly notched on each side of the posterior border ; furculum with a hypocleidium ; coraco-
humeral groove well marked; hypotarsus with two grooves. There is apparently one pair
of syriugeal muscles throughout the order ; oesophagus capacious and distensible ; no spe-
cial crop ; proventriculus is a bulging of the gullet ; gizzard small and little muscular ; coeca
variable; cloaca large. Contour-foathors aftershafted ; oil-gland tufted; spinal pteryla de-
lined in neck by lateral apteria, forked on back. According to Nitzsch, the pterylosis of Gulls
•' a])proachps very closely that of the Scolopacidce, and can hardly be distinguished therefrom
with certainty by any character." In Terns, " in consequence of the slender and elegant form
of the body, the tracts are very narrow, and perfectly scolopacine." Jaegers differ " in having
the outer branch of the inferior tract united with the main stem in the first part of its course,
and all the tracts still broader and stronger than in " Gulls. With all due regard to the
974 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
Liinicoline affinities of Longipennes, as thus indicated by pterylosis, and further borne out by
various osteological characters, I see no necessity for removing the present order from its long-
wonted position next to Petrels, and not far from Auks. In former editions of the Key, I
made the Longipennes include two suborders, Gavice for Jaegers, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers,
or " Slit- nosed Lougwings," and Tubinares for the Petrel group, or "Tube-nosed Long-
wings." But I remarked (p. 732) that Longipennes, as an order thus constituted, was "less
substantially put together than either of the two preceding " (Anseres and Steganopodes) , and
that " it is not certain that the order must not be broken up." I now find it much better to
raise my former suborders Gavice and Tubinares to ordinal rank, as has been already done in
the British Museum Catalogue of these birds, as well as by the A. 0. U. I make no change
in the composition or sequence of the two groups.
Fuller external characters of the Longipennes or Gavice are : Bill oi moderate length, en-
tire, or furnished with a cere; upper mandible longer than, as long as, or shorter than tlie
under; culmen convex; commissure very large, cutting edges without lamellaj, symphysis of
inferior mandibular rami complete for a considerable distance, an eminence being formed at
their junction. No gnlar sac. Feathers usually extending farther on sides of upper mandible
than on culmen, and farther between rami than on sides of under mandible. Nostrils never
tubular, but linear or oval ; direct, pervious, lateral, opening on basal half of bill. Eyes of
moderate size, placed about over angle of mouth. Wings long, broad, strong, pointed, with
little or no concavity. Primaries very long, more or less acute, the 1st developed one the longest,
the rest rapidly graduated. Secondaries numerous, short, broad, with rounded or excised tips.
Legs placed well forward, more or less perfectly ambulatorial. Thighs entirely covered and
concealed. Tibiae projecting; feathered above ; a considerable portion below naked, covered
with more or less dense, sometimes reticulated, skin. Tarsi of moderate length or rather short ;
compressed ; rather slender ; anteriorly transversely scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticu-
late. Anterior toes of moderate length ; middle one usually about equal to tarsus ; outer shorter
than middle, intermediate between it and inner ; scutellate superiorly ; all of normal number of
segments (3, 4, 5). Hallux present; very small, short, elevated above plane of other toes;
entirely free and disconnected ; of the normal number of segments (2) — except in Rissa. Webs
extending to claws ; their surfaces finely reticulated, their edges usually more or less incised,
sometimes rounded. Claws fully developed, compressed, curved, more or less acute ; edge of
middle dilated, but not serrated. Tail very variable. Body generally rather full, and some-
times slender. Neck rather long. Head of moderate size. Plumage soft, close, thick ; its
colors simple — white, black, brown, or pearl- blue predominating; bright tints hardly found,
except on bill or feet, or as a temporary condition ; sexes alike in color, but plumage varying
greatly with age and season. Eggs generally 3, light-colored, with numerous heavy black
blotches. Nidification normally terrestrial ; reproduction altricial ; young ptilopaedic and nidi-
colous. Eegimen chiefly piscivorous. Habitat fluviatile, lacustrine, and maritime rather than
pelagic.
The birds thus characterized may be regarded as forming one family with four subfamilies,
as in former editions of the Key ; or divided into two, three, or four families. The A. 0. U.
has Stercorariidce, LaridcB (with subfamilies Larince and Sternince), and Rhynchopidce. In
view of the anatomical characters which I first pointed out in 1863, I am now inclined to rec-
ognize two families, Stercorariidce and Laridce, the latter with three subfamilies, Larince,
SternincB, and Rhyndiopince ; and such is the course adopted by Howard Saunders, the latest
monographer of the Longipennes or Gavice (Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 3).
Analysis of Families and Subfamilies.
Cceca very long ; sternum single-notched.
Bill cered, epignathous. Tail square, with long-exserted middle feathers. Webs full ; claws raptorial. (Skuas. )
Family Stercorariid^
stercorariidjE: jaegers, or skuas. 975
CcEca moderate ; sternum double-notched. Bill not cered ... Family Larid^
Bill epignathous. Tail usually square (Gulls) Subfamily Larinic
Bill paragnathous. Tail usually forked. (Terns) Subfamily Sternina
Bill liypoguatbous. Tail forlced. (Skimmers) Subfamily llhynchopiiUB
Family STERCORARIID^ : Jaegers, or Skuas.
Long-wiuged Swimmers with the horny covering of the epignathous bill discontinuous,
the upper mandible being saddled with a large "cere," perhaps deciduous, beneath the edges
of which the nostrils open (unique, among water-birds), and the dertrum or hook at the end
being also marked off from the rest. Tail nearly square, but middle pair of feathers abruptly
long-exserted in Stercorarius. Feet strong ; tibite naked below ; podotheca granular or other-
wise roughened behind, scutellate in front ; webs very full ; claws large, curved, acute. Certain
pterylographic characters have been already noted. A leading anatomical peculiarity is the
large size of the cceca, as compared with Laridce. Another is that the sternum is single-notched
behind, there being two notches on each side in the three subfamilies of Laridce. There are two
genera and six or seven species of the family. Only four species are well determined. They
belong more particularly to the Northern Hemisphere, although some also inhabit southern seas;
they mostly breed in boreal regions, but wander extensively at other seasons. They inhabit sea-
coasts, and also large inland waters ; the nidification resembles that of Gulls ; eggs 2-3, dark-
colored, variegated. The sexes are alike; the young more or less different; there is also a
2)articular melanotic plumage, apparently a normal special condition. At first the central tail-
feathers do not project, and they grow tardily. Skuas are eminently rapacious, whence their
name of "jaeger" (hunter); they habitually attack and harass Terns and small Gulls, until
these weaker and less spirited birds are forced to drop or disgorge their prey. Their flight is
vigorous ; lashing the air with the long tail, they are able to accomplisli the rapid and varied
evolutions required for the successful practice of piracy. Thus in their leading traits they are
marine Raptores ; whilst the cered bill and strong hooked claws furnish a curious analogy to
true birds of prey. {Lestridina of former editions of the Key, as a subfamily of Laridcs.)
Analysis of Genera and Species.
Bill shorter than middle toe without claw ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw ; central rectrices little project-
ing, broad to the tip. Megalestris.
Of great size, and robu.st form. Bill 2 inches long vi. skua
Smaller : bill and tarsi relatively longer than in the foregoing ; latter not shorter than middle toe and claw ; central
rectrices finally projecting far beyond the rest. Stercorarius.
Central rectrices projecting about 4 inches, broad to the end, and twisted s. pomatorhiniis
Central rectrices projecting about 4 inches, acuminate, not twisted s. parasilicus
Central rectrices projecting 8-10 inches, acuminate, not twisted s. lotigicatida
MEGALES'TRIS. (Gr. fiiyas, megas, great, large, and XrjcrTpis, lestris, piratical, from \i}sttjs.
testes, a robber, thief.) Skuas. Bill shorter than middle toe without claw; exceedingly ro-
bust; width at base about equal to height, which is a third of the length of culnien. Striae
and sulci numerous and well marked. Encroachment of feathers on bill moderate, and nearly
the same on both mandibles. Occiput scarcely crested. Wings only moderately long for this
subfamily ; primaries very broad, and rounded at their tips. Tail very short, broad, nearly
even, the feathers truncated ; central pair projecting about ^ an inch in adults, broad to their
very tips, which are also truncated. Feet large and stout; tarsi shorter than middle toe and
claw. Size large ; form robust and heavy ; general organization very powerful. Colors much
tiie same over the whole body ; not subject to any very remarkable changes with age, sex, or
season. One northern species, M. skua, occurring in North America, and two or three others
of southern seas, the best known of which is M. nntarctica. (As sul>genus of Stercorarius in
2d-4th eds. of Key. Buphagus Coues, 18(33, after Moehring, 1752, of 1st ed. of Key.)
976 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES.
M. sku'a. (Fferoose name, as given by Hoier about 1604, now spelled sTcuir; Shetland name
si-ooi, Icelandic s/;wj»r or sZ;«/r, Norwegian sl-wcf.) Great or Common Skua. Sea-hawk.
Sea-hen. Bonxie. Adult $ 9 : Lateronuchal feathers elongated, rigid, with long discon-
nected fibrillse. Above, blackish-brown, more or less variegated with chestnut and whitish ;
each feather being dark-colored, with a spot of chestnut toward its end, fading into whitish
along the shaft. On the lateronuchal region and across throat the chestnut lightens into red-
dish-yellow, with a well-defined, narrow, longitudinal white streak on each feather. Crown, .
postocular, and mental regions have but little whitish. Inferiorly the plumage is blended
fusco-rufous, lighter than back, and with a plumbeous shade. Wings and tail blackish ; their
shafts white, except toward tips ; remiges and rectrices white for some distance from base ;
this white on tail is concealed by the long coverts, but appears on outer primaries as a con-
spicuoiTS spot. Bill and claws blackish ; the cere grayer ; feet black ; iris brown. In another
plumage, not known to be regularly characteristic of age or season, the bird is nearly uniformly
sooty-blackish, with the white wing-spot very conspicuous. Very old birds may become
lighter colored. Length 20.00-22.00; wing 16.00; tail 6.00; tarsus 2.70; middle toe and claw
3.10; bill from base to tip 2.10; to end of cere 1.20; gape 3.00; height at base 0.7.5; width a
little less; gonys 0.50. Young-of-the-year : Size much less; bill weaker and slenderer;
cere illy developed ; striae not apparent, and its ridges and angles all want sharpness of defi-
nition. Wings short and rounded, the quills having very diflFerent proportional length from
those of adults ; 2d longest, 3d but little shorter, 1st about equal to 4th. The inner or longest
secondaries reach, when the wing is folded, to within an inch or so of tip of longest primary.
Central rectrices a little shorter than the next. Colors generally as in adult, but duller and
more blended, having few or no white spots ; reddish spots dull, numerous, and large, espe-
cially along edge of forearm and on least and lesser coverts. On under parts the colors lighter,
duller, and more blended than above ; prevailing tint light dull rufous, most marked on abdo-
men, but there and elsewhere more or less obscured with ashy or plumbeous. Remiges and
rectrices dull brownish-black ; their shafts yellowish-white, darker terminally. At bases of
primaries there exists the ordinary large white space, but it is more restricted than in adults,
and so much hidden by the bastard quills that it is hardly apparent on outside of wing, though
conspicuous underneath. Feet brownish-black, variegated with yellowish. Bill along culmen
1.75; along gape 2.75; height at base 0.50; gonys 0.35; tarsus 2.60; middle toe and claw the
same; wing 12.25; tail 5.75. Nestlings: Bufify-gray, ruddier above than below. Eggs 2-3,
2.75 X 1.95, ovate, pale olivaceous or brownish, spotted and blotched with dark brown. This
powerful predatory sea-fowl inhabits the coasts and islands of the N. Atlantic, only casually
occurring on inland waters; it is known to breed in Iceland, the Shetland and Fseroe islands,
etc. ; S. in winter to the Straits of Gibraltar. On the American side it is rai'e; known to occur
from S. Greenland and Hudson's Straits, where possibly it breeds, to Quebec (Auk, Oct. 1890,
p. 387), Massachusetts (Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 188; Auk, i, 1884, p. 395), New York
(Niagara, Auk, Oct. 1889, p. 331), Long Island (Auk, iii. 1886, p. 4-32), and casually to North
Carolina. Not known to have occurred on the Pacific Coast; the " California" record of our
books since 1858 not authenticated. {Stercorarius skua of former editions of Key.)
STERCORA'RIUS. Lat. stercorarius, having to do with stercus, dung, ordare, excrement,
as a scavenger.) Jaegers. Teasers. Boatswains. Marlingspikes. Dunghunters.
Size smaller, and form less robust than in Megalestris; bill weaker, its depth at base less than
length of the cere. Tarsus not shorter than middle toe and claw. Central rectrices of adults
long-exserted, projecting from 3-4 to 8-10 inches beyond the others. Three species, of wide
distribution, all American. (For analysis, see p. 975.) Each of the three is well marked by
the characters of the central rectrices of the adults, which in S. pomatorhinus are broad through-
out and peculiarly twisted at their ends, so that a vertical spatulate figure results. This species
and S. parasiticus are often dichromatic, having a melanotic phase of plumage rarely known
to occur in S. longicauda.
STERCORARIID^: JAEGERS, OR SKUAS.
977
S. pomatorhi'nus. (Gr. irchfia, TrwfjLaros, poma, pomatos, a Hap, lid ; fjls, pivos, hris, hrinos,
nose; in allusion to the cere. Fig. 682.) Pomatorhine Jager. Bill shorter than head,
or f the tarsus, about 2i times its height at base ; width about the same as height. Tail
(without middle feathers) less than half the wing; 1st primary little longer than 2d. Occiput
subcrested. Feathers of neck rigid and acuminate, their iibrilUe disconnected. Tail-feathers,
including middle pair, broad to tips, which are truncated, the rhachis projecting as a small
mucro; middle pair projecting 3.00-4.00, and not flat near tip, where they are twisted on the
shafts at an angle of 45° or more, so that the
vanes together form a nearly vertical disc visi-
ble in flight; the webs near the tip also length-
ened to about 2.75, those of other rectrices being
only about 1.75; exclusive of these projecting
feathers, the tail is slightly graduated. Tibiae
bare for 0.75, scutellate 0.50. Tarsi very rough,
anteriorly covered with a single row of scutella,
e.Kcept toward the tibiotarsal articulation, where
tliese scutella gradually degenerate into small,
irregular polygonal plates, with which all the
rest of the tarsus is reticulated. These plates
largest on outer side of tarsus ; on heel-joint,
and posterior aspect of tarsus generally, they
rise into small cones acutely pointed. Tarsal
scutella continuous in front with those on toes ;
polygonal reticulation on both surfaces of webs,
and under side of toes. Hallux extremely short,
its nail stout, conical at base, acute, little curved.
Anterior claws very strong and sharp; inner
most so ; middle expanded, but not serrated.
Webs broad and full, their free margins a little
convex. Cere straight, smooth, with trans-
versely convex culmen ; its lower border curves
gently upward to give passage to the nostrils.
Adult ^ 9, in breeding plumage: Bill horn- Fig. (^^2. - Pom-itorhine jager.
color, deepening into black : feet black. Pileuin and occipital crest brownish-black, this color
extending much below eyes, aud occupying feathers on sides of lower mandible. Acuminate
feathers of neck light yellow. Back, wings, tail, upper wing-coverts, under tail-coverts as far
as flanks, deep blackish-brown. Under parts, from chin to abdomen, and neck all round
(except the acuminate feathers), pure white. Length 20.00 or more; extent 48.00; wing
14.0(»; tail 5.00 or more, with middle feathers projecting 3.00-4.00 farther; bill 1.75; tar-
sus 2.00-2.10; middle toe an<l claw rather less. Nearly adult : Generally the same, but with
a row of brown spots across breast ; sides under wings barred with white and brown ; dark
color of abdomen interrupted by touches of white. Feet wholly black ; middle tail-feathers
jirojecting about 3.00. Intermediate stage: The band of dark .'<pots across breast so enlarged
tliat the wh(de breast appears brown, mottled with white; sides umler wings consjiicuoiisly
liarred with white aud brown ; white of under parts continued over abdomen tn under tail-
niverts, tlie pure brown of these parts whicii obtains in the adult only appearing as transverse
bars. Upper tail-coverts and some of tlie wing-coverts barred with white. Bases of priina-
rits inferiorly white. Central tail-feathers only projecting l.(M) and not twisted. Feet irregu-
larly blotched with chrome-yellow. Yonng-of-the-year: Bill mucli smaller and weaker than
in tlie ailult, light-colored to beyond nostrils, where it becomes brownish-black. Feet mostly
978 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
bright- yellow; ends of toes black. Whole body transversely waved with dull rufous. On
head, neck, and under parts, this rufous predominates, and the bands are very numerous, of
about the same width as the intervening dark color. On Hanks and under tail-coverts the
bars become wider, and paler or almost white. On back and wing-coverts brownish-black
prevails, and if any rufous is present, it is merely as narrow edging of the feathers. Quills and
tail-feathers brownish-black, darker at tips, whitish toward bases of primaries on inner webs.
Light rufous jiredominating on head and neck ; a dusky spot before eye. All the above stages
traceable from one to another, and evidently progressive with age, though the several plumages
described do not always succeed one another regularly ; all are independent of sex and season,
and diflferent from the following melanotic state, in which the bird is nearly unicolor ; blackish-
brown, deepening into black on pileum, lightening into fuliginous-brown on abdomen, with a
slight gilding of the black on sides of neck ; bases of primaries M'hitish. The feet are chromo-
variegated and tlie middle tail-feathers scarcely project 0.50 in all the melanotic individuals I
have examined, indicating immaturity; but it is probable that breeding adults may be found
in this condition, and certain that the melanism is not permanent in all individuals that disi)lay
it at some period of their lives. This species is very wide ranging ; it chiefly inhabits the
Northern Hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic circle, but in winter reaches South Africa,
North Australia, and portions of South America. Not common in North America, but observed
along the coasts and over some of the larger inland waters of the U. S. during migrations and in
winter. Nest on the ground; eggs 2-3, 2.35 X 1.05, of variable olivaceous, greenish, or
brownish ground color, more or less heavily spotted with dark brown. (A. 0. U. misspells
" pomarinus" after Temm. 1815.)
S. parasit'icus. (Lat. parasiticus, parasitic.) Parasitic and Richardson's Jaeger of
the books. Arctick Bird (9) of P2d wards, 1751, pi. 149. Arctic Gull and Black-toed
Gull of Pennant, 1768. Fasceddar or Fasgadair of the Hebrides. Shooi of the Shet-
lands. ScouTY-ALLEN of the Orkneys (also Scoutv-aulin, Scouti-aulin, Scouti-
allin, etc.). Skait-bird. Boatswain, Marlingspike, Teaser, and Dunghunter
of U. S. fishermen.) Bill much shorter than head or tarsus, as high as broad at base. Cul-
men broad, flattened, scarcely appreciably convex to unguis, which is moderately convex.
Rami very long ; gonys very short ; both somewhat concave in outline. Eminentia symphysis
small but well-marked. Tomia of upper mandible at first ascending and a little concave, then
descending and a little convex, very concave toward tip. Cere without oblique striae, but a
straight longitudinal sulcus on each side of culmen; length of cere greater than that of unguis.
Feathers extending far on upper mandible, with a curved free outline, so broad that the feath-
ers of its sides meet over culmen. Feathers on lower mandible also projecting considerably,
almost filling the triangular sulcus on tlie side, as well as the angular space between rami.
Wings moderately long, strong, pointed; 1st primary much the longest; rest regularly and
rapidly graduated. Tail contained not quite 2^ times in the wing, the lateral feathers gradu-
ated only 0.50, the acuminate middle pair projecting 3.00-4.00 only, and beginning to taper
about 4.00 from their very acute tips. Feet rather short and quite slender ; tarsus as long as
middle toe and claw ; tibia naked 0.50 above the joint; scutellation and reticulation the same
as already described under S- pomatorhinus . Adult ^^ 9 ? in breeding plumage : A decided
occii)ital crest and a calotte. Nuchal region with the feathers acuminate and rigid, with loos-
ened webs. Pileum, occipital crest, and whole upper parts brownish-black, with somewhat
slaty tinge and slight metallic gloss, deepening into black on wings and tail. Shafts of prima-
ries and rectrices whitish, except at tips ; their inner vanes whitening toward their bases.
Chin, throat, sides of head, neck all round, and under parts to vent, pure white ; the rigid,
acuminate feathers of lateronuchal region light yellow. Under tail-coverts like upper parts,
but somewhat fuliginous, with sharp line of demarcation from white of abdomen. Bill horn-
colored, the hook darker than the cere ; tarsi and toes black. Smaller than the Pomatorhine
STERCORARIIDyE: JAEGERS, OR SKUAS. 979
Jaeger: Length 17.00-20.00 ; wing 12.00-13.00; tar.sns 1.75-1.87 ; bill 1.35-1.50 ; tail 5.00-
6.00, the long feathers up to 9.00. Nearly mature : Pileum, lateronuchal region, and whole
upper parts, as in adult. Under parts white (as in adult), but clouded everywhere with dusky
patches, most marked across breast, on sides, flanks, and under tail-coverts, leaving middle of
belly and throat nearly pure. Varying degrees of this dusky nubilation approach in some
specimens nearly to the uniform dusky plumage below characterized ; in others fade almost
into the pure white of the normal adult, connecting the two states perfectly. The tarsi of the
darkest specimens have small yellow blotches ; others not. Melanotic state (adult) : Wholly
deep dusky ; darker and more plumbeous above ; lighter and with a fuliginous tinge below ;
pileum black; lateronuchal region yellow; remiges and rectrices black; feet black. Imma-
ture (size and general proportions nearly of adult ; bill and cere perfectly formed) : Feet mostly
black, but with some yellow blotches. Upper parts unadulterated with any rufous bars ; the
deep brownish-black pileum has appeared, and sides of neck have obtained their yellow shade,
which contrasts conspicuously with the fuliginous background. Evidences of immaturity,
however, are found on under parts, where the dark color is mi.Ked with illy-defined transverse
bars of ochraceous ; rufous is also found at bend of wing and on under wiug- and tail-coverts.
Primaries still wliitish outside, as are also the rectrices. The middle tail-feathers project 2.50,
and have the tapering form of those of adults. Younger (small size, delicate bill and feet,
little projection of the central rectrices, general moUipilose condition of plumage, etc.) : The
rufous of the very young bird, instead of giving way everywhere to dusky, yields to this color
only on upper parts and crown ; on sides of head, neck, and whole under parts, whitish pre-
vailing, only interrupted by indistinct dusky bars. The yellow of sides of neck has not yet
appeared. There are the same white spaces on bases of wings and tail that exist in very young
birds. The middle tail-feathers project about 2.50. Young-of-the-year in August (size con-
siderably less than that of adult ; form every way more delicate ; wings more than 1.00
shorter ; bill and feet much slenderer and weaker) : Bill in some specimens light bluish-horn ;
in others greenish-olive, the terminal portion brownish-black. Tarsi and greater part of toes
yellow. Plumage everywhere rayed and barred witli ruf(jus and brownish-black. On head
and neck the light ochraceous rufous predominates, tlie dark color only appearing as a narrow
line along shaft of each feather. Proceeding down neck to back, the longitudinal lines gradu-
ally spread until between shoulders they occupy the whole of each feather, except a narrow
l:)order of rufous, which latter is of a deeper tint than on head. Passing down throat to breast,
the rufous becomes decidedly lighter — almost whitish ; while the dark bnnvn, which on the
throat exists only in longitudinal lines, changes to transverse bars of about equal width witli
the light rufous bars with which it alternates. This pattern prevails over the whole under
parts, the transverse bars being broadest on flanks and under tail- and wing-coverts, narrowest
in middle of belly. Primaries brownish-black, narrowly tipped with rufous, their shafts yellow-
ish, tlioir iuner webs fading basally into white. Tail like wings; middle feathers projecting
about 0.75. Such are the plumages of the normally colored birds, from tlie first featlicriug to
tlic fully adult dress, irrespective of the melanotic state; but some individuals show tlie dark
phase at all ages, and when adult pair with birds of the normal plumage, giving rise to inter-
mediate specimens in every degree between the extremes. Eggs 2-3, resembling those of
Numcnius borealis, and finite as variable in ground-color and markings but not so pear-shaped ;
sizf 2.00-2.40 X 1.50-1.70, averaging about 2.30 X 1.65; the nest is placed on the ground
in open places, in the gra.ss, moss, or heather. This Jaeger is found at times in most parts of
tlie world, but breeds normally in arctic and sul)arctic regions of l)oth hemispheres, ranging in
winter to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and portions of South America. It breeds
abundantly in some localities in British America and Ala.ska, and is of common occurrence in
tlio U. S. in winter, on both coasts and in the interior (Illinois, Colorado, etc.). It has many
synonyms, of wliich crepidatiis is the most prominent, and used by those who apply parasiticus
to tlic next species; richardsoni was based on the melanotic state.
980 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES.
S. longicau'da. (Lat. long-tailed. Fig. 083.) Arctic Jager. Long-tailed Jager.
Buffon's Jaeger. Arctick Bird ($) of Edwards, 1750, pi. 148, and sharing most of
the other names of the preceding species. Bill shorter than head, less than middle toe with-
out claw ; stout, compressed, higher than broad at base, its sides regularly converging. Ceral
portion of culmen broad, flat, depressed, slightly concave in outline, ungual portion very con-
vex to the greatly overhanging tip ; narrower than the ceral. Tomia of upper mandible sinu-
ate, at first concave and ascending, then convex and descending ; again very concave as they
decurve toward tip, just behind which there is an imperfect notch. Tomia of lower mandible
nearly straight to tip, where deeurved. Gonys short, slightly concave. Eminentia symphy-
sis acute, but not large ; rami long as compared with gonys, but absolutely rather short,
from encroachment of feathers. Cere very short, not longer than unguis (compare last spe-
cies). Encroachment of feathers on bill greater than in any other species ; on upper mandible
they extend within 0.50 of the distal end of cere, having a broad, rounded termination, the
feathers of the two sides meeting on and covering culmen some distance from its real base.
Feathers on sides of lower mandible extending nearly as far as on upper, and those between
the rami quite to symphysis. Wings long ; 1st primary much the longest, the rest rapidly
graduated. Tail longer, both absolutely and relatively, than in any other species, being half
as long as wings, graduated 0.75. Middle pair of rectrices exceeding wings ; projecting 8.00-
10.00 beyond the others, rigid at base, being there much stitfer than the other feathers, but
gradually becoming flexible, and at length filamentous. Feet quite slender ; tarsus equal to
middle toe and claw. Tibise bare of feathers for 0.75 ; reticulation of feet identical with that
already described under other species ; scutella in front of tarsus, however, showing a tendency
to degenerate into minute plates near tibio- tarsal joint. Proportions of toes as in other spe-
cies, but claws comparatively small and weak. Adult ^ '^ , \n breeding plumage : Occiput
decidedly subcrested ; lateronuchal feathers lengthened, with disconnected webs, but hardly
acuminate or rigid. Bill dusky, its nail almost black. Tarsi leaden-blue in life, drying some
indefinable color ; tibise, toes, webs, and claws black. Cap brownish-black, which color ex-
tends on cheeks, the feathers before and below eye and on sides of bill being of this color.
Neck all round, but especially the peculiarly-formed feathers on the lateronuchal region,
light straw-yellow. Whole upper parts, with upper wing- and tail-coverts, deep slate,
which, on primaries, secondaries, lateral tail-feathers, and distal half of central pair, deepens
into lustrous brownish-black. Under surface of wings and tail deeper slate than the back,
but not so deep as their upper surfaces. Chin, throat, and upper breast white, gradually
obscured with dark plumbeous, which deepens posteriorly, so that abdomen and under tail-
coverts are nearly as dark as back. Shafts of first two or three primaries pure white, turning
into brownish -black at tips ; of other primaries, and of tail-feathers (including central pair),
brown, except just at base, blackening terminally. Under surfaces of all the shafts white for
nearly their whole length. Chord of culmen 1.15; gape 1.70; cere 0.60; unguis about the
same ; gonys 0.30; from feathers on sides of bill to tip 0.90 ; wing 12.50 ; tail 6.25, its mid-
dle feathers 14.00 to 16.00, projecting 8.00-10.00; tibise bare 0.75; tarsus 1.60; middle toe
without claw 1.40. In bulk of body this species is decidedly less than ^S*. parasiticus ; but the
extreme elongation of the middle tail-feathers makes its total length as much or even more —
up to 2.3.00 in some cases. The changes and states of plumage are identical with those of the
preceding species, though the melanotic phase is extremely rare (Ibis, 1865, p. 217). Adults
of the two species, with fully grown tail-feathers, cannot be confounded, but it is usually diffi-
cult to distinguish young birds : observe the small size, and some differences of proportions
above described, especially the short cere ; and in general a more ashy or grayish tone of the
plumage. Eggs not distinguishable ; averaging smaller, but dimensions overlapping ; a fair
specimen is 2.10 X 1-50 ; from this down to 1.90 X 1-40. This Jaeger, like the last, inhabits
the Northern Hemisphere, but is on the whole more northerly, breeding chiefly within the
STERCORARIID.E: JAEGERS, OR SKUAS.
081
982 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
Arctic circle, and seldom wandering in winter so far south. It is less common in the U. S. at
that season, and mainly observed in the Northern States; but is known to have reached the
Gulf of Mexico. {S. parasiticus of many writers ; S. erepidatus of some ; S. buffoni of former
editions of the Key; S. longicaudus A. 0. U. Lists, No. 38.)
Family LARID^ : Gulls, Terns, Skimmers.
Lon^-winged SvA'immers with horny covering of bill continuous (no cere) ; lateral nostrils
pervious (and not tubular) ; middle tail-feathers not long-exserted ; coeca of moderate length,
and sternum double-notched on each side of posterior border. The characters of LaridcB
as defined are simply those of the order Longipennes or Gavice, minus those of the family
StercorariidcB (see p. 975). This family is a large and important one, including 18 or 20
genera and some 110 species, of all parts of the world — all of the order excepting the 6 or
7 species of Skuas or Jaegers. It is obviously and naturally divisible into 3 subfamilies,
according to the analysis on p. 975 ; and these subfamilies are more fully described under the
following heads of Larince, SternincE, and Rhi/nchopince.
Subfamily LARIN>E: Culls.
Bill more or less strongly epignathous, compressed, with more or less protuberant gonys ;
nostrils linear-oblong, median or sub-basal, pervious. Tail even or nearly so, rarely forked
(in Xema and Creagrus') or cuneate (in BJwdostethia) , without projecting middle feathers.
Certain of the small slender-billed species resemble Terns, but may be known by the not
forked tail (except Xema) ; in all the larger species, the hook of the bill is distinctive, and
the short symphysis of the lower mandible makes a prominent gonydeal angle. Gulls average
much larger than Terns, with stouter build; the feet are larger and more ambulatorial, the
wings are relatively shorter and not so narrow ; the birds winnow the air in a steady course
unlike the buoyant dashing flight of their relatives. They are cosmopolitan ; species occur in
abundance on all sea-coasts, and over large inland waters ; in general, large numbers are
seen together, not only at their breeding-places, but during the migrations, and in winter,
when their association depends upon community of interest in the matter of food. This is
almost entirely of an animal nature, and consists principally of fish ; the birds seem to be
always hungry, always feeding or trying to do so. Many kinds procure food by plunging for
it, like Terns ; others pick up floating substances ; some of the smaller kinds are adroit para-
sites of Pelicans, snatching food from their very mouths. They all swim lightly — a fact
explained by the small bulk of the body compared with its apparent dimensions with the
feathers on. The voice of the larger species is hoarse, that of the smaller shrill ; they have
an ordinary note of several abrupt syllables during the breeding season, and a harsh cry of
anger or impatience ; the young emit a querulous wiiine. The nest is commonly built on the
ground ; the eggs, 2-3 in number, are variegated in color, being heavily marked with dark
brown shades on a pale brownish, greenish, or olivaceous ground. Nestlings in down are
spotted.
Several circumstances render the study of these birds difficult. With some few generic
exceptions, they are almost identical in form ; while in size they show an unbroken series.
Individual variability in size is high ; northerly birds are usually appreciably larger than
those of the same species hatched farther south ; the ^ exceeds the 9 a little (usually) ; very
old birds are likely to be larger, with especially stouter bill, than young or middle-aged ones.
There is, besides, a certain plasticity of organization, or ready susceptibility to modifying in-
fluences, so marked that individuals hatched at a particular spot may be appreciably diff'erent
in some slight points from others reared but a few mUes away. One pattern of coloration runs
LARIDyE — LAIilN^: GULLS. 983
through nearly all the species ; they are ivhite, with a darker mantle (stragulum) , and in most
cases with black crossing tlie primaries near the end, and tips of the quills white. The shade
of the mantle is very variable in the same species, according to climate, action of the sun,
friction, and other causes : the pattern of the black on the quills is still more so, since it con-
iinually changes with age, until a final stage is reached. Incredible as it may appear, species
and even genera have been based upon such shadowy characters. One group of species (genus
Chro'icocephalns) has the head enveloped in a dark hood in the breeding season, tlie under
parts tinted with peach-blossom hue. The sexes are always alike; the moult appears to be
twice a year, so that a winter plumage more or less different from that of summer results ; the
young are never quite like the old. The change is slow, with some of the larger species gen-
erally requiring 2-3 years; in the interim, birds are found in every stage. Young are always
darker than old ones, often quite dusky ; usually with black or flesh-colored bill ; and if with
black on primaries when adult, the young usually have these quills all black. There being no
peculiar extralimital species, those of our country give a perfect idea of the whole group. Some
7.5 species have been current ; but there are hardly over 50 good ones. Mr. Howard Saunders,
the latest monographer oi Laridce, and a judicious one, describes 51 species of Larince. He
has very ably completed the rescue of these much-abused birds from the clutches laid upon
them by Bruch and Bonaparte in 185.3-56, extricating them from tlie confusion which had
been only partially done away with by my earlier writings. He adopts 7 genera, placing no
fewer than 44 species in the single genus Larus ; his only extralimital genera being Gahianus
(pacifieus), and Leucophccus (scoresbii). Regarding North America, I only differ with my
friend in continuing to keep Chrdicoeeplialus apart from Larus proper, and in now recognizing
Creagrics apart from Xema. Creagrus is sanctioned by the A. 0. U., but Chrdicoeeplialus is
not. The only change from the 2d edition of the Key 1 now make is in adopting Creagrus.
Analysis of Genera.
Tail square.
Head never hooded ; under parts never rosy-tinted ; size medium and large ; bill etout.
Hallux well developed, with perfect claw.
Adult white, with a colored mantle, or dark, with white head Larus
Adult entirely white : feet black Pagophila
Hallux usually defective. (Tail emarginate in the young) Rissa
Head in summer hooded, and under parts rosy-tinted ; size medium and small ; bill slender . . Chroicocephalus
Tail wedge-shaped ; head not hooded, but neck collared ; size small. Highly Arctic Rlwdostethia
Tail forked ; head hooded.
Size small; wing under 12.00 ; bill short : feet black Xema
Size large ; wing about IG.OO ; bill long ; feet red. (Extralimital ?) Creagrtis
LA'RUS. (Gr. \apos.i laros, Lat. larus, a gull.) Gulls. Bill shorter than head or tarsus,
more or less robust, usually very stout, deep at base, higlier than broad, compressed through-
out, apex not very acute and never much attenuated. Culmen about straight to beyond nos-
trils, then convex, the amount of curvature increasing toward the end, varying in different
species. Commissure slightly sinuate at its extreme base, then about straight to near end,
where it is more or less arcuato-ueclinate. Emineutia symphysis prominent and well-defined,
rather obtuse, seldom acute. Nostrils placed rather far forward in well-defined nasal fossae,
rather broader anteriorly than posteriorly. Feathers of foreliead extending considerably far-
ther on sides of upper mandible than on culmen, but falling considerably short of nostrils.
Wings when folded reaching beyond tail; 1st primary longest, 2d but little shorter, rest rap-
idly graduated. Tail of moderate length, never forked nor rounded. Legs of moderate length ;
tiliiiu bare for a considerable distance above the joint, the naked part smooth. Tarsus about
oi\\u\.\ to or a little longer than middle toe and claw, varying but slightly in proportions among
the different species; anteriorly scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate. Hallux fully
d(!velopcd. Anterior claws stout, little curved, rather obtu.se, inner edge of midille one dilated.
Webs scarcely incised. Comprising the largest and m.iiiy medium-sized species of the sub-
984 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES.
family, being those most typical of it. White, with a darker mantle, without a hood or col-
lar ; head and neck in winter streaked with dusky (Larus proper) ; or dark, with white head
and red bill (Blasipus).
Analysis of Species.
I. Tail and under parts white in adult ; bill and feet not reddish. {Larus.)
A. Large and robust ; mantle whitish or pale pearly ; no black on primaries at any age.
Mantle very pale pearly ; primaries the same, fading insensibly into white far from tips.
Larger : length about 30.00 inches ; wing 18.00 or more ; bill and tarsus, each, about 3.00. Arctic,
Pacific, Atlantic glaucus (and barrovianus f)
Smaller : length about 24.00 inches ; wing 17.00 or less ; bill about 2.00 ; tarsus 2.25. Arctic and
Atlantic leucoptervs
Mantle light blue ; primaries the same, with definite white tips. Pacific glaucescens
Mantle very pale blue, as in leucopterus ; primaries with slate-gray markings.
Smaller : wing 16.00-17.00. Atlantic kumlieni
Larger : wing over 17.00. Pacific nelsoni
B. Very large : mantle slaty-blackish ; primaries crossed with black.
Largest : size of (?/«!/«« ; length 30.00; wing 18.00-19.00. Atlantic marinus
Not 80 large : length about 26.00 ; wing 17.00-18.00. Pacific . ■. schistisagus
C. Large : mantle some shade of blue, darker than in A, lighter than in B ; primaries crossed with black.
Mantle grayish-blue ; bill moderately robust ; feet flesh-colored. N. Am. at large
{argentatus or) smithsonianus
Mantle slaty-blue ; bill very robust ; feet flesh-colored. Pacific occidenlalis
Mantle dark grayish-blue ; bill moderately robust ; feet flesh-color. Pacific vegm
Mantle dark slate ; bill moderately robust : feet yellow. Greenland only affinis
D. Medium and small : primaries crossed with black ; feet greenish or yellowish ; webs yellow.
Tarsus obviously longer than middle toe and claw ; bill of adult greenish-yellow, encircled with black
band ; first primary usually with a sub-apical white spot ; length about 18.00-20.00. N. Am. at large
delawarensis
Tarsus little if any longer than middle toe and claw ; bill with red spot, but an imperfect black band, if any ;
first primary usually with end broadly white ; length about 20.00-22.00. Western N. Am. californicus
Tarsus little or not longer than middle toe and claw ; bill slender, greenish, without black band or red spot;
size very small ; length 16.00-18.00. Chiefly Arctic and Pacific (Labrador?) {canus or) brachyrhynchus
II. Tail and under parts dark in adult. Head white ; bill and feet reddish. {Blasipus. )
Back slaty-lead color. Pacific heermanni
(^Subgenus Larus.)
L. glau'cus. (Gr. ykav<6s, glauJcos, Lat. glaucus. bluish.) GLAUCOUS GuLL. ICE GuLL.
Burgomaster. Very large : Length about 30.00 ; extent 60.00; wing up to 18.50 ; tail up
to 8.50; bill 2.75-3.00 (chord of culmen), along gape 3.75, its depth opposite nostrils 0.80,
at angle 0.85 ; tarsus 3.00-.3.25 ; middle toe and claw 2.75. No black anywhere at any age.
Adult (^ 9 in summer : Bill large and strong, very wide, but not so deep at angle nor so con-
vex at end as in marinus, about as long as middle toe and claw ; chrome yellow, the tip di-
aphanous yellow, a vermilion spot at angle. Legs and feet pale flesh-color or yellowish. Iris
yellow. Primaries entirely white, or palest possible pearly-blue, fading insensibly into white
at some distance from their tips, their shafts straw-yellow. Mantle very pale pearl-blue.
Otherwise, wholly white. In winter : Head and hind neck lightly touched with pale brownish-
gray. A supposed immature stage (the so-called L. hutchinsi) : Entirely white ; bill flesh-
colored, black-tipped. Young : Bill flesh-colored, black-tipped ; plumage impure white,
mottled with pale reddish-brown, sometimes quite dusky on back; under parts a nearly uniform
pale shade of brownish ; quills and tail imperfectly barred with the same. Smaller : wing 17.50 ;
bill 2.40; tarsus 2.40, etc. Downy young: Pale gray, still paler below, the upper parts
marked with dusky gray spots. Eggs 2 or 3, 3.15 X 2.15. Northern and Arctic seas, circum-
polar; S. in winter in North America to the Middle States and San Francisco Bay, coastwise,
and in the interior to the Great Lakes. This is one of the very largest and most powerful birds
of the whole family, fully equalling marinus in these respects.
L. barrovia'nvis ? (Lat. relating to Sir John Barroiv, for whom Point Barrow on the N.
coast of Alaska was named.) Point Barrow Glaucous Gull. Identical with the last in
LAPdDJL — LARINuE: GULLS, 985
plumage and color of bill and feet ; slightly smaller, on an average, but main dimensions over-
lapping the minima of those of glaiicus, and I am at a loss to see upon what grounds it has
been rated as a species. Measurements assigned by the describer are : Length " about " 25.00-
28.00; wing 16.25-18.00; tail 7.00-7.50 ; culmen 1.88-2.30 ; depth of bill at base 0.70-0.80,
at angle 0.72-0.85; tarsus 2.40-2.78; middle toe and claw 2.:3.5-2.75. Eggs 3.05 X 2.03.
The somewhat smaller bill and feet seem to be the only appreciable distinction. Point Bar-
row on the Arctic Ocean, through Bering Sea to Japan in winter. Ridgw. Auk, July, 1886,
p. 330; Man. 1887, p. 26; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 42.1. See CouKS, Key, 4th ed.
18L»0, p. 906, and Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 292.
L. leucop'terus. (Gr. XfUKos, leucos, white ; irrepov, 2}teron, wing.) White-winged Gull.
Iceland Gull. Precisely like L. glaucus in plumage, but smaller. Length 24.00, rather less
than more ; wing 16.00-17.00 ; bill along culmen 1.75-2.00, along gape about 2.75 ; depth at
angle 0.65 ; tarsus 2.00-2.25, not longer than middle toe and claw. Eggs 2.80 X 1 .90. This
counterpart of glaucus inhabits the same northerly regions, coming south to the same degree
in winter. It appears to be much less characteristic of North America than of Europe.
L. glauces'cens. (Lat. glaucescens, growing blui.sh.) Glaucous-winged Gull. Like a
Herring Gull with the black of the primaries washed out ; primaries of the color of the mantle
to the very tips, which are occupied by definite small white spots ; the 1st also with a large
white subterminal spot. Bill long and rather weak ; upper mandible acute and projecting
considerably beyond tip of tlie under; convexity near end comparatively slight; angle pretty
well defined, outline between it and tip about straight. Tarsus rather longer than middle toe
and claw. Length about 27.00: wing 1(5.75; bill along culmen 2.25; gape 3.25 ; depth at
angle 0.70 ; tarsus 2.60; middle toe and claw 2.50. Adult $^, in summer : Bill light yel-
low, witli an orange spot at angle of lower mandible, and often a dusky one just above it.
Mantle pearl-blue, of about tlie same shade as in argentatus or smithsonianus. First primary
at base not appreciably lighter tlian body of feather, Avith a large well-defined white spot on
both webs near end, separated from the white tip by a transverse band of the color of body of
feather ; 2d, 3d, and 4th, basal portions notably lighter than the terminal, fading into pure
Avhite at their juncture with the latter, without spots except at tips; 5th, 6th, basal portions
tlie color of back, fading into white near end, separated from the white apices by a band, nar-
rowest on 6th, of the color of outer primaries. Inner primaries like secondaries, with ]>lain
broadly white ends. Feet light fiesh-color. Adult (J 9 , in winter : Head, neck, and breast
thickly clouded (not streaked or spotted) witli liglit grayish-dusky ; throat mostly immaculate.
Approaching maturity : Bill dark-colored, yellowish along the culmen and gouys. Wings and
tail light grayish-ash, the former without sharply-defined white tips or spots. Under parts
generally marked with dusky ; wing-coverts marked with dusky and white. Feathers of back
narrowly edged with gray. Intermediate : Bill fiesh-colored, the terminal portion black.
Wings and tail darker than in the preceding, especially <m outer webs of the former. Evcry-
wliere dusky-gray, more or less mottled with white, the gull-blue of upper parts ajipeariug iu
patches of greater or less extent. Young-of-the-year : Bill black. Everywhere grayish-dusky,
somewhat mottled with whitish; feathers of back, wings, and upper tail-coverts edged, tipped,
and cro.ssed with more or le.ss regular transverse bars of grayisli-white. Downy yoiniir : Bill
and feet black ; head and neck dull whitish, spotted with Idackish ; upper parts spotteil with
grayish-black and grayish-white; under parts more uniformly gray ; abdomen while. Pacific
coast of North America, common from Alaska to California; breeding range from Bering
Straits to Juan de Fuca Straits; also on the Asiatic coast to Japan. This is one of the best
known Pacific .species. It coiiniiDuly nests on clitrs, sometimes on low grassy ground, June,
.luly. Egirs3, 2.90 X 2.00.
1j. kum'lieni. (To Ludwig Kumiirn.) Kummkn's Gull. Ati.antk GuAV-wiNnED
Gull. Adult ^: Like glaucrsceiis; ratlier smaller, with lighter mantle and ditlerent color
986 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES.
and pattern of the primaries. Mantle about as in leucopterus ; primaries and secondaries
mostly white on exposed surfaces, with markings of dull slate-gray. First primary white on
both webs at end for about 2.00, inner web white to base excepting a slate-gray strip next the
shaft, outer web (except at end) slate-gray, feding into white toward base ; 2d, the gray con-
fined to a space of about 4.00 on outer web, and both webs tinged with color of mantle which^
on inner web, fades into white about 3.00 from tip, but on outer web is deepest where it joins
the darker gray area ; 3d with subapical gray bar on both webs, 0.50 wide on inner web, but
running along outer web for 2.00 ; tip white, the rest tinged with color of mantle ; 4th with a
slate-gray subterminal bar, but narrower and paler; 5th with a pair of subterminal gray spots ;
remaining primaries and all secondaries plain, concolor with mantle to within about 2.00 of
their tips, where the pearl-blue changes rather abruptly into white. Iris cream-color; bill
yellow with red spot, as usual ; orbital ring reddish; feet flesh-color. Length 24.00; extent
50.00; wing 16.00-17.00 ; tail 6.50; chord of culmen 1.75 ; gape 2.60 ; tarsus, or middle toe
and claw, about 2.30. Cumberland Sound and Greenland, S. in winter to New England and
New York. L. glaucescens Kumlien, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 15, 1879, p. 98 ; Brews-
ter, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1883, p. 125; Merrill, ibid. Bay of Fundy and Grand Menan.
L. knmlieni Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 1883, p. 216 ; Park, Auk, 1884, p. 196,
New York ; Coues, Key, 2d, 3d, and 4th eds. 1884-90, p. 742 ; B. B. and R. Water Birds
N. A. ii, 1884, p. 219 ; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 27 ; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886 and 1895, No. 45 ;
Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 288.
Ii. nel'soni. (To E. W. Nelson.) Nelson's Gull. Pacific Gray-winged Gull.
Coloration as in the last; larger; wing over 17.00; chord of culmen over 2.00 ; bill along
gape 3.00 ; its depth at angle 0.80 ; tarsus 3.00 ; middle toe and claw 2.90. Norton Sound,,
Alaska ; a dubious Gull, which I admit with hesitation ; but the material now known is in-
sufficient for final decision regarding its specific validity or invalidity. It may prove to be
chalcopterus of Bruch, Bonaparte, Lawrence, and Coues. L. nelsoni Henshaw, Auk,
July, 1884, p. 250 ; B. B. and R. Water Birds N. A. ii, 1884, p. 222 ; A. 0. U. List, 1886,
p. 88; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 891; Ridgw. Man. 1887, p. 27; Henshaw, Nelson's-
Rep. Alaska, 1887, p. 53; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 17, No. 46; Saunders, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 287.
L. mari'nus. (Lat. marinus, marine.) Great Black-backed Gull. Saddle-back.
Coffin-carrier. Cobb. Wagell. Size very large; form strong and powerful. Bill
very stout, deep at angle, rather short for its height ; culmen toward end exceedingly convex,
so much so as to make a tangent to it at the point where the tip of the lower mandible touches
it perpendicular to the commissure. Symphyseal eminence very prominent ; tarsus but little
if any longer than middle toe and claw, compressed, rather slender for size of the bird. Adult
^ 9 ) i>i breeding plumage : Bill bright chrome ; tip of both mandibles diaphanous. A large
bright vermilion spot occupies nearly the terminal half of lower mandible and encroaches a
little on the upper. Edges of jaws bright vermilion. Palate and tongue pale orange-red.
Eyelids vennilion. Iris pale lemon-yellc)W. Legs and feet pale flesh-color. Mantle intense
slate-color, nearly black, with a purplish reflection ; secondaries and tertials broadly tipped
with white, the line of demarcation distinct. Primaries : 1st black, scarcely lighter at base,
tip white for 2.50, shaft white inferiorly, and superiorly along the white portion of the feather;
2d like 1st, but its base lighter, the white tip less extensive, and interrupted by a narrow bar
of black on one or both webs ; 3d, 4th, 5th broadly tipped with white, their bases of a lighter
shade of slate than the 2d, and fading into white at junction with the broad black subterminal
band. Adult J' 9 ; in winter : As in summer, but head and neck streaked with dusky. Young-
of-the-year : As large as adult ; bill as large, but not so strong, nor the eminence so well de-
veloped ; wholly black. Upper parts dusky chocolate-brown, mottled with whitish and light
rufous, the latter on back and wings, the feathers being tipped and wing-coverts deeply in-
LARIDJi-LARIN.E: GULLS. 987
dented with this color. Under parts mottled with white or rufous-white and dusky, throat
mostly immaculate. Primaries and tail brownish-black, the former tipped, latter subterminally
barred, and its outer feather mottled, with whitish. Nestlings in down : Gray, the upper parts
mottled with darker gray, and on the head spotted with black. Length 30.00; extent 65.00;
wing 19.00; bill above 2.50; rictus 3.50; height at nostril 0.85; at angle 0.95; tarsus 3.00;
middle toe and claw slightly less. This great wary bird, the dark rival of the Ice-Gull, inhabits
the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, ranging south coastwise in winter to Florida
and casually to the Bermudas, also to the Great Lakes, breeding beyond the U. S., especially
in Labrador. Found on the larger inland waters as well as coastwise. Nest on the ground, of
moss, grasses, and seaweed ; eggs 2 or 3, 2.90-3.10 X 2.1 5, pale drab or olive-gray, irregularly
blotched with dark brt)wn and blackish, with purplish or neutral-tint shell-spots.
L. schistisa'gus. (Gr. (txisto^, schistos, fissile, clcavable, that may be split, as slate, stone, or
shlstis, hence slate-colored; adyos, sagos, cloak, mantle.) Slaty-backed Gull. Adult:
White; mantle dark slate-gray. First primary with a long white tip and a gray wedge on
inner web; 2d with a subapical white spot on inner web only, and the gray wedge farthei
down ; 3d with the gray wedge reaching subapical spot ; no gray wedge on outer webs of first 4
primaries. Feet pinkish flesh-color. Bill yellow, with red spot on gonys. Iris yellowish
cream-color. Nearly the size of the last; length about 2(5.00; wing 17.00-18.00; culmen
2.25; depth of bill 0.85; tarsus 2.70; middle toe without claw 2.25. N. Pacific and Arctic
Oceans, chiefly on the Asiatic side, but also on the coast of Alaska. This Gull has been
variously called argentatus, cachinnans, fiiscescens, marinus, pelagicus, affinis, borealis, by
difl'erent authors, and named schistisagiis in the Auk, i, July, 1884, p. 231, and Bull. U. S.
Nat. Mus. No. 29, 1885, p. 67. See also Water Birds N. A. ii, 1884, p. 229 ; Proc. U. S.
Nat. Mus. .K, 1887, p. 119, pi. 8, fig. 1 ; Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 892; Man. N. A. Birds, 1887,
p. 29; Nelson's Rep. Alaska, 1887, p. 53; Auk, 1893, p. 123; A. O. U. List, 2d ed. 1895,
p. 18, No. 48 ; Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 258.
L. occidenta'lis. (Lat. occidentalism western.) Western Herring Gull. Bill large,
very stout and deep; culmen unusually convex at end; angle strongly developed, making the
under outline doubly-concave. Feet large and stout ; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw.
Adult $ 9) summer plumage: Bill bright chrome-yellow; a vermilion spot, more or less
extensive, at angle. Mantle dark bluish-ash, almost slate-color; tips of secondaries and ter-
tials white, the line of demarcation distinct. Primaries : first 3 black throughout their exposed
portions, the outer one white for 1.75 at tip, crossed near end with an irregular black bar, the
shafts black; 2d without a white subapical spot, but its tip, and tips of all the others, white.
Legs and feet flesh-color. Approaching maturity : As in the proc^ding, but the upper parts
rather lighter, and the tail with an imperfect subterminal bar of black. Intormediate:
Bill much as in adult. White of head, neck, and under parts, more or less mottled with dusky ;
enll-blue of upper parts appearing in irregular patches ; most feathers tipped with light-gray.
Primaries and tail uniform blackish-brown, with scarcely lighter tips, the former without
spots. Young-of-the-year : Bill entirely black, rather shorter than in adults, but with great
comparative depth at angle. Everywhere deep blackish-brown, mottled with grayisii-white,
the feathers of the upper parts being tipped and edged with that color. Rump and upper tail-
coverts barred with whitish and dusky. Wings and tail as in the preceding. Winter plumage:
I'liis species seems to form an exception to the rule which obtains .so extensively amoiisj large
(lulls, since in winter the head and neck behind are not streaked with dusky in fully adult
i>irds. Dimensions of adults : Length 24.00; extent .55.00; wiii^' !('>. .">(); bill above 2..'tt);
along gape 3.10; height at nostril 0.75; width 0.40; height at an^leO.85; tarsus, and middle
toe and claw, 2.75. Pacific coast of North America, very common, breeding from Briti.sh Co-
liimbi.i to Lower California. This and 7>. glnuccscetus are the two commonest largo Gulls
aloiii: the I'acitic coast. Eggs usually 3, about 2. H5 X 1-JM), not distiiii;uishable from tho.so
988
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES.
of related species. Nestlings in down pale gray with a buff tinge, blotched and spotted above
with black or blackish, especially on the head.
L. affl'nis. (Lat. affinis, allied to L. fuscus.) Reinhardt's Gull. Siberian Gull. A
slaty-backed bird, resembling L. fuscus, but belonging to the Herring Gull group in the pat-
tern of the primaries. Mantle a shade paler than that of L. fuscus; feet yellow ; bill yellow,
with a red spot on the gonys. Length 24.00; wing 18.00; tail 7.50; culmeu 2.90; tarsus
2.75; middle toe and claw 2.50. Asia; Africa; Europe; only North American as occurring
accidentally in Greenland, whence the species was originally described by Reinhardt in 1853,
and where it has never been found again. The bird is wide-ranging in Asia, and Siberian ref-
erences are correct ; but those which assign it to Alaska belong to L. vegcE.
Li. argenta'tus. (Lat. argentahis, silvered, silvery.) European Herring Gull. Pre-
cisely like the next to be described, excepting the following particulars : Average smaller
size; wing averaging 1.50 shorter; feet about 0.50 shorter on an average; bill shorter and
slenderer, particularly at base. The 1st primary has usually a white terminal space 2.00
long ; the 2d a large rounded subterminal white spot, occupying both webs. The 1st primary
of the American bird has usually a rounded white subterminal spot much like that on 2d pri-
mary of the European, almost always separated from the white apical spot, and if a spot is
present on 2d primary, it is small. Birds typically like the European occur in eastern North
America.
L. a. smithsonia'nus. (To the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D. C, so named
for its founder, James Smithson, sou of Hugh Percy, Duke of Northumberland. Fig.
684.) American Herring Gull. Bill rather less than tarsus, shorter than head ; ro-
bust, its height at angle slightly
more than at base. Culmen
nearly straight at nostrils; then
rapidly convex to the stout, de-
flected, overhanging apex. Out-
line of rami slightly concave ;
gonys about straight; eminence
at symphysis large and promi-
nent, but its apex not very acute.
Adult (J 9 ? in breeding plumage:
Bill briglit chrome, its tip diapha-
nous, a vermilion spot at angle,
with sometimes a small black one
just anterior to it. Legs and feet
2)nle flesh-color ; claws blackish.
Mantle typical "gull-blue," much
lighter than in occidentalis ;
lighter than in hrachyrhynchus ;
of much the same shade as in dela-
warensis or glaucescens ; darker
than in glaucus or leucopterus.
Bases of primaries same as back,
or very slightly lighter, not so
light, nor of so great extent (being exceedingly short on the 1st primary), nor so broad at
end, as in californicus. On the 1st primary this light basal portion is very short, hardly
reaching within 6 or 7 inches of the tip. It is not lighter at its junction with the black, nor
does it extend farther on central portion than on edge of the feather. On the 2d, 3d, and 4th
primaries the bluish of the basal portions extends about the same distance on each (within
Fig. 684. — American Hernnp; iiull, \ oung. (From The Osprey.)
LARID.E — LARIN^: GULLS. 989
4.00 of tip of 2(1), runs up fartlier on the centres of the feathers than on their edges, and grows
nearly white at its junction with the black portions. First primary with a subapical white
spot near its tip, small, rounded, not much over 1.00 in diameter; generally not longer on
outer vane than on inner; sometimes wanting ou the former; in oldest birds this spot enlarg-
ing to coalesce with the white tip of the feather; 2d primary usually without a subapical spot,
or if one is present it is small. All the primaries with small rounded wliite tips, and black
from these apical spots to their bluish-white bases; this baud of black growing narrower from
1st to 7th, where it is a mere point. Winter plumage: Head and neck streaked witli dusky;
bill less brightly colored. Otherwise as in summer. Immature : The feathers of the back
have gray margins ; upper wing-coverts mottled with dusky-gray. An imperfect subterminal
bar of dusky ou tail. Young of first winter: Head, neck, and whole under parts more or less
thickly mottled with dusky, as are the wing-coverts, secondaries, and tertials. The gull-blue
of upper parts appears in irregular patches, mixed with gray. Kemiges and rectrices brownish-
black, with very narrow whitish tips, the former wanting both apical and subapical white
spots. Bill flesh-color, its terminal third black. Feet dull flesh-color. Younger: Entirely
deep dull brownish ; throat lightly streaked and rump transversely barred with whitish ; feath-
ers of back with yellowish or grayish-white edges ; wings and tail black ; bill blackish ; legs
and feet dusky flesh-color. Dimensions of adult: Length 24.00-25.00; extent 54.00-58.00;
wing 17.00-18.00; bill along culmen 2.40; height at nostril 0.75; at angle 0.80; tarsus 2.75;
middle toe aud claw the same. 9 ^ little, and young considerably less than foreg(jing ; wing
down to 15.50; bill to 2.20; tarsus to 2.40. North America at large, abundant, both coast-
wise and in the interior, especially numerous along the Atlantic coast in winter; less common
on the Pacific coast. Breeds from Maine, Minnesota, N. Dakota, and Great Lakes northward,
especially about the St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, and Labrador, but not especially Arctic ; S.
in winter to Cuba and Lower California. Nest on the ground, exceptionally in trees; eggs
normally 3, averaging 2.80 X 1.95; ground-color from light bluish- or greenish-white to dark
brownish-olive ; markings of every size and shape, very irregularly disposed, dark brown and
blackish, paler brown and neutral tint; June and early July. Nestlings covered with whitish
down, mottled with angular dusky spots.
L. ve'gae. (Lat. of the Vega, a ship so named.) Vega Gull. Size, proportion of parts,
pattern of primaries, etc., as in a common Herring Gull. Feet flesh-color (not yellow).
Mantle dark bluish — darker than that of argentatus, yet not slate-colored as in occidentalis.
Northwest coast of North America from Bering Sea, S. in winter to California; on the Asiatic
side from the Arctic coast of Siberia S. in winter to Japan, China, Formosa, and the Boniu
Islands. L. cachinnans of most late American writers, as of the 2d anil 3d eds. of the Key,
but not of Pallas, wliich is a Herring Gull with yellow legs, as wrongly given for the pres-
ent species by most of our writers. L. argentatus var. vegce Palmen, Vega Exped. v, 1887,
p. 370 ; L. vega: Stej. Auk, July, 1888, p. 3J0 ; Coues, Key, 4th ed. 18itd, p. 906 ; A. 0. U.
List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 52; Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 189(i, p. 2()0, where the exten-
sive synonymy is given. (L. argentatus d. horenlis CouES, B. N. W. 1874. p. 021!. L. affinis,
N'r.LSDN, Cruise of the Corwin, 1883, p. 107.)
L. califor'nicus. Califounian Gull. Bill moderately stout, the angle well developed;
varying in size, longer than in delaivarensis, sometimes nearly equalling that of argentatus.
Tarsus equal to or slightly longer than middle toe and claw. Adult ^ 9 - summer plumage :
15111 chrome-yellow, tinged with greenish; a vermilion spot on lower mandible at anu;K' ; a
black spot just above, forming, with a very small black spot on upper mandible, an imperfect
transverse band. Feet dusky bluish-green : welis gellow. Mantle pcarl-bhie, uan-h as in
^mc/i //r/(//nc/<«.s-, lighter than in crtHM,"?, slightly tlarker than m argentatus. Primaries: bases
<if all ligiit blMish-wIiitc, internally almost white, especially on outer webs, and of great extent
nn all ; 1st with a white space at end for about 2.00, the shaft while along the white portion
990 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES.
of the feather ; 2d with a white spot near end on whole of inner and most of outer web, divided
by the bhick shaft ; tips of all white ; black forming merely a narrow subterminal band on 6th.
Tips of inner primaries white, as are also tips of secondaries, the line of demarcation between
the white and the blue of the mantle pretty distinct. In breeding plumage : Eyelids bright
saffron-yellow or red. Eyes brown. Upper mandible bright chrome, the greater part of the
lower vermilion, the rest chrome. Gape of mouth deep crimson. Feet green. Winter plu-
mage : Bill dully colored. Head and neck behind streaked and mottled with dusky. Nearly
mature : As in the preceding. Tail with an imperfect subterminal black bar. Some feathers
of upper parts edged with gray. White space at end of 1st primary crossed by a transverse
black bar; no spot on 2d primary. Young: Bill black on terminal half. Head, neck, rump,
wing-coverts, and secondaries, mottled with dusky. Primaries and tail uniformly brownish-
black, scarcely lighter at tips. Back as in adults, but the feathers with grayish edges. Di-
mensions: Length 20.00-23.00; extent 50.00-54.00; wing 15.00-17.00; bill 1.60-2.00; depth
at angle 0.56; tarsus 2.00-2.25; middle toe and claw about the same. Adults near the larger
of these dimensions. Western and Arctic North America, breeding abundantly in the U. S.,
chiefly in the interior; extends S. in winter into Mexico ; E. sometimes to Kansas. Eggs 2.60
X 1-80. Downy young pale gray, clouded on the back with dusky, and spotted on the head
with black.
li. delawaren'sis. (Of Delaware.) Ring-billed Gull. Common American Gull.
Bill rather stout, as long as middle toe and claw ; upper mandible considerably convex at end ;
under mandible much thickened at angle, which is prominent; outline from base to augle, and
from angle to tip, both concave. Middle toe and claw scarcely more than | the tarsus. Adult
J' 9 , in summer: Bill greenish-yellow, at tip chrome, encircled at angle with a broad band of
black. Feet dusky bluish-green in dried state, greenish-yellow in life; edges of eyelids red ;
iris straw-yellow. Mantle light pearl-blue, fading into white at ends of secondaries, the line
of demarcation indistinct. Primaries: 1st black, basal portion of inner web very light bluish-
white (almost white), with a spot of white about 1.25 long near end, of equal extent on both
webs, divided by black shaft; 2d with a small white spot on inner web, and inner web
whitish at base for a longer distance; the whitish of bases of primaries regularly increases in-
ward and the black decreases, until on 6th it is merely a transverse bar. Tip of 1st primary
black, of others white, the spot being very minute on 2d, and gradually increasing ; 7th and
innermost primaries without any black, like secondaries. Adult in winter: As in summer,
but head and neck behind spotted (not streaked nor nebulated) with dusky. Young, first
winter: Upper parts irregularly mottled with dusky brown and the pearl-blue of adults, the
wing-coverts being almost entirely dusky, with lighter margins to the feathers. Head, neck,
and under parts, mottled with white and dusky. Primaries black ; some secondaries with a
patch of brownish-black near ends ; inner ones wholly brownish-black, narrowly tipped with
whitish. Tail with a broad subterminal band of black, narrowly tipped with white. Ter-
minal half of bill black, the extreme tip yellowish. Young-of-the-year in August : Every-
where mottled thickly with brownish -black ; on upper parts the feathers with yellowish-white
edges, the pearl-blue of adults scarcely apparent, except on wing-coverts. Terminal § of bill
with tip black, the rest light flesh-color. Length 19.75; extent 48.50; wing 14.75; bill above
1.70; gape 2.30; height at nostril 0.45; at angle 0.50; tarsus 2.10; middle toe 1.80. North
America at large, one of the commonest species, both coastwise and in the interior ; breeds in
some of the U. S. but mainly in British America, to far north ; extends S. in winter to Mexico
and Cuba. In summer this Gull is like the last, chiefly an inland species, nesting on lakes and
marshes; but at other seasons it ranges coastwise. Eggs 2-3, usually 3, 2.40 X 1.70.
L. ca'nus. (Lat. canus, hoary gray.) European Mew^ Gull. Originally assigned to North
America on strength of a specimen shot by me in Labrador in 1860. It is entirely like the next
to be described excepting the following particulars : Somewhat larger. Tarsus j longer than
LARIDyE — LARIN^ : GULLS. 991
middle toe and claw. Bill stouter, with less convex culinen and better developed angle. Bluish
bases of primaries darker, not fading into white at their junction with the black, not running so
far along the feathers, nor farther in the centres than along edges of inner webs. Northern
Hemisphere, mainly Europe, Asia; California coast in winter; Labrador?
L. brachyrhyn'chus. (Gr. ^paxvs, brachiis, short ; pvyxp^, hrugchos, beak.) American
Mew Gull. Bill small, somewhat stout for its length, much shorter than head or tarsus.
Upper mandible straight to end of nostrils, ratlier more convex to the tip than in canus. Angle
of lower mandil>le comparatively less developed than in canus; lower outline considerably con-
•cave posterior to it, somewhat so before it. Commissure about straight to near tip. Tarsus
about equal to middle toe aud claw, the former but little if any longer than the latter. Adult
^ '^ , in summer: Bill bluish-green, its terminal third briglit yellow. Legs and feet dusky
bluish-green; webs yellowish. Mantle light grayish-blue or dark pearl-blue, a shade darker
than in canus, much darker than in delawarensis. Primaries : bluish-gray bases rather lighter
tlian in canus, much darker than in delawarensis, but fading into nearly pure white on all but
tlie first, at juncture with the black portion; these bluish-gray bases extend toward the ends
much farther than in canus, as far as in delawarensis, aud, as in that species, on 2d, 3d, and
4th extend farther along central portions of inner webs than at edges, so that they are bordered
for some distance with the black of the terminal portions. The black takes in outer web of
]st primary and nearly the whole of the inner, but rapidly becomes narrower, till it is merely
a subterminal transverse bar on 6th; 7th has frequently a spot of black on one or both webs.
First, with a large white spot near end 2.00 long, longer on outer than on inner web, not di-
vided by the black shaft, the tip black ; 2d with a similar spot, but smaller, not longer on
outer than on inner web, and divided by the black shaft; extreme apex white, as are the apices
of all other primaries except 1st. Adult (? 9 ; iu l^'g^i breeding plumage: Eyelid, ocular re-
gion, and gape of mouth bright orange-yellow, which color extends over tip and cutting edges
of bill ; green of bill with a peculiar hoary glaucescence. Legs and feet bluish-green; webs
briglit gamboge-yellow. Sometimes a faint pink blush of the plumage of under parts. Adults
in winter : Head and neck all round, with upper part of breast, mottled with dusky. Approach-
ing maturity : Head and neck faintly mottled. Primaries brownish-black, without decided
white tips; the spots on 1st and 2d restricted. Inner secondaries with a dusky spot on each
web near end. Tail with a more or less perfect subterminal band. Young, first winter : Bill
tlesh-color; black on terminal half. Legs and feet light yellowish. Head, neck, rump, and
wliole under parts, mottled irregularly with dusky. Back as in adult, but feathers with gray-
ish edgings. Wing-coverts and inner secondaries dusky, the latter darkest ; all with light
edgings. Primaries uniform brownish-black, without white spots, tips, or lighter bases. Tail
almost entirely brownish-black, with a narrow border of white. Young in August: Bill and
h'irs as in the preceding. Everywhere whitish-gray ; white of under parts appearing as mot-
tling, and blue of upper parts as irregular patches. Length 17.50 ; extent 42.00 ; wing 13.75 ;
bill above 1.40; gape 2.00; width at nostrils 0.25; height 0.35; height at angle 0.35; tarsus,
aud middle toe with claw, 1.80. Arctic and subarctic America in the breeding season, iu
winter ranging along the Pacific coast to southern California. It breeds on lowlands of Alaska
aud interior British America, laying in June and July 2-3 eggs, 2.30 X l-<">0. Not authenti-
cated as occurring on the Atlantic coast. The American representative of L. canus, and the
smallest species oi Larus proper in this country.
(Subgenus Blasipi's.)
L. (B.) heer'manni. (To Dr. A. L. Heerman. Fig. (585.) WniTE-llEADEn GiLL. IIkfr-
mann's Gull. Very ditlcrent from any of the foregoing, belonging to a ditferent section of
the genus {Blasipus). Bill slmrtiT than head or tarsus, rather slender, moderately compressed,
992 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
tip rather acute; red in part in adult. Folded wings reaching beyond tail. Tail of moderate
length, even, slightly einarginate in young. Feet rather large. Tarsus equal to middle toe
and claw. General colors dark ; tail mostly blackish. Adult (J 9 , in breeding plumage :
Bill bright vermilion red, black on terminal third, sometimes wholly red ; a red ring around
eye. Head white; this color gradually merging on neck into plumbeous-ash, which extends
over whole under parts, being lighter on abdomen and under tail-coverts than elsewhere. Back
deep plumbeous-slate, lighter on rump. Upper tail-coverts clear ashy. Upper surfaces of
wings like back ; primaries
black ; tips of all, except 2
or 3 outer ones, narrowly
white. Tail black, nar-
rowly tipped with white.
Legs and feet reddish-black.
Young-of-the-year: Smaller
than adult. Bill and feet
brownish - black. Entire
plumage deep sooty or fu-
FiG. 685. — White-headed Gull, 2 nat. size. (From Sclater and Salvia.) ,. . ,i i- i „ i
Ijginous - blackish ; all the
feathers, but especially those of back and upper wing-coverts, edged with grayish-white.
Primaries and secondaries black, as in adults, with only traces of white tips on the former.
Tail black, very narrowly tipped with dull white. Immature : Bill as in adult. Head all
round, and throat, mottled with brownish -black and dull white, the latter color predominating^
on forehead and throat. Upper tail-coverts lighter than in adult, and the white tips of the tail-
feathers broader ; otherwise generally as in adult, but with all colors rather deeper. Length
17.50-20.00; wing 13.50-14.00 ; tail 5.75; bill along culmen 1.80; along gape 2.40; depth at
base 0.55; at angle about the same ; tarsus 2.20; middle toe and claw a little less. Young:
wing 12.25; tail 4.75; bill along culmen 1.00; depth at base 0.50; at angle 0.45; tarsus 1.90.
Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia to Panama; common on the California
coast. This species is one of a dark-colored group, other members of which are modestus and
belcheri of the Pacific coast of South America, crassirostris of Japan and China, etc.
RIS'SA. (Icelandic name, rissa, ritsa, rita, or ritur; old Danish, ryttern.) Kittiwakes.
Three-toed Gulls. Bill stout, rather short, little compressed at base, shorter than head,
equal to middle toe without claw ; tip decurved and attenuated ; convexity of culmen regular
and gradual from base to tip; gonys concave, in consequence of great deflection of apex of
lower mandible ; outline of rami slightly concave ; erainentia symphysis well marked and acute,
but not large. Wings very long, pointed, reaching beyond tail. Tail moderately long, even
or (in young) emarginate. Tarsus remarkably short, less than middle toe alone ; anterior toes
long, and united by broad, full webs with uuincised margins. Hallux rudimentary or not well
developed, the ungual phalanx being generally obsolete. Pattern of primaries and livery of
the young peculiar. Nestlings unspotted. Nests on cliffs over the water.
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Feet dark ; bill clouded with olivaceous, about 1.50 ; wing 12.00.
Hallux rudimentary, without a claw-bearing phalanx. Arctic and N. Atlantic tridactyla
Hallux better formed, usually bearing a claw N. Pacific /. kotzebuei
Feet coral red (drying yellow) ; bill clear yellow, about 1.20; wing 13.00 N.Pacific brevirostris
R. tridac'tyla. (Gr. rpibaKTvXos, tridahtulos, tridigitate, having three digits; rpels, treis, in
composition rpi-, iri-, three, and daKTvXos, daktulos, a digit. Lat. ires or tris, three ; dactyluSy
a digit.) Common Kittiwake or Cattiwicke. Tarrock. Pick-me-up. Coddy-moddy.
laridjE—larin^: gulls. 99a
Hind toe only appearing as a minute knob, its claw abortive. Adult (J 9 , in breeding plu-
mage: Bill light yellow, more or less clouded with olivaceous. Head and neck all round,
under parts and tail, pure white. Mantle rather dark bluish or cinereous-blue; secondaries of
the same color nearly to their tips, which are white. Primaries: 1st bluish-white, without
white tip, its outer web, and its inner web for about 2.00 from tip, black; 2d like 1st, but
without the black outer web, its tip being black for nearly the same distance as 1st, with a
minute white spot at tip ; on 3d and 4th the black grows shorter, while the tips are more
broadly white — this lessening of black on each feather exactly proportional to shortening of
successive quills, bringing bases of all the black tips in the same straight line (a pattern pe-
culiar to the species of iJissa). Feet blackish. Iris reddish-brown ; eye-ring red. Adults in
winter: Occiput, nape, and sides of breast clouded with color of back, deepening into slate
over auriculars ; a small but well-defined black crescent before eye. Bill more clouded with
olivaceous. Otherwise as in summer. Young: Bill black; ante-ocular crescent and post-
ocular spot dusky ; a broad bar across neck behind, all lesser and median wing-coverts, bas-
tard quills, inner secondaries except at their edges, and a terininal bar on tail, black. First 4
primaries with their outer webs, outer half of inner webs, and ends for some distance, black,
the rest pearly white ; 5th and (»th black only at the ends, their tips with a white speck. Nest-
lings in down whitish, shaded with gray and buff on the upper parts, but not distinctly spotted
— thus unlike those of iarws. Length IG. 00-18. 00; extent 36.00; wing 12.25; bill above
1.40 to 1.50; along rictus 2.10; height at base 0.50; at angle 0.40; tarsus 1.30; middle toe
and claw 1.80. Arctic America, Asia, and Europe, chiefly coastwise, very abundant; breeds
from Magdalen Islands N. to beyond lat. 80° ; ranges in winter S. to the Middle States and
region of the Great Lakes. Nest of seaweeds, etc., not on the ground like those of most Gulls,
but on ledges of rocks and cliffs overhangiug the water, such as Guillemots and Auks select.
Eggs 2, 3, or 4, about 2.25 X 1.70, colored like those of other Gulls.
R. t. kotzebue'i. (To Otto von Kotzebue, the Russian navigator.) Kotzebue's Kitti-
WAKE. It is a curious fact that the Kitliwake of the North Pacific usually has the hind toe
better formed — sometimes nearly if not quite as long as in ordinary Gulls, with a nearly or
quite perfect, though small, claw. But I cannot predicate a specific character on this score,
since the development of the toe is by insensible degrees : see CoUES, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1869,
p. 207; Birds N. W. 1874, p. 644. N. Pacific coast, abundant; breeding far N., in winter S.
sometimes to southern California; has been taken in Lower California; habits, nest, and eggs
the same as those of the common Kittiwake. R. t. pollicnris of A. 0. U. Lists, No. 40 a.
K. breviros'tris. (Lat. brevirostris. short-billed; brevis, short; rostrum, beak.) Siiort-
lULLHu Kittiwake. Ked-lecged Kittiwake. Bill very short, stout, wide at base ;
upper mandible nmch curved, though not attenuated nor very acute. Convexity of culmen
very great toward tip ; tlie culmen being, from nostrils to tip, almost the arc of a circle whose
centre is the symphyseal eminence. Outline of mandibular rami and gonys both somewhat
concave: emineutia symphysis slightly deveh)ped. Tarsus hardly more than 3 middle toe and
claw. Folded wings reaching far beyond tail. Tail of moderate length, even. Adult ^ 9>
brccdini,' plumage: Bill straw-yellow, with little or no olivaceous tinge; iris hazel; eye-ring
red. Head and neck all round, under parts and tail, pure white. Mantle deep leaden or bluish-
gray, much darker than in tridnctyla; this color extending on wings to within 0.50 of the tips
of the secondaries, which terminal half-inch is white. Primaries: 1st with shaft and outer
vane bhick, but on its inner vane a space of dull gray (not white), which at base occupies
nearly all the vane, but gradually narrows until it cuds by a well-defined rounded termina-
tion half as broad as the vane itself, about 2.50 from tlie tip, these 2\ inches being black, like
the outer vane; 2d: outer vane of the .same leaden-gray as back, to within 4.(K) of tip, inner
vane of a rather liirhter shad«! of tlie sam(! color to within 3.(M) <if the tii>, the gray ending nb-
ru[itiy ; 3il like tlir 2d, but the gray extending farther, leaving only a space of 2.00 black, and
63
994 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES.
the tip has also a iniDUte gray spot; 4th wholly bluish-gray to within 1.50 of the tip, which
has a larger gray spot than has the 3d, so that the black is less than 1.50 long; 5th, the gray
extending so far that it is separated from the well-defined white apical spot by a band of blacit
less than 1.50 wide ; 6th gray, fading into white at tip, and with the black reduced to a small
subapical spot on one or both webs ; other primaries like Gth, minus the black spot. (This
"gray " of the primaries is the color of the mantle.) Feet coral-red, especially toes and webs
(tarsi not quite so bright), drying yellow; claws black. Adults in winter: As before, but
<;ervi.\: and auriculars overlaid with plumbeous. Young: Similar, but cervical collar better
marked and darker, and mantle variegated with grayish-white tips of the feathers ; more dark
color about eyes, but no black on wing-coverts, inner secondaries, or tail : bill and feet ob-
scured. Nestlings covered with white down, with whitish bill and feet. Length 14.00-16.00 ;
wing 13.00; tail 5.00; culmen 1.20; rictus 1.70; from nostril to tip 0.60; depth at base 0.50;
width 0.42; depth at angle 0.42; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw nearly 2.00. A beautiful
aud very distinct species, swarming by thousands on rocky coasts and islands of Bering's Sea,
vi^here it is a permanent resident; nests on shelves of the most inaccessible crags, building a
substantial structure of grass, moss, and seaweeds, mixed with mud; eggs 2-3, 2.25 X 1-65,
of the usual pattern of coloration : June, July.
PAGOPH'ILA. (Gr. wdyos, pcigos, ice ; (/)tXo9, j^hilos, loving.) Ice Gulls. Bill much
shorter than head, about equal to tarsus, very stout, little compressed ; nasal fossae deep, the
nostrils place<l far forward. Culmen straight to nostrils, then regularly convex ; commissure
gently curved to tip, where it is considerably decurved; gonys straight to near angle, which is
well defined, the outline from angle to tip perfectly straight. Feathers extending between
rami nearly to angle. Wings long and pointed, reaching beyond tail. Feet very short and
stout; scales of tarsus and toes large and rough. Tibiae feathered to near joint; tarsus about
as long as middle toe without claw ; claws large, much curved ; M-ebs narrow and much in-
cised; a slight connection of hind with inner toe. Size moderate ; form stout; color entirely
white. One species. (Gavia Boie, 1822, of A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95. Pagophila Kaup,
1829, A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 98.
P. al'ba. (Lat. aZ&a, white.) Ivory GuLL. Snow Gull. Adult ^ 9^ breeding plumage :
Entirely pure white ; shafts of primaries straw-yellow. Bill greenish-gray, yellow at tip
and along cutting edges ; feet black ; eyes brown ; edges of eyelids red. Young : Front and
sides of head dusky gray; upper part of neck, all round, irregularly spotted with the same.
Scapulars, and upper and under wing-coverts, with brownish-black spots, most numerous along
lesser coverts. Tips of primaries and tail-feathers with dusky spots. Nestlings covered with
white down; fledglings gray. Length 16.00-19.00; extent 41.00; wing 13.25; bill above
1.40; along gape 2.10; height at nostrils 0.45; tarsus 1.45; middle toe and claw 1.75. Cir-
cumpolar regions, breeding only in very high latitudes, S. rarely to the U. S. in winter; New
Brunswick casually. The bird abounds in summer in its Arctic breeding resorts, where it
usually nests on cliffs like a Kittiwake, sometimes on low ground. Eggs 2-4, 2.25-2.45 X
about 1.70, olivaceous-bufi", marked with different shades of brown and gray; laid late in June
and in July. P. eburnea of former editions of the Key, as of most authors, after Larus ebur-
neus Phipps, 1774, antedated by L. albus Gunn. 1767, whence P. alba CouES, Auk, July,
1897, p. 313. A. 0. U. Suppl. List, 1899, p. 99.
CHROICOCEPH'ALUS. (Gr. ^P^tKo'?, c7wwJtos, colored ; Kecf)aXrj, kephale, head.) Hooded
Gulls. Rosy Gulls. Form as in Larus, but usually less robust; size averaging smaller;
bill usually slenderer, more acute, and less hooked. Head enveloped in a dark hood in the
breeding season, when white of under parts usually blushes pink or rosy. Markings of prima-
ries varying with the species, but different from that of the larger Gulls. Tail square, or nearly
so. There are no marked peculiarities of form of this genus, pattern of coloration being mainly
its basis. The numerous species average much under those of Larus in size (though one, C. icli-
blossoms). Mantle grayish-plumbeous. Outer
6 primaries black, their tips usually white, their ^ ^^^
larid.e—larinjE: gulls. 995
thijaetus, is among tlie largest of Larince); they approximate toward Xerna and Rhodostethia in
some respects, but the tail is neither lurked nor cuneate.
Analysis of Species.
Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw.
Bill reddish, feet tlie same. Length IG.OO or more . atricilla
Tarsus not longer tlian middle toe and claw.
Bill reddish, feet the same. Length about 14.00 franklini
Bill black, feet red or yellow. Length about 14.00 . Philadelphia
Bill lake-red, feet vermilion. Length about 11.00 minutus
C. atricQ'la. (Lat. atricilla, black-tail : only applicable to the young. Fig. 686.) Laugh-
ing Gull. Black-headed Gull. Bill longer than middle toe and claw, shorter than
tarsus or head, rather stout for this genus. Gonys concave in front of angle, which is well
defined, but tip of bill so decurved that a chord thence to the base does not touch the angle.
Middle toe barely | the tarsus. Adult (^ 9 ; in summer : Bill and edges of eyelids carmine or
lake-red; feet dusky-red; iris blackish. Hood plumbeous grayish-black, e.\teuding farther
on throat than on nape. Eyelids white posteriorly. Neck all round, rump, tail, broad tips of
secondaries, and wliole under parts, white, the
latter with a rosy tinge (like the tint of peach-
^^^^ ' (^
bases for a very short distance on inner web of 1st, ^^^ ■•^ '^- C,,,
and for an increasing distance on botli webs of the
others, of the color of the back. Adult in winter :
Under parts simply white, not rosy; hood lost,
the head being white, mixed with blackish. Bill
and feet obscured. Immature: Bill and feet Fio osc. — Bill of Laughing Gull, nat. size. (Ad.
brownish-black, tinged with red. Plumbeous of
upper parts more or less mixed with irregular patches of light grayish-brown. Primaries wholly
brownish -black, fading at ti[)s. Secondaries brownish-black cm outer webs. Tail-feathers
more or less tinged with plumbeous, and with a broad terminal band of brownish-black, the
extreme tips white. Upper tail-coverts white. Young-of-the-year : Entire uj)per parts, and
neck all round, light brownish-gray; the feathers tipped with grayish or rufous- white, broadly
on scapulars and inner secondaries, tlie blue of adults appearing on wing-coverts. Eyelids
wliitish ; a dusky space about eye. Forehead, throat, and under parts, dull whitish, more or
less clouded with gray, esi)ecially on breast, where tliis is the prevailing color. Wings and tail
as before. Nestlings covered with buft' down much variegated with dusky-brown. Length
about 10.50; extent 41.00; wing 13.00; tail 5.00; bill 1.75; along gape 2.25; its height at
nostril 0.45; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and claw 1.50. Tropical America and warm temperate
North America; on the Atlantic north coastwise in summer to Maine and Nova Scotia; in tlie
interior to Ohio or beyond; on the Pacific side to Lower California ; Central America, both
coasts, and various West India islands; South America to the Lower Amazon and Peru. By
thousands ahmg the Atlantic coast of the U. S. during migration, breeding in colonies any-
where along as far as Massachusetts, wintering in the South. Nest on the ground, of eel-grass,
seaweeds, and other vegetable material; eggs 2-5, usually .'^, 2.10 X L55, ground color some
olive .'*hadf, ranging from dull grayish to dark tireenish, thickly markf<l all over with spots
and irregular sjda.sln'.s of brown, blackish, dull reddish, and ])ale purplish; sometimes the
markings chieJly wreathed about the largo end. The ej)ithet "laughing" wiu? applied to this
Gull by Cate.sby in 17."U; but its cachiunations during the breeding sea.son are not more vocif-
erous than those of various other species under the same circumstances.
996 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES.
C. frank'lini. (To Sir John Franklin.) Franklin's Rosy Gull. "Prairie Pigeon."
Adult (J 9 , in breeding plumage : Bill shorter than head, rather slender, attenuated and a little
decurved at the acute tip ; outline of both rami and gonys concave. Tarsus equal to middle
toe and claw. Bill red (carmine, lake, or vermilion), crossed with black near end. Legs dusky-
reddish. Edges of eyelids orange. Eyelids white, this color also reaching a little behind eye.
Hood deep slaty or plumbeous-black, encircling upper part of neck as well as head, and extend-
ing farther on throat than on nape. Mantle not quite so dark as in atricilla (more blue), darker
than in Philadelphia. First primary with outer vane black to within 1.00 of tip, the inner
pearly-white, crossed 1.00 or more from the tip by an isolated black bar an inch broad, thus
leaving the feather white on both webs for ].00 or more from tip. Next 5 primaries basally
of the color of the back, paler on inner web, both webs fading toward their tips into white,
each crossed by a black bar near the end, 2.00 wide on 2d primary, narrowing on successive
feathers to a small bar or pair of little spots on 6th ; tips of all these primaries pure white.
Other primaries, and all secondaries, colored like back, fading at tips into white ; shafts white,
sometimes black along the black portion of the feather. Tail very pale pearly-blue, the 3
lateral pairs of rectrices white — or rather tail white, lightly washed with pearly on 6 central
feathers. Neck all around, rump, broad tips of secondaries, and whole under parts white, the
latter rosy. Younger, that is to say, in summer plumage, and with a perfect hood, red bill,
etc., but primaries not yet having attained their perfect pattern : General coloration exactly as
before. Shafts of first 3 primaries black, of the rest gray, except along their black portions ;
1st with outer web wholly black, inner web pearly-gray, much like back but lighter, to within
2.00-3.00 of tip, then black for the rest of its extent ; 2d like 1st, but base of outer web like
the inner; on 3d, 4th, and 5th, successively, the black decreases in extent, till on 6th it is
merely a little bar, or pair of spots; tips of all primaries white; that of 1st smallest, that of
others successively increasing in size. Winter plumage : As in summer ; hood wanting or
indicated by a few slaty feathers about eyes, on auriculars and nape ; no rosy tint ; bill and
feet duller-colored. Young : Bill blackish, with pale base of under mandible ; feet flesh-colored ;
eye black. Traces of a hood, or nape largely slaty, etc., according to precise age. Outer 5-6
primaries wholly black in their continuity, rather lighter and somewhat slaty at base, with or
without a minute white speck at tip. Mantle gray or brown, more or less mixed with blue,
according to age. Tail ashy-white, with a broad black subterminal bar. Under parts white.
This appears to be the usual plumage of birds of the first autumn. Length about 14.00; ex-
tent 35.00; wing 11.25; tail about 4.50; culmen 1.30; gape ].75; height of bill at nostril
0.35; tarsus 1.60; middle toe and claw the same. Young smaller than adults : bill 1.10-1.20;
wing 10.00, etc. Winters to South and Central America ; in North America migrating through
the interior, chiefly west of the Mississippi, and east of the Rocky Mts. to the Arctic regions;
abundant; has never been observed in the Atlantic States. Breeds from southern Minnesota
northward, chiefly in British America ; nests on the ground about lakes and along rivers, and
in marshes and sloughs where it builds of rushes and grasses among standing rushes and grass
in shallow water; nest often afloat. Eggs usually 3, averaging 2.05 X 1-45, with great vari-
ation in size, shape, and coloration, closely resembling those of the Eskimo Curlew. Diet
largely insectivorous, feeding much on grasshoppers.
C. Philadelphia. (To the city of that name. Fig. G^7 .) Bonaparte's Rosy Gull.
Bill shorter than head or tarsus, much compressed, very slender, like a Tern's ; both mandibles
with a slight but distinct notch near tip. Convexity of culmen slight, gradual from base to
apex; rami slightly concave ; gonys about straight. Nostrils very narrow. Tarsus equal to
middle toe and claw. Tail somewhat emarginate in the young. Adult (^ 9 , in breeding plu-
mage : Bill black. Mouth and eyelids carmine. Legs and feet coral-red, tinged with vermilion.
Webs bright vermilion. Hood plumbeous-slate, not so deep as in franklini, enveloping head
and upper part of neck, reaching farther in front than behind. White patches on eyelids nar-
LARID.E — LARINuE: GULLS.
997
row, and half posterior to eye. Mantle pale pearl-blue, much lighter than in franklini. Ends
of inner secondaries and scapulars scarcely lighter than back. Primaries : shafts of first 5-G
white, except at extreme tips, the others dark-colored ; 1st, outer web and extreme tip black,
rest white ; 2d, white, its tip black for a greater distance than on 1st, and on one or both webs,
for a greater or less distance (sometimes half-way down the feather) narrowly bordered with
black; 3d to fitii, black at ends for about the same distance on each, the black bordering the
inner web much farther than the outer; inner webs of 3d and 4th, and both webs of 5th and
6th, of a rather lighter shade of the color of the back. Other primaries like back ; 7th and 8th
with a touch of black on one or both webs near tip ; 3d to (Jth primaries with a white or pearly-
white speck at extreme tip. As is not the case with either of the preceding species, the pri-
mary wiriii-coverts, bastard quills, etc., are wholly or in great part white, causiuir tlie wliole
l;ou.4,.uu.
•wing to be bordered with white as far as the carpus. Neck all around, and under parts, in-
cluding under wing-coverts, pure wliite ; belly rosy in breeding time. No difference in color
between the sexes. Adult, winter plumage: Bill light c(dorod at base below; feet flesli-color.
Crescent before eye, and patch below auricnlars, deep slate. Crown and occiput mottled witli
grayish-black and white. Back of neck washed over with color of mantle. Forehead, sides of
head and throat, white, continuous with white of under parts. Young, first winter: Bill
(lu.sky ficsh-color, except toward end ; feet light Hesli-ccdnr. Without slaty mottling of crown.
Auricular ])atch <listinct. Le.sser wing-coverts and scapulars dusky-brown. liirhter aloni; their
edges. Sicoiidaries with a patch of dusky near end, whidi on the inner 3 or 4 becomes re-
stricted to outer web. First jtrimary with about half the inner web along shaft, black ; 2d and
.■{d with outer webs wholly black, and a narrow lino of black on inner webs along shaft. Tail
with a subterminal brownish-blark bar. Very youny: Bill tlesh-color, dusky <m terminal
lialf. Crown of head, and neck behind to interscapulars, cli>uded with dusky bluish-gray,
heightening on sides of neck into light grayish-ochreous. Scapulars and middle of back light
998 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES.
gull-blue, as in adult, but the feathers so broadly (for h inch) tipped with grayish -brown,
fading into dull white at tip, that the original color is nearly lost. Lesser wing-coverts and
inner secondaries brownish-black, the latter edged with the color of edgings of back. Bastard
quills and feathers along edge of wing variegated with black and white. Primaries black ;
outer f of inner vanes of the first four bluish-white to near the end ; both vanes of the others
of that color for a little distance ; extreme tips of all but the two first white. Secondaries light
gull-blue, each with a large terminal blackish spot continuous with black ends of inner pri-
maries. Tail with a broad terminal bar of black, and very narrowly tipped with dull white.
Length 14.00; extent 32.00; wing 10.25; culmen 1.20; gape 1.75; height of bill at nostrils
0.25; tarsus, or middle toe and claw, 1.40. North America at large, both coastwise and in
the interior, migrating through and wintering in the U. S., breeding chiefiy in high latitudes;
abundant ; especially numerous along the Atlantic coast during the migrations ; Bermudas ;
accidental in Europe (Heligoland, once). One of the most airy, graceful, and elegant of the
family. Eggs 1.80-1.95 X 1.30-1.34, olive-gray, , with a close wreath of very dark and
lighter brown splashes around the larger end, and other scratches and spots of the same scat-
tered over the whole surface. In the interior this species and the last may often be seen win-
nowing over ploughed land, seeking for earth-worms, grubs, etc
C. miuii'tus. (Lat. minute, very small, as this Gull is.) Little Gull. Least Gull.
Adult (J 9 , breeding plumage : Hood black. Mantle very pale pearl-gray. Primaries sim-
ilar, shading darker toward the inner margins, very broadly edged and tipped with pure white,
and not crossed with any pattern in black ; white of under parts sufi'used with rosy. Bill dark
lake-red, drying reddish -brown; feet vermilion, drying orange. Size very small; length
10.50-11.50, averaging 11.00; wing 9.00 or less; tail 4.00 or less; culmen, tarsus, and mid-
dle toe with claw, each about 1.00. Adults in winter lack the hood, the head white, more or
less gray or dusky on occiput and auriculars. Young birds resemble adults in winter, but
are extensively dark brown above, with buff tips of the feathers ; wing-coverts and inner quills
tipped with white ; primaries sooty-blackish in their central fields, white edged and tipped ; tail
with a broad black subterminal band. This Gull, the smallest of its tribe, originally described
as Asiatic in 1771 by Peter S. Pallas, and well known to be also European and African, was
ascribed to North America in 1831 by Swaiuson and Richardson (F. B.-A. ii, p. 426), on the
strength of a specimen said to have been procured in 1821 on Sir John Franklin's first expedi-
tion, and identified by Sabine. In 1862 I included it in my Monograph of the Larince (Proc.
Phila. Acad. p. 311), but with doubt, as its alleged occurrence had never been accredited. It
has therefore been omitted from most of our late works. But quite recently it has been found
on Long Island (Dutcher, Auk, Apr. 1888, p. 171), and is also known to have occurred in
the Bermudas. Chroicocephalus minutus of Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 906. Larits minutus,
A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [60.1.].
RHODOSTE'THIA. (Gr. pobov, hrodon, the rose ; arijOos, stethos, the breast.) Wedge-
tail Gulls. Tail cuneate (here only among Laridce). Otherwise, form much as in other
small Gulls ; bill weak and slender, with little salience of the angle ; wings folding beyond
tail- No colored hood, but a black collar round neck. Under plumage blossoming in the
breeding season. One species.
R. ro'sea. (Lat. roseus, rosaceous, rosy.) Wedge-tailed Gull. Rosy Gull. Ross'
Gull. Adult in summer : White, rosy-tinted ; a black collar, but no dark hood ; mantle
pearly-blue; under side of wings the same; secondaries and inner primaries broadly tipped
with white; outer web of 1st primary black. Bill black; eye-ring and feet red. Length
14.00; wing 10.50; tail 5.50, graduated 1.00 or more; bill 0.75, very slender; tarsus 1.20;
middle toe and claw the same. Adult in winter: No black collar; a dusky spot before eye;
pearl-blue of mantle extending on head ; otherwise as in summer. Young : Extensively
marked with blackish on upper parts, including wings ; tail tipped with black ; at an early
LARIDjE — LARINjE: GULLS.
999
age with buff tips of many feathers; no collar; some dark bars on sides of neck. Later the
pearly-blue of the mantle appears in patches, while the tail is still black-tipped, before the
black collar is formed. Bill black; feet dull reddish. Length 12.50; extent 29.00; wing
9.50; tail 4.00, graduated less than 1.00; bill 0.50 (Nelson, Kep. Alaska, J 887, p. 55,
pi. iii). A highly circumpolar species, perhaps the most exclusively so of all birds, inhabiting
the Arctic coasts and islands of North America, Europe, and Asia; S. to St. Michael's, Alaska,
southern Greenland, the Faeroes, casually to Heligoland (once, Feb. 5, 1858) and England
(once, Yorkshire, Feb. 1847; Zool. p. 1694 and p. 1784). This exquisite Gull, discovered ou
Melville Peninsula, June 23, 1823, and first described in 1824, long remained one of the rarest
of birds in collections; for many years only about 12 specimens were known, none of thein in
any American museum. In 1879 Mr. R. L. Newcomb, naturalist of the ill-fated ship Jeau-
nette, secured 8 specimens, 3 of which were preserved. On Oct. 10, 1879, Mr. E. W. Nelson
took a young bird at St. Michael's, Alaska. In 1881 many specimens were procured at Point
Barrow by Mr. J. Murdoch (Rep. 1885, p. 123, pll. i, ii). In Nov. 1896, F. Nansen announced
discovery in August of presumed breeding grounds northeast of Franz Josef Land, lat. 81° 38',
E. long. 63° (Ornith. Monatsb. Dec. 1896, j). 193; Science, Jan. 29, 1897, p. 17.5). An egg
from Disco Bay, Greenland, lat. 69°, June 15, 1885, measuring 1.90 X 1-30, colored like that
of Sabine's Gull, is described in P. Z. S. 1886, p. 82, Auk, 1886, p. 293; but these records are
discredited. Best historical notice of the bird is by Murdoch, Auk, Apr. 1899, pp. 146-155.
XE'MA. (A nonsense word — soniis sensu carens. It has been conjectured to have been
meant by Leach for Xenia, from Gr. ^evia, xenia, a guest, and also written Chema, as if from
Gr. x'7M'?' clieme, a yawning or gaping, in supposed allusion to the forked tail.) Fork-
tailed Gulls. Tail forked. Head hooded, with a darker collar. Bill shorter than tarsus,
black, with light tip. Size small. With a general bearing toward Chro'icocephaliis, in the
hooded head and other features, Xema is distinguisiied from this or any other genus of Larinee
by the tern-like character of the forked tail, in connection with the small size (wing 11. (X>
or less).
X. sa'binei. (To E. Sabine. Fig. 688.) Fokk-tailed Gull. Sabine's Gull. Adult
J 9 7 breeding plumage: liill black to angle, abruptly liright chronie or orange from angle to
tip. Mouth bright orange or vermilion ;
edges of eyelids orange; feet black. Hood
uniform clear deep slate, bounded below by
a ring, narrowest on nape, of velvety-black.
Lower part of neck all round, tail and its cov-
erts, 4 inner primaries, most of the greater
coverts, all the secondaries except tips of
some of the innermost, and whole under parts,
pure white. Mantle .■slate-blue, extending
(|uite to tips of inner secondaries. Edge of
wing from carpal joint, including bastard
wing, black. First 5 primaries, including
tlieir .shafts, black ; their extretne tips, and
outer half of inner webs to near end, white
Other jirimaries white, 6tli with a touch of
black on outer web. Length 1.3.75; wing
10.75; tail 5.00, forked 1.25; bill along cnlmen 1.00; along gape !..')(); height at angle 0.:«) ;
tarsus 1-25; middle too and claw the same. Ailull in winter: Withont hood or collar; head
white, u.sually with some dark touches on anricnlars and o(!ciput ; bill oliscured, ami foot not
pure black. Young-of-the-ycar : Tail forked, nearly as in adult, but at an early age only
emargiuate about 0.50. Bill small and weak, tlesli-color and dusky. Legs ap|>arently tlesh-
Ki.i. Uss. — .Suliiiic'M (iiiM. (L. A. Kii.Tt4M. )
1000 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
colored. No hood nor collar. Most of head, back of neck, and upper parts in general, slaty-
gray, transversely waved with brownish-white, each feather being tipped with this color. Under
parts white. Tail white, with a terminal bar of black, 1.00 wide on middle feathers, growing
narrower on the others successively, on outermost sometimes invading only one web ; this black
bar very narrowly edged with white. Wings similar to those of adult, but white on inner webs
more restricted, and white tips very small or wanting altogether. Dimensions less than those
of adult; length about 13.00; wing 10.25, etc. Young not distantly resembling the same age
of Ch. Philadelphia. Arctic America, both coastwise and in the interior, irregularly S. in win-
ter through the U. S., as in New York, Utah, Colorado, Texas; Bermudas; Peru! Europe.
Common in high latitudes, but less so in the U. S., especially on the Atlantic side; breeding
range circumpolar. Eggs 3, 1.75 X 1-25, brownish-olive, sparsely splashed with brown, laid
iu June, July. Nestlings spotted with black above, pale gray below.
CREAG'RUS. (Gr. Kpedypa, kreagra, a pot-hook, flesh-hook ; Kpeas, Jcreas, flesh, dypevco,
agreuo, I seize, catch, take.) Swallow-tailed Gulls. Tail deeply forked. Head hooded,
but neck not collared. Bill about as long as tarsus, stout at base, where deeper than at angle,
tip strongly hooked. Tarsus rather shorter than middle toe and claw. Size large, about equal-
ling that of a Herring Gull. One species. Neotropical. (Xema, in part, of former editions
of Key.)
C. furca'ta. (Lat. fureata, forked.) Swallow-tailed Gull. Neboux's Gull. Adult
^ 9) breeding plumage : Head and upper neck hooded with slate color, interrupted by a con-
spicuous white patch at base of bill. Mantle pearl-gray, interrupted with white outer edges of
scapulars ; outer six jDrimaries marked with black ; other primaries pale gray, edged with
white; most of the secondaries and coverts, tail, and under parts, white. Bill black, broadly
tipped with grayish-white ; gape and edges of eyelids orange-red; iris brown; feet red. Young:
No hood ; head white, with dusky spots about eyes and ears ; mantle and tail-feathers spotted
with black. Bill dusky ; feet pale, probably flesh-colored in life, drying brownish. This Gull
runs through the usual changes of plumage, but is unmistakable in any guise ; the most re-
markable feature is the white mark on the face, in the dark hood. Length of adults 20.00-
22.75; extent up to 52.50; wing about 16.50; tail 7.50, forked 3.00; bill along cubnen 2.00,
its depth at base 0.67, at angle 0.50; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and claw rather more. 9 av-
eraging smaller than ^, and young with wing under 16.00, tail less forked, etc. Originally
described from Monterey, California, perhaps in error; but see Auk, 1895, p. 291, for probable
occurrence at San Diego, Cal. This bird is native to the Galapagoes ; found also on the coast
of Peru, at Paracas Bay, and on Malpelo Island, off Bay of Panama. At date of 2d edition of
Key, 1884, only 3 specimtms were known, as then stated; in 1895 there were 9, as noted by
the A. 0. U. ; and 20 were catalogued soon afterward. Larus furcatus Neboux, Voy. Venus,
Atlas, 1846, pi. x. Xema furcatus Brvcu, 1853. X. furcatum Gray, 1871 ; Coues, Key,
1872, p. 317; Saunders, P. Z. S. 1878, p. 210, 1882, p. 523, pL xxxiv; X. furcata Coues,
1882; Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 753; Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 165.
Creagrus furcatus Bp. 1854; A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 326; Ridgw. Pr.
U. S. Nat. Mus. xix, for 1896, p. 638, with detailed descriptions and measurements of 20
specimens.
Subfamily STERNIN/E: Terns, Sea-swallows.
Covering of bill continuous (no cere), hard and horny throughout. Bill paragnathous,
relatively longer and slenderer than that of Gulls, very acute ; commissure straight or nearly
so to the very end; curve of culmeu gentle from base to tip. Symphysis of inferior mandibular
rami much more extensive than in Stercorariince or Larince, but eminentia symphysis less
marked. Interramal space narrow. Encroachment of feathers on bill as in Larince. Nostrils
linear-oblong, lateral, direct, pervious, varying with genera as regards nearness to base of bill.
LARIDjE — STERNIN^: TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS.
1001
Wings extremely lengthened, narrow, and acute; 1st primary much the longest, the rest rap-
idly graduated. Secondaries short and inconspicuous. Tail usually much elongated and
deeply forked, the lateral feathers being more or less attenuated and filiform, forming stream-
ers; only occasionally short and bniad (Gelochelidon, Hydrochelidon, subgenus Thalasseus oi
Sterna, etc.), or graduated (Anoiis, etc.). Legs placed rather farther back, and less decid-
edly ambulatorial than in Larime. Tibia denuded for a varying distance. Tarsi short
and usually slender; scutellate and reticulate, as m LarincB. Toes of moderate length, and
of the usual relative proportions. Webs rather narrow, and (except in Anous, etc.) more
or less incised. Claws small, compressed, but much curved and acute. Size moderate, or
very small. General form slender and delicate. Plumage as in other subfamilies, but pte-
rylae narrow; sexes hardly differing in coloration, but variations with age and season very
great.
Terns are not distinguished from Gulls by any strong structural peculiarities, but they
invariably show a special contour, in the production of which the longer, slenderer, and acutely
paragnathous bill is conspicuous. Only one species has the bill
in any noticeable degree like a Gull's. A few of the Terns are
as large as middle-sized Gulls, but the usual stature is much
less; and they are invariably of a slenderer build, more trim in
shape, with smoother, closer-titting plumage. Great length and
sharpness of wiug relative to bulk of body confer a dash and
buoyancy of flight wanting in Gulls; in flying over the water
in search of food, they hold the bill pointing downward, which
makes them look curiously like colossal mosquitoes; and secure
tlieir prey by darting impetuously U})on it, wlien they are usu-
ally submerged for a moment. The larger kinds feed princi-
pally upon little fish, procured in this way ; but most of the
smaller ones are insectivorous, and flutter about over marshy
spots like Swallows or Nighthawks. The general appearance
and mode of flight have suggested the name of "sea-swallow,"
the equivalent of which is applied in nearly all civilized lan-
guages. Forking of the tail is an ahuost universal character
Terns, the Black Tern and its allies, and a few others, the forking is moderate, and not accom-
panied by attenuation of lateral feathers; but ordinarily, these are remarkably lengthened and
almost filamentous, as in the Barn Swallow. It should be observed that in all such cases the
narrowing elongation is gradual, and consequently less evident in the young; and that it is
very variable in its development. Noddies ofi'er the peculiarity of a tail lightly forked centrally,
but rounded laterally. The feet are small and relatively weak throughout the group; Terns
walk but little, and scarcely swim at all. Ordinarily, the webbing is rather narrow, and much
incised, jjarticularly that between the middle and inner toe; in Ili/druchelidon, this occurs to
such extent that the toes seem simply semipalmate. The webs are fullest in Anous, where
also tlie hallux is unusually long ; in some species, this toe is slightly connected with the tarsus
by a web. The inner toe is shorter tlian the outer, and much less than the iniddle, which,
especially in HijdrocheUdon, is much lengthened, and has the inner edge (»f its claw dilated, or
even slightly serrate. The pattern of crdoration is very constant, almost throughout the sub-
family. Most of the species are white (often rosy-tinted below), with a pearly-blue mantle, a
black cap on the heail, and dark-C(dored primaries, along the inner web of which usunlly runs
a white stripe. These dark-colored quills, when new. are beautifully frosted or silvered over;
but this hoariness being very superficial, snnii wears nil", leaving the feathers simply blackish.
The black cap is often interrupted by a white frontal crescent ; it is sometimes pndonged into
a slight occipital crest ; in ix few species, it is replaced by a black bar on each side of the head.
Fio. 689. —Roseate Tern. (From
Tenney, after Audubon.)
In the Caspian and Marsh
1002 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
One species, Nacnia inca, has a curious bundle of curly while plumes on each side of the head.
Another, Gygis Candida, is pure white all over ; Procelsterna einerea and P. ccerulea are mostly-
ashy; the Noddies (Anous and Micranous) are all fuliginous, with white or gray caps; the
upper parts of Haliplana are dark ; the species of Hydrochelidon are largely black. These are
the principal if not the only exceptions to the usual coloration just given. The sexes are dis-
tinguishable neitlier by size nor color; but nearly all the species, in the progress toward
maturity, undergo changes of plumage, like Gulls ; while seasonal differences are usually con-
siderable. As a rule, the black cap is imperfect in young and winter specimens, and the
former show gray or brown patching instead of the pure final color of the mantle. In all
those species in which the bill is red, orange, or yellow, it is more or less dusky in the young.
The changes are probably greatest in the Black Terns {Hydrochelidon).
The general economy is much the same throughout the group. The eggs are laid in a
slight depression on the ground — generally the shingle of beaches — or in a tussock of grass in
a marsh, or in a rude nest of sticks in low thick bushes ; they are 1-3 in number, variegated in
color. Most species are maritime, and such is particularly the case with the Noddies ; but
nearly all are also found inland. They are noisy birds, of shrill, penetrating voice ; and nO'
less gregarious than Gulls, often assembling in multitudes to breed, and generally moving in
company. Species occur near water in almost every part of the world, and most of them are
widely distributed ; of those occurring in North America, the majority are found in correspond-
ing latitudes in the Old World. Some 70 species are currently reported ; the true number is
just about that of the Gulls (about 50).
The generic and subgeneric groups of Sternince are rather better marked than those of
Larince. Phaethusa, Seena, Ncenia, and several genera near Anous {Procelsterna, Micranous,
and Gygis are extralimital. The North American forms may readily be distinguished by the
following analysis.
Analysis of North American Genera.
Nostrils sub-basal. Frontal antiae prominent, embracing base of culmen. Tail more or less forked. Tarsus not
shorter than middle toe without claw. Lateral toes much shorter than the middle. Webs incised. (Group
Sterne.«.)
Webs moderately incised. Under parts white or light.
Bill short and stout, somewhat gull-like, black Gelochelidon
Bill otherwise Sterna
Webs deeply incised (feet little more than semipalmate). Under parts in summer black . . . Hydrochelidon
Nostrils nearly median. No frontal antiae, the feathers extending farther on culmen than at the sides. Tail double-
rounded. Tarsi very short. Toes lengthened, the lateral nearly as long as the middle, with full webs. (Group
Anoe«.)
Color fuliginous, with white or light cap . Anous-
GELOCHELI'DON. (Gr. -yeXwy, gelos, laughter; xf^'^toj/, chelidon, a swallow.) GuLL-
BILLED Terns. Bill gull-like, rather shorter than head, robust, not very acute, compressed f
culmen nearly straight to beyond nostrils, then very declinato-convex to tip; g^inys about
straight ; rami slightly concave ; symphyseal eminence well marked ; tomia of lower mandible
inflected; commissure gently curved. Height of bill at base ^ of total length. Nasal groove
short and broad, not deep; nostrils short, widely oval, very near base of bill, just beyond the
feathers. Wings exceedingly long and acute, each primary surpassing the next by a full inch ;
secondaries short, soft, obliquely incurved at their extremities. Tail short, contained about 2J
times in wing ; deeply einarginate, but its lateral feathers not attenuated. Feet long and stout
for this subfamily ; tarsus shorter than bill, longer than middle toe and claw ; hind toe remark-
ably developed ; inner shorter than outer ; interdigital membranes well incised, especially the
inner. One wide-ranging species, of moderate size. (As subgenus of Sterna, in former edi-
tions of the Key.)
G. nilo'tica. (Gr. NetXcar«of, Neilotikos, Lat. Niloticus, of the river Nile in Egypt.) Gull-
BiLLED Tern. Nilotic or Egyptian Tern. Anglican Tern. Marsh Tern. Nut-
LARIDJS — STERNIN^: TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS. ' 1003
tall's Tern. Adult (J 9 > ii summer : Crown and long occipital crest glossy greenish-black,
extending to lower border of eye, leaving only a very narrow line of white along edge of feath-
ers on side of upper mandible. Neck all round and under parts white. Mantle Hglit pearl-
blue, this color e.xtondiug over rump and tail ; tail-feathers deepest colored at their tips, fading
into nearly pure white toward their bases, on that portion of each which is covered with the
next one ; color of mantle also extending to tips of inner secondaries. Primaries grayish -black,
deepest on the outer vane of the 1st, but this color so heavily silvered as to appear much
lighter. All the primaries have pale yellowish shafts ; on their inner webs is a space of white
which on the 1st is largest, purest, and extends farthest, is distinctly defined from the black,
and has not a margin of black along its inner border, except just at its apex. The amount of
white diminishes in length and breadth with each successive primary, until on the last one it is
inconspicuous. Bill black, with or without a minute yellowish tip; legs and feet greenish-
black ; iris brown. In winter : The black cap restricted chiefly to the hind head and nape, on
sides of head reaching forward to eye; sometimes extinct, except in dusky eye-stripe and spot
before eye, when whole head otherwise white. Young : Bill blackish-brown, pale at base
below; feet dull brownish. Upper parts pearl-blue, interrupted by numerous crescentic or
hastate spots of dull brownish, one on each feather, the extreme tip of which is whitish. A
brownish-black bar along lesser wing-coverts. Forehead and most of crown white, with dark
shaft-lines, increasing to exclude white on hind head and nape; blackish spot before and be-
hind eye. Neck all around, upper tail-coverts, and whole under parts, white. Tail-feathers
whitening at ends, each with a dusky space. Fledglings chiefly buff' and brown above, before
any pearly-blue appears; nestlings in down grayish-buff above, streaked, spotted, and mottled
with dusky; under parts white, tinged with gray to some extent. Length 13.00-15.00; ex-
tent 33.00-37.00; wing 11.75-12.25; tail 5.50, forked 1.20-1.75; bill 1.40; along gape 2.00;
its height at base 0.45; tibife naked 0..50; tarsus (average) 1.30; middle toe and claw 1.10:
hind toe and claw 0.40. Nearly cosmop(ditan ; Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia; in North
America, chiefly from Texas to New England ; not abundant anywhere, and rare inland ; S.
on Atlantic coast to Argentina, and on Pacific coast of southern Mexico and Central America;
breeds in the U. S. north to New Jersey, on .sandy shores, and also in marshes, like the
lilack Tern ; eggs usually 3, laid on bn^ken-down reeds or grasses, 1.75 X 1-30, olivaceous-
buff", largely and irregularly splashed with stone-gray, umber-brown and blackish, especially
about the greater end, but very variable, like all Terns' eggs. S. ((?.) anglica of former eili-
tions of the Key. Among the numerous names of tiiis Tern the first is no doubt S. niloticn of
Ilassehiuisl's Iter or Reise, 1757 and 17()2 : see Gray's Hand-list, iii, 1871, p. 11!), and Auk,
1684, J). 3ti4. G. nilotica, A. 0. U. Lists, 188G and 1895, No. 63.
STER'NA. (Latinized by Turner, 1544, from English stern, starn, or ieni.) Terns. Sea
Swallows. Form typical of the subfamily. Nostrils sub-basal. Frontal antia; i)rominent.
Tail more or less forked. Tarsus not shorter than middle toe without claw. Lateral toes
much sliortrr tlian middle. Webs moderately incised. Under parts of adult white, or like
back. Upper parts of most species with pearly-blue mantle and black cap. Tiiis is much the
largest genus of Sternince, containing over 30 species, or more tlian lialf of the subfamily. Tliey
dirter a good deal among themselves in minor details of fortn and coloration, and couseiiuently
represent several subgenera. Those of North America may be readily determined by the
following :
Analysis of Siihijenera ami Species.
Of large to larftest size ; winfc ovpr 1_>.0<I ; bin oviT 2 fK). Head crested. Fcpt black . Muntle prnrly C;ii> bUok.
Tail contaiiipd about :$ times in leiiKtli of wiiig, lightly forkol PriiiiaricH with.mt white spatv.s on iiinor webs.
Crest HliKlit. (Thalasseus.)
Bin red, stout. Wing ir,.(K( ; tail .''..'.(); biU nearly .TOO raspia
Tail contained about twice in length of wing, forked about Irilf its length. Prim iries with whiti- sjuu-es on iuuer
webs. Crest well marked. (Actochkliix>n.)
1004
S YS TEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
Bill orange, stout. Wing 14.50 ; tail 7.00 ; bill 2.50, its depth at base 0.50 or more ; gonys 1.00 . . maxima
Bill orange, slender. Wing 12.50 ; tail 7.50 ; bill 2.50, its depth at base under 0.50 ; gonys 1.50 . . elegans
Bill black tipped with yellow. Wing 12.50 ; tail 0.00 ; bill 2.25 sandvicensis acuflavida
Of medium to smallest size ; wing 12 00 or less ; bill under 2.00. Head not crested.
Mantle pearly. Wing over 8.00. (Sterna proper.)
No black cap.
Head whitish, with black bar through eye ; under parts like mantle trudeaui
A black cap
No white frontal crescent ; black cap reaching bill. Feet not black.
Bill wholly or mostly red or reddish.
Bill red, blackening at end ; feet coral-red. Outer web of outer tail-feather white ; inner gray
or dark. Under parts white. Tarsus 0.90 or more Jorsteri
Bill red, blackening at end ; feet coral-red. Outer web of outer tail-feather gray or dark, inner
white. Under parts paler than upper. Tarsus about 0.75 hirundo
Bill wholly red ; feet vermilion. Outer tail-feather as in the last. Under parts nearly like up-
per. Tarsus 0.C5 or less paradiscea
Bill black, or only red at base ; feet red. Both webs of outer tail-feather white. Under parts
white. Tarsus 0.85 . dovgalli
A white frontal crescent Bill and feet black aleutica
Mantle pearly. Wing under 8.00. (Stehnuia.)
A white frontal crescent. Bill and feet yellow, former black-tipped antillarum
Mantle dusky. Wing over 8 00. A white frontal crescent. Bill and feet black. (Onychoprion.)
Mantle blackish-brown ; cap the same fuliginosa
Mantle sooty-gray ; cap black ancestheia
Obs. — Above analysis based on adult svimmer birds, and not entirely available for young and winter ones, in which
the characters of the cap, and colors of bill and feet, may be entirely different. These must be determined by reference
to the detailed descriptions.
(Subgenus Thalasseus.)
S. (T.) cas'pia. (Of the Caspian Sea. Fig. 690.) Caspian Tern. Imperial Tern. Of
inaxiinuin size. Length 20.00-23.00; extent 50.00-55.00; wing 15.00-17.00, usually about
16.00; tail only 5.00-6.00, forked about 1.50, middle feathers broad to their rounded ends, rest
growing successively more acute, but lateral pair ivithout any slender filamentous development.
Fig. O'JO. — Caspian Tern, | nat. size. (From Brehm.)
Bill extremely large, 2.75 along culmen, 4.00 along gape, 0.90 deep at base, 0.50 wide at
nostrils; culmen regularly curved from base to tip; outline of mandibular rami slightly con-
cave ; gonys about straight ; angle not very well marked. Tibiae bare about 0.75 ; tarsus 1 .75,
rather exceeding middle toe and claw, the scutella in front replaced by polygonal scales similar
LARID.E — STERNIN^— TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS. 1005
to but larger than those on its sides, which are rough ; hind toe extremely small ; outer lateral
nearly as long as middle toe and claw, which is 1.65. Adult (J 9 > in breeding plumage : Bill
vermilion red, lighter and somewhat "diaphanous" toward the tip. Pileum and occipital crest
glossy greenish-black, extending below the eyes, and occupying the termination of the feathers
on sides of upper mandible to the exclusion of white; lower eyelid white, forming a noticeable
spot ; a white streak along sides of upper mandible, not extending to the end of the feathers.
Mantle pearl-blue, the line of demarcation between it and the white indefinite, both on nape
and rump ; most tail-feathers, especially the central ones, having a more or less pearly tint.
Shafts of primaries yellowish-white ; primaries grayish -black, but, when new, so heavily sil-
vered over as to appear of a light hoary gray, especially on their upper surfaces. On the inner
web of all there is a central light field ; this is very narrow, even on the first primary, although
it runs for some considerable distance, and on the others it rapidly grows less ; and it has no
trenchant line of division on any of the primaries from the darker portions of the feather.
Whole inner web of secondaries pure white, outer pearl-blue. Feet black. Adult, winter
plumage : Chiefly distinguished by a diminution in the briglitness of the bill, and by a change
in the character of the pileum. The vermilion is replaced by light orange-red, growing still
yellower toward tip of bill and along tomia. Forehead white, usually quite pure ; crown white,
with narrow, distinct shaft-streaks of brownish-black. On the sides of the head, before and
behind the eyes, and over the auriculars, black is more mixed with white ; and on the nape
black prevails, being only slightly variegated with white. Y(jung-of-the-year : much smaller
than tlie adult, the bill especially shorter and weaker, and of a duller red, more inclining to
orange. Upper parts as in the adult, but the pearl -blue everywhere spotted with rather small
roundish or hastate spots of brownish-black, largest on the inner secondaries. Forehead gtay-
ish-white; vertex speckled with grayish-white and black, the latter color increasing in amount
until it becomes nearly or quite pure on the short occipital crest. Wings much as in the adult.
Tail much shorter and less forked ; the rectrices with brownish spaces near the tips, chiefiy on
the inner webs. Under parts dull white. Feet blackish. Downy young : Grayish-white above,
faintly mottled with blackish not aggregated into spots ; white below, dusky across throat.
Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America irregularly distributed, not only during the extensive
migrations, but also during the breeding season ; known to breed at various points on the At-
lantic coast N. from Texas, in the interior from Great Slave Lake to Lake Michigan, Nevada,
and California, but seldom observed on the Pacific coast. Eggs 2-'i, in hollow scooped in dry
sand without nest, 2.65-2.75 X 1.80-L90, broader and more elliptical than those oi S. max-
ima, with smoother and harder shell ; ground-color pale olive-buflF, evenly marked all over
with small spots of dark-brown and lavender. Breeds commonly by single or few pairs.
This greatest of all Terns may be worthy of the generic distinction accorded to it by many
authors, under the several names of Thalasseus, Hydroprogne, Gi/lochelido)!, and Helopus;
but I do not alter the status I gave it in former editions of the Key, as this is sanctioned by
tlie A. 0. U. I could not, however, follow tlic A. 0. U. in changing the established name
caspid, given by Pallas in 1770, to the barbarous designation tscliegrava bestowed by Le-
I'KCiiiN a few pages before caspia, in the saine Part of the same Vol. of the same publication
of tl)e same date — why then the change ? See A. 0. U. List, 2il edition, p. 28. But S. cas-
2na (as always in the Key), A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 18i)!», )>. !>9. The North American
Thalasseus has been separated as T. imperator CouES, 1862 {Sterna caspia var. imperator
RiDCiW. 1874), on the ground of average greater size.
(Subgenus Actochelidon.)
S. (A.) maxima. (Lat. maxima, largest; not true of this species, if the Caspian Tern is
kept in tlie genus /S^/er«a. Fig. ()i»J.) Cayenne Tern. Royal Tkun. Bill about as long
1006
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
as that of S. caspia, but of different shape, much slenderer, its height at base only ^^ the
length of culmen, which is gradually convex from base to tip, the curvature increasing but
slightly toward the rather obtuse tip. Commissure somewhat sinuate basally, regularly con-
vex for the rest of its length ; rami a little concave along their edges ; gonys straight, shorter
than rami, the angle between the two illy developed. Tibiae bare (0.90). Tarsus not longer
than middle toe and
claw ; its anterior
aspect shows a ten-
dency toward reticu-
lations instead of
transverse scutella,
but there are usually
some scales which
extend quite across
it ; lateral and pos-
terior aspects reticu-
Fi6. 691. —Royal Tem, § nat. size. (From Sclater and Salvin.)
lated, as in caspia, but the plates not so rough. Tail deeply forked; middle feathers broad
to their rounded tips ; lateral ones successively elongated and narrower toward their tips, the
external pair slender and streaming. Adult ^ ^ ,m summer: Pileum glossy greenish-black,
not extending below eyes, so narrow on side of upper mandible that a broad white streak
extends to extreme tip of the feathers. Mantle very pale pearl-blue, fading imperceptibly into
white on the rump and toward the ends of the inner secondaries. Tail white, with a faint
pearly tinge, especially on the middle feathers and inner webs of the others. Most of the
secondaries pure white, except a small space on the outer web near the tip, which is grayish-
blue, deeper than the mantle. Outer web of first primary grayish-black ; inner web with a
space of black extending the whole length, very narrow at the base, widening as it runs
toward the tip, within 1.50 of which it occupies the whole web; rest of the web white, sepa-
rated from the black by a straight distinct line. The 2d-5th primaries have the same gen-
eral characteristics, but the white space rapidly grows narrower and shorter, and runs up
farther in the centre than along the edge of the web, so that for a little way from its end it has
a border of blackish along its outer margin ; other primaries pearl-bhie, their inner webs mar-
gined with white. Bill coral or orange-red, with a slightly lighter tip ; feet blackish, their
soles dull yellowish. Winter plumage : Bill less brightly colored, its tip and tomia dull yel-
lowish. Front white ; crown variegated with black and white, the former color increasing on
the occiput and nuchal crest, which latter is almost or quite unmixed with white. This black
extends forward on the sides of the head to include the eye. (But frequently found breeding
in this condition, the complete black cap being worn but a short time in spring and early sum-
mer, and doffed just after pairing.) Tail not pure white (except perhaps in very old birds),
but tinged with the bluish of the mantle, which deepens toward the tips of the feathers into
dusky-plumbeous; also considerably less forked, the lateral feathers having little or nothing of
a filamentous character. Young-of-the-year in August : Bill much smaller than in the adult,
its tip less acute, its angles and ridges less sharply defined ; mostly reddish -yellow, but light
yellowish at tip. Crown much as in the adult in winter, but an occipital crest scarcely recog-
nizable. Upper parts mostly white; but the pearl-gray of the adult appearing in irregular
patches, and whole back marked with small, irregular, but well-defined brown spots, largest
on the inner secondaries; lesser wing-coverts dusky plumbeous. Primaries much as in the
adult, but the line of demarcation of the black and white wanting sharpness. Tail-feathers
white at base, then plumbeous, next decidedly brownish, the extreme tips again white. Adults :
Length 18.00-20.00; extent 42.00-44.00; wing 14.00-15.00; tail 6.00-8.00, forked 3.00-4.00;
Ml along culmen 2.50-2.75; along commissure 3.75; height at base 0.70; width 0.50; gonys
LARIDuE—STERNlN.E: TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS. 1007
1.00-1.25; tibiae bare 0.90; tarsus 1.37; middle toe and claw 1.40. Tropical and temperate
America; Brazil and Peru to California and New England, chiefly coastwise, sometimes in
the interior, as in Nevada and the region of the Great Lakes ; but Audubon's Labrador record
belongs to S. caspia; also ascribed to West Africa. A fine species, second in size only to S.
caspia; linear measurement nearly as great, owing to elongation of tail, but bulk much less.
Breeds in great colonies along our Atlantic coast at various points from Texas to the Middle
States; eggs laid on the sand, mostly 2 or 3, sometimes 1 or 4 (?), 2.60-2.70 X about 1.70,
narrower and especially more pointed than those of caspia, rougher; yellowish-drab, creamy, or
nearly white, irregularly blotched with dark umber and pale purplish, some of the brown spots
almost black, at least in part, with washed out edges, and some of the markings tending to be
scrawly. Chicks boldly spotted above with dusky. (Sterna {Thalasseus) regia of former edi-
tions of the Key.)
S. (A.) e'legans. (Lat. elegans, choice. Fig. 092.) Elegant Tern. Princely Tern.
Similar to the last; smaller and differently proportioned; bill as long, much slenderer; tarsus
if anytl)ing longer than middle toe and claw; mantle very pale; under parts rosy in high plu-
mage. Bill much longer than head, exceeding the tarsus, middle toe and claw together; much
compressed, very slender,
scarcely \ as deep at base as
long ; culmen quite straight
to beyond nostrils, then
slightly convex for the rest
of its length ; commissure
curved for nearly its whole
length ; mandibular rami
very short, concave in out-
line, their angle of divergence very acute. Gonys extremely long, exceeding the mandibular
rami, its outline straight. Tomia much inflected. Nasal groove long, fully half the culmen,
Tiarrow, not deep, directed obliquely downward and forward toward the tomia. A few indis-
tinct oblique stria; on both mandibles. Outline of feathers on bill as usual. Adult ^ ^ , m
summer : Bill bright red, salmon-colored toward tip. Feet black ; soles and under surfaces of
claws slightly yellowish. Crown, including long-flowing occiftital crest, pure black, reaching
on sides of head to a level with lower border of eye, white of cheeks accompanying the black
to end of feathers in nasal fossae. All the under parts rosy-white, with satin gloss. Tail pure
wliite. Mantle pale pearl-bl lie ; usual pattern of coloration of primaries. "Length 19; ex-
tent 48" (label); culmen 2.75; gape nearly 4.50; depth of bill at base 0.50; gonys 1.50;
not shorter than mandibular rami; wing 12.25; tail 7.50; depth of fork 3.50; tarsus 1.25;
middle toe and claw tlie same, or rather less. In winter : Bill orange, fading to yellow at tip
and along cutting edges. Forehead entirely white; crown varied with dusky and white, black
prevailing on hind head, complete on occipital crest and sides of head to eyes. No ]>ink blush
of under parts. Tail shorter than in summer, 5.00 or less, forked only about 2.00, washed
over with pearly-blue. Total length less, owing to less development of tail, 16.00-17.00.
Young not seen ; said to differ from the adults as those of S. maxima do; bill short and black-
ish. A truly elegant sjiecies, resembling the Royal Tern, but easily distinguished. South and
Central America on the Pacific side, Chili to San Francisco, California; almost unknown on
our Gulf or Atlantic coast, but a specimen from Corpus Christi, Texas, reported. Eggs 2.45
X 1.45, creamy, with bold dark bnavn and blackish spots. (Sterna (TJialasseus) elegans of
former editions of the Key)
S. (A.) saiidvicen'sis acuflav'ida. (Lat. of Sandwich, one of the Cinque Ports in Kent,
England, where this Tern was taken in Latham's time (1784) by a Mr. Boys. Lat. acus, a
needle, point, tip, and Jlacidiis, yellowish, referring to the colored tip of the yellow bill.
Fio. G92. —Elegant Tern, | nat. size. (From Sclater and Salvin.)
1008
S YS TEMA TIC S FN OP SIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
Fig. 693.) Sandwich Tern. Kentish Tern. Boys' Tern. Cabot's Tern. Ducal
Tern. Bill slender, much longer than head, exceeding tarsus, middle toe, and claw together ;
tip very acute ; convexity of culrnen regular from tip to base, but slight ; commissure a little
curved throughout; outline of mandibular rami concave; that of gonys about straight;
eminentia symphysis hardly appreciable. Hind toe very small. Adult ^ 9 , breeding plu-
mage : Bill black, the tip for | to | of an inch bright yellow, sharply defined; "inside of
mouth deep blue." Feet dull black. Pileum and occipital crest glossy black, with a tinge of
green extending just below eyes, but leaving a space along side of upper mandible white to the
end of the feathers ; this black cap worn but a short time, in late spring and early summer.
Mantle light pearl-blue, fading on rump and upper tail-coverts into pure white ; but the rec-
trices have a slight pearly
tinge. Primaries colored as
in S. maxima, heavily sil-
vered or frosted when new.
On the inner web of the first
the black space is broad,
and deep in color ; about
1^ inches from the tip it ab-
ruptly widens, so as to ex-
clude the white portion from
- Sandwich Tern, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.) ->^^ the tip altogether. The 2d-
4th primaries have the same pattern, but the white runs up farther on the central portion than
on the edge of the web, so that toward its end it receives a narrow edging of blackish.* The
other primaries have no blackish, being pearl-blue, with broad white margins along the whole
length of their inner webs. Length 15.00-16.00; extent 34.00; wing 12.50; tail 6.00, f(jrked
2.50; bill along culmen 2.25; along gape 3.00; height at base 0.48; width there 0.37;
length of rami from feathers on side of lower mandible 1.00; gonys 1.20; tarsus 1.00; mid-
dle toe and claw slightly longer. Adult, winter plumage : Yellow tip of bill less in extent
and intftsity of color; front white, either pure or speckled with black; crown white, vari-
egated with distinct black sh aft- streak s ; but the long occipital crest, which does not entirely
disappear at this season, is usually unmixed brownish-black. Lateral tail-feathers shorter
than in summer. Young-of-the-year : Smaller than i[ie adult, as usual in this subfamily ;
wing 0.50 shorter. Bill shorter and weaker, brownish-black, the extreme point only yellow-
ish. Crown, front, and occiput brownish-black, variegated with white; white touches very
small on forehead. Upper parts everywhere marked with irregular but w'ell-defined spots
and transverse bars of brownish-black. No well-formed occipital crest until after the first
moult. Primaries like those of adult. Tail-feathers for f their length of the color of the back,
but toward the tips brownish-black, each having a whitish terminal edge. Tail simply deeply
emarginate, the outer feathers being but slightly longer than the second. A fine large species,
easily known by its black yellow-tipped bill. The greater width of the black area on the outer
primaries is the chief if not the only distinction of ucuflavida from sandvicensis, as I pointed
out in Proc Phila. Acad. 1862, p. 541 ; it is not very well marked, but may be allowed sub-
specific validity. The typical form inhabits much of Europe, Asia, and Africa; the North.
American is observed chiefly along the S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, casually N- to New Eng-
land in summer, regularly S. in winter to the West Indies and both coasts of Central America ;
not known inland. Breeds in colonies, like most Terns, laying on the dry sand of the shore.
Eggs 2-3, 2.10 X 1.40, rather pointed, yellowish -drab or creamy, irregularly spotted and
scrawled with dark brown, reddish-brown, and blackish, with lilac shell-spots. Nestlings
mottled gray above, white below. (Sterna (Thalasseus) cantiaca of former editions of the
Key. The species is type of the genus Actochelidon Kaitp, 1829, and stands somewhat alone,
LARID.E — STERNIN.E: TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS.
1009
between the foregoiug large crested Sea Terns and the smaller species following ; but the former
agree best with it, and may be brought under the same genus, Thalasseus being now restricted
to the Caspian Teru.)
(Subgenus Sterna.)
S. tnideau'i. (To Dr. James Trudeau.) Trudeau's Tern. White-headed Tern. Size
and proportions nearly as in S. forsteri, the bill especially of same size and shape. Coloration
very different, unique in the subfamily. Adult : Bill straw-yellow at end, brighter yellow on
basal half, with a broad black intervening baud. Whole head pure white, dee[)eniag insen-
sibly into pearly color all around the neck. A narrow bar of slaty-black on side of head,
passing through eye from the auriculars, where the fascia widens and bends down a little.
Rest of the plumage, below as well as above, uniform pale pearly, with the following excep-
tions : Under surfaces of wings pure white ; tail, with its coverts and rump, white, with an
appreciable pearly tint ; tips, and part of inner vanes of secondaries white ; primaries with a
white space on inner webs, their darker portions beautifully silvered ; shafts white above and
below, except at extreme tips. Feet reddish. Length 14.00; wing 10.25; tail 6.50, forked
2.75; bill along culmen 1.50-1.70; its depth at base 0.38; length of gonys 1.75; tarsus 0.90;
middle toe and claw 1.05. A rare and remarkable South American species, questionably oc-
curring in North America, ascribed to New Jersey and Long Island by Audubon. (Phaetusa
sellovii Light. 1854. Sterna frobeenii Ph. and Ldb. 1863.)
S. for'steri. (To John Reinhold Forster. Figs. 50, 694.) Forster's Tern. Havell's
Tern. Similar to S. hirundo (see next); larger; bill longer, stouter; wings shorter, tail
longer'; feet larger. Length about 15.00; extent 30.00;
wing 9.50-10.50; tail 5.00-8.00, forked 2.50-5.00; bill along
culmen 1.50-1.75, averaging 1.60, its depth at base 0.40;
tarsus 0.90-1.00; middle toe and claw 1.00-1.10; whole foot
averaging 2.00. Adult $ 9 > breeding plumage : Bill orange-
yellow, black for nearly its terminal half, the extreme points
of both mandibles yellowish ; robust, deep at base, and 0.10-
0.20 longer than that of S. hirundo. Black cap not extend-
ing so far down on sides of head as in hirundo, barely em-
bracing eye (the lower lid of which is white), thus leaving a
wider white space between eye and edge of upper mandible.
Mantle perhaps a shade lighter than that of hirundo. Wings
absolutely a little shorter (though forsteri is a larger bird) ;
primaries strongly silvered; outer web of I.';! not black, but
silvery like the others ; all wanting the decided white space
on the inner webs which exists in hirundo and parudisca ;
there are indications of it on the 3 or 4 outer primaries, the
others are nearly uniform dusky gray, moderately hoary.
Entire under parts white, with scarcely a trace of th(> ])linii-
1 us so evident in hirundo, and so decided in jxirddiscd.
'i":iil slightly lighter than the mantle, separated from the lat-
tiT for a short space l)y the decidedly white rump; lateral feathers much more streaming than
in hirutido, the clougation generally equalling and sometimes exceeding that oi paradisca. The
two streamers are white on the outer web, dusky-gray on the inner. (This being exactly the
reverse of hirundo, and a very noti(reable feature, was the first to draw attention to forsteri; and
this character being so convenient, writers have perhaps laid too much stress upon it.) Feet
bright orange, tinged with vermilion ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw ; feet longer and
stouter by over 0.10 of an inch than the same parts in hirundo. Adult, winter plumage: Bill
til
Fio. C04. — Tail of Forster's Teni,
about jj iiat. size. (From EUiot.)
1010
5 VS TEMA TI C S Y NOP SIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
dusky, except at base of under inaudible, and a terminal space of varying extent ; feet dusky
yellowish. The black cap more or less variegated with white; but tliere is always consider-
able black on the nape, and a distinct black bar extends along sides of head, embracing eyes.
Lateral tail-feathers not streaming like those of summer, being but little, if any, longer than
those of hirundo during the breeding season ; inner web usually darker, and this color may
extend on the outer web, especially toward the tip. (In this plumage the bird is S. havelli
AuD.) At the moult the old primaries lose their silvering, becoming plain brown and white,
their shafts decidedly yellow ; inner webs at this season with white spaces, as distinctly defined
as in hirundo and paradisea. Young : Bill smaller and weaker than tliat of the adults, brown-
ish-black, dull flesh-color at base of under mandible. Front white, but crown and nape show-
ing traces of the black that is to appear, now mixed with light brown. Pearl-blue of mantle
interrupted by irregular patches of light grayish -brown, tending to become transverse bars; on
the inner secondaries deepening into brownish-black, and occupying nearly the whole extent of
each feather. Primaries less silvery than those of tlie adult, with better marked white spaces,
like those of adult hirundo. Rump and under parts pure white. Tail deeply emarginate, but
lateral feather not streaming, surpassing the 2d pair by scarcely more than the latter surpass
the 3d; inner web, for about 1.00 from the tip, and botli webs of the other feathers, grayish-
black ; outer web of lateral feather white, but sometimes is invaded at the tip by the darker
color of its inner web. Nestlings bufi'y-brown, whitening on the belly, blotched with black
on the upi)er parts. North America at large, common ; breeds locally from Texas to the Fur
countries, both coastwise and inland; winters as far as Guatemala and even Brazil. Nest
commonly in marshes; eggs 2-3, 1.75-1.85 X 1-25-1.35, of variable tone from butfy or pale
brownish to olivaceous, freely but irregularly spotted and dashed with different shades of brown
and blackish ; commonly laid on grass or seaweed.
S. liirun'do. (hat. hirundo, a swiiWow. Fig. 695.) Common Tern. Wilson's Tern. Sea
Swallow. Bill as long as head, about equalling tarsus and middle toe without claw, moder-
ately robust ; height at
base contained a little ■IGCSER^^^^H^^Hi^^^BMHRr::^-"^ "'^Tr'' - -^ "ff
more than five times in
length of culmen ; go-
nys as long as rami,
measured from feathers
on side of mandible to
angle, which latter i^;
but slightly marked.
Adult (J 9 > breeding
plumage : Bill bright
coral or light vermilion
on basal half or rather
more, the rest black,
except the extreme yel-
k)wish tips. Iris dark
brown. Pileum lus-
trous black, with tinge
of green ; it extends to
lower level of eyes, but
leaves the lower lids
white, and it is so broad
on the lores that the white line of feathers along side of mandible hardly reaches to their end.
Mantle pearl-blue, beginning insensibly on neck, deepening on back, extending undiluted
Fig. 695. — Nest and Eggs of Common Tern.
LARID.E — STERNIN^ : TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS. 1011
almost to ends of inner secondaries, but ending abruptly on rump, the upper tail-coverts
being pure white. Under parts considerably lighter than the mantle. On the throat, toward
chin and along borders of the black cap, this color fades into nearly or quite pure white, as
it does also on lower tail-eovei'ts ; under surface of wings and axillary feathers pure white.
Shafts of all the primaries white, deepening into blackisli toward their tips. Outer web of
1st primary black, with scarcely any hoariness. First 4 or 5 primaries grayish-black, strongly
silvered; their inner webs with a space of white along their inner margins. Tliis space on
the 1st primary at base occupies the whole web. becomes narrower as it ascends, and ends,
or becomes a mere line, about 1.00 from the tip; on other primaries it is of less extent, and
runs up along the centre of the web a little farther than on the edge ; on the innermost pri-
maries it is very narrow, but forms an entire margin to the inner webs, running to their tips.
The inner primaries have scarcely any grayish-black, being mostly of the color of the mantle.
Secondaries mostly pure white, but toward their ends grayish-bine to about equal extent on
both webs. Tail moderately forked, contained about If times in length of wnng; the folded
wings reacli 1.00-2.00 beyond it; middle feathers broad to their rounded tips; lateral ones
successively narrower and more " streaming," their outer webs light pearl-gray (lilce the back),
their inner webs nearly pure wliite. The outer pair, however, are grayish-blue on most of
their inner webs, especially terminally, while their outer webs are grayish-black. Feet light
coral-red. Adults in winter: As above, but cap imperfect, marked with white on front and
crown; under parts less pearly or quite w^iite; bill and feet dull. There is much less de-
cided difference in seasonal plumage of this s})ecies, forsteri, and others of the same subgenus,
than tliere is in the large Terns of the section Actochelidon, the pure black cap being worn
htuger. Length (average) 14.50; extent 31.00; wing 10.50; tail G.OO, forked 3.50; bill along
culmen 1.35; height at base 0.33; from feathers ou side of lower mandible to tip 1.60; gonys
0.80; gape 2.10; tibije bare 0.50 ; tarsus 0.80-0.85; middle toe 0.75, its claw 0.30; outer 0.70,
its claw 0.18; inner 0.48, its claw 0.14; hallux with its claw 0.28; whole foot about 1.75.
Extremes: Length 13.00-1(5.00; extent 29.00-32.00; wing 9.75-11.75; tail 5.00-7.00; tarsus
0.(56-0.87; bill 1.25-1.50; 9 averages a little less than ^. Young fall under tlie above
minima: length down to 12.00, wing to 9.00, tail to 4.00, bill to 1.J2, etc. Young-of-the-
year in August : Upper mandible brown, becoming blackish on culmen toward tip, and some-
what tiesh-colored basally along tomia; under mandible light yellow, darkening into brown
toward tip. Mouth yellow ; feet dull yellow, with scarcely a tinge of reddish. Forehead
grayish-white; on crown mixed with large, illy-defined blackish spots; on occiput and nape
black prcvailiuir, the extreme tips of the feathers only being gray; on sides of head, as far as
eyes, tlie black also nearly pure. Ground-color of upper parts a rather lighter shade of the
l)earl-blue of the adults, but every feather is tipped with dull light gray, and has a subter-
minal spot (generally a crescent or .semicircle) of light brown. These conspicuous spots and
tijis usually give the predominating color to the upper parts ; but are neither so distinct nor
so dark as in panidisea. Lesser wing-coverts brownish-black, forming a continuous band.
Lesser and median coverts conspicuously tip])ed with yellowish-gray; inner secondaries nearly
pure white at tlirir tip.s: other secondaries white, with the outer web, except at tip, and the
median portion of the inner web, dark ))lumbeous or ashy-gray. Primaries colored almost
exactly as in the adults. Rump white, with a tinge of pearl-blue. Tail forked 1.00 or a
little more; inner webs of all the rectrices nearly pure white, but outer webs plumbeous-
gray, increasing in intensity from within outward, so that the outer pair, which are but little
elongated, have their outer webs grayish-black, deepest toward their tips. Entin> under
])arts, including under wing-coverts, pure white, with no trace of the pearly wash of the
adults. Nestlings grayish-buff (tf variable shade, mottled with <lusky on the upper parts, white
below, with dusky throat and |)ale buff sides; feet yellow. Eggs 2-3, rarely 4, 1.5.5-1.65 X
1 20-1.25, huff or pal(( brown with variable olivaceous shade, fully spotted with dark brown or
1012 SYS TEMA TIC S Y NOP SIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
blackish, indistinguishable with certainty from those of several related species, with some of
which the present species often breeds in colonies ; they are laid on the bare sand or shingle
of the seashore or large inland waters ; but (together with those of dougalli) on pasture sward
at Penikese Island. A very common species, wide-ranging in many parts of the world ; Europe,
Asia, Africa, and South America; in North America throughout, both coastwise and inland,
but most numerous east of the Great Plains ; breeding irregularly from Arctic regions to Gulf
of Mexico, and wintering from the Southern States southward.
S. paradis'aea. (Old Persian pairidaeza, Arahic fir daus, late Lat. paradisus-, Gr. irapadeisos,
paradeisos, a park or pleasure ground, used for the alleged Garden of Eden or Paradise, by
uncritical Biblical scribes, and hence for heaven as the abode of the blessed after death. Figs.
696, 697.) Paradise Tern. Arctic Tern. Crimson-billed Tern. Long-tailed
Tern. Short-footed Tern. Portland Tern. Pike's Tern. Bill shorter than head,
equal to middle toe and tarsus together, slender, compressed, acute. Feet remarkably small
and weak ; tibiae bare for a moderate distance ; tarsus shorter than middle toe without claw,
or only equal to it; toes rather long for the size of the feet; the outer falls but little short of
the middle one, while the claw of the inner hardly reaches beyond the third
joint of the middle one. Adult (J 9 > iu breeding plumage : Bill carmine
or lake-red, usually without any black ; feet a lighter tint of the same,
tending to vermilion or coral-red, but not so light as those of hirundo.
Shafts of primaries white, with scarcely darker tips. Outer web of 1st
primary grayish-black, lightening into silvery-gray at tip ; inner web white,
with a line of grayish-dusky along the shaft, narrower and lighter than in
hirundo; next 4 or 5 primaries silvery-gray, darkest toward tips, the inner
webs mostly white (wholly so at their bases) ; but the white does not extend
so far toward the tip as on the 1st primary, and runs up farther in the
centre of the web than on the edge of it. Inner primaries of the color of
the back, broadly tipped and margined internally with white. Tail ex-
ceedingly long, the streamers as much lengthened, and as narrow, as in
dougalli, reaching beyond the tips of the folded wings. Tail pure white;
Tern. Right foot. (L. Outer web of its exterior feather grayish-black, lighter basally; its inner
A. Fuertes.) web, and the outer webs of the next two rectrices, having a tinge of pearl-
blue. Cap lustrous greenish-black, so broad as to leave only a slender line
of white along edge of feathers on side of upper mandible. Mantle pearl-blue, of about the
same shade as in hirundo, fading into white at tips of inner secondaries. Under parts but
a little lighter shade of the color of the back, fading insensibly into whitish on chin, throat,
and edges of the black cap, and ending abruptly at the under tail-coverts, which are white,
in marked contrast to the rest of the under parts ; lining of wings and axillars also white.
Winter plumage of adult : Differs from the above chiefly in the color of the cap ; forehead
white ; crown white, but marked with narrow black shaft-lines which increase backward
until the nape is nearly or quite black. A dark lateral stripe, more or less distinct, extends
over auriculars beyond eye, leaving eyelids white. Upper parts much as in summer, but
under parts from chin to vent, much lighter. Young-of-the-year : Bill small, only about 1.08,
brownish-black toward tip, gonys and sides of lower mandible toward the angle of the mouth
dull orange; feet only orange on the soles, otherwise brownish-red. Tail only 4.75-5.00, the
outer rectrices scarcely streaming. Forehead white ; crown with narrow, longitudinal spots
of white upon a black ground which extends to the eyes, and runs back over the auriculars to
the nape. Whole under parts, including under tail-coverts and under surfaces of wings, pure
white. Back light bluish-gray (somewhat darker than in hirundo), all the feathers tipped
with yellowish-white or white, most of them with a blackish -brown streak or crescentic spot
near the end, darkest on inner secondaries, and forming one broad streak on the least wing-
LAPdD.E — STERNINjE: TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS.
1013
coverts. Primaries slate-color toward the tips ; shafts white, inuer webs with a longitudinal
space of wliite, outer web of the 1st slaty-black. Inner tail-feathers white, as are tlieir shafts,
each witli a subterniinal crescent-shaped spot of brownish-black. Nestlings indistinguishable
from those of hirundo in coloration, but averaging darker. Adult : Length (extremely vari-
able from varying length of tail) 14.()0-17.0U; extent 29.00-33.00; wing 10.00-10.75; tail
usually 7.00-8.00, sometimes 6.50-8.50, forked 4.00-5.00; tibiiebare 0.45; tarsus 0.55-0.05;
middle toe and claw 0.80-0.85; inner toe and claw 0.55; whole foot about 1.50; bill along
culmen 1.20-1.40; height at base 0.30; from featliers of .side of lower mandible to tip 1.40;
gape 1.90; gonys 0.75. A beautiful Tern, easily recognized by points of size and form, aside
from color; this varies mucli with age and season, giving rise to many nominal species; among
American synonyms are S. pikei Lawk., S. lungipennis CouKS nee Nordm., S. x>ortlandica
RinGW. Others are: S. hirundo Linn., in part; S. mucrura Nal'm., of 2d-4th eds. of the
Key, as of most authors, which unfortunately must yield to S. paradis(ca Bruxn. 17(34, though
the latter name used to be given to the Roseate Tern ; S. arctica Temm. ; S. argentata Brehm ;
■ An tir I'liu.
iS. coccineirostris Kkicii.; .S'. hrncJii/tarsa Graba; S. hraclujpns and senegalensis Sw. North-
ern Hemisphere. The bird i.s wide-ranging like most Terns; Europe, Asia, Africa; North
America at large ; breeds from Massachusetts N. to the Arctic regions ; S. to Middle States and
California in winter, but also then passing on to South America. Eggs 2-3, not distinguish-
aldc from tliose of the two foregoing species, but averaging smaller, say 1.05 X 1.15.
S. dou'Kalli. (To Dr. McDougall. Fig. 089.) Roskate Tern. McDoi'GALl's Tern.
Graceful Tern. r>ill about as long as head or foot, straiglit, slender, compressed, very
acute; gonys longer than rami, former straight, latter concave in outline, with acute but not
prominent angle between thorn. Wings shorter than usual ; 1st primary little longer than next.
Tail deeply forked, witli very long narrow streamers. Tibiae slightly denuiled ; tarsus a little
shorter tlian middle toe and claw. Whcde form trim and elegant. Adult $ 9- breeding plu-
mage: ]5ill black, the extreme ])oint yellowish, the base for a little distance, and inside of
moutli, red. Feet bright red; chiws black. Cap lustrous black, very amide, reaching to
lower border of eyes; under eyelid white, as is a streak to end of featliers on bill. Neck all
around and entiri' under parts snowy wliite, tinted with lovely rose-pink. Mantle delicate
pale pearly, over all the upper parts from the neck, including rump and base of tail, fading to
white on tips of inner secondaries ami inner webs of the others. Streamers white on both
webs, sometimes with a faint pearly tint. Primaries grayish-black, strongly silvered when
1014 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES.
fresh; outer wel) of ]st blackish; inner webs of all white for more than half their breadth,
this white stripe broadest on the first, toward the base of which it occupies the whole web,
and on all of them continued to and usually around the very tips ; shafts of all white both sides
nearly to end. Adult in winter : Bill dull black, with yellowish tij) and brown base. Fore-
head and cheeks white; crown, hind-head, nape, and sides of head, brownish-black, mixed
with white on vertex. No rosy tint. Lesser wing-coverts brownish. Tail without much
elongation or forking, and pearly like the back. Young, newly fledged : Bill small, slender,
blackish, hardly 1.10. Wings like those of adults. Tail merely forked an inch or so, pearly-
blue on outer webs, almost white on inner, with subterminal edging of blackish. Mantle light
pearly-blue, variegated with a delicate mottling of black and bufi", the black chiefly in narrow
zig-zag cross-bars, broken by the fawn-color; on the wings the variegation in larger pattern,
the feathers mostly black with yellowish borders. Forehead and cheeks light grayish-brown,
resolved on crown and hind-head into streaks of blackish and tawny, lost in blackish on nape.
A silvery white spot before and above eye ; eye surrounded by black. A band of black along
edge of forearm, where some of the feathers have yellowish tips. Under parts pure white, a
little obscured with gray on the breast. Adult: Length 14.00-15.00; extent about 30.00;
wing 9.25-9.75; tail 7.00-8.00, forked 3.50-4..50; bill along culmen 1.50; height at base 0.35;
gonys 1.00; mandibular rami 0.75; tibife bare 0.40; tarsus 0.85; middle toe and claw 1.00.
This exquisite species inhabits Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.; in North America it occurs along
the whole coast of the Atlantic and Gulf States, in various West India Islands, and Central
America; breeds nearly throughout its U. S. range, wintering extralimital. It is a beach bird,
nesting on the sand of the seashore; eggs 2-3, about 1.65 X 1-20, indistinguishable from
those of several related species, especially the Arctic Tern ; said to average rather lighter
colored, with smaller spots.
S. aleu'tiea. (Of the Aleutian Isles. Fig. 098.) Aleutian Tern. Form of ^S^ema proper ;
tail deeply forked, with long streamers as mforsteri, etc. Coloration darker than that of any
of the foregoing species, approaching that of the section Onychoprion, and presenting a white
frontal lunule as in Sternula and Onychoprion. Adult (J 9 > in
summer: Bill and feet black. Crown and nape black; a large
white frontal crescent, the horns of which reach over the eyes, and
the convexity of which extends into the nasal fossae- The black
vertex sends through the eye a band that crosses the cheek and
Fig. C98. — Aleutian Tern, much reaches almost to the point of greatest extension of feathers on
'® "''® ■ the bill. Chin and side of head bordering this vitta below pure
white, presently deepening insensibly into the hue of the under parts. Tail and its coverts
pure white — no pearly wash on any of the feathers. Mantle dark pearl-gray, with a leaden
hue, diff'erent from the clear pearly of paradisrea, etc., yet not of the smoky cast of ancestheta,
etc. — a tint intermediate between these, difficult to name satisfactorily ; it extends on the neck
behind to the black of the nape without intervention of white. All under parts, from the white
chin to under tail-coverts, paler and more decidedly pearly than the mantle, nearly as in full-
plumaged paradiscea, yet grayer. Under wing-coverts, edge of wing, and shafts of primaries,
pure white. Primaries blackish, with the usual silvery hoariness, and with large white spaces
on inner webs ; this space on the 1st primary occupies at base the whole width of the web, but
grows narrower and ends about 1.00 from the tip, which is wholly blackish, this color running
down as a narrow margin for 2.00 or more. On other primaries successively this white space
diminishes, and is also less distinctly defined. Secondaries like the back, but most of the inner
web of all white, and a narrow oblique touch of white on outer web near its end, forming a bar
across the wing when closed. Length 13.50-15.00; wing 9.75-10.75; tail 6.50-7.00, forked
2.40-3.75; bill along culmen 1.40; along gape 1.70; height at base 0.30; length of gonys
0.80; tarsus 0.60-0.75; middle toe alone 0.80; its claw nearly 0.30. Alaska and Aleutian
LAPdD^ — STERNINJE: TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS. 1015
Islands ; also on opposite side of Bering Sea to Japan ; common June-Sept, about St. Michael's,
where it breeds with Arctic Terns, laying on the bare ground; eggs 1-2, 1.70 X 1-12, indis-
tinguishable from tliose of several related species. The bird is near S. lunata, an extralimital
species, coming between the species of Sterna proper and the sooty Tern group.
{Subgenus Sternula.)
S. autilla'rum. (Lat. Antillarum, of the Antilles.) American Least Tern. Antillean
Tern. Silver Terxlet. Much smaller than any of the foregoing: Length about 9.00;
extent 20.00; wing 6.(50; tail :J. 50, forked 1.75; bill along culmen 1.20; depth at base 0.28;
tarsus 0. GO; middle toe and claw 0.75. Young smaller : Length 8.50; wing 6.25; tail 3.00;
bill 1.00. Tail moderately forked, the lateral feathers scarcely filamentous, rapidly narrowing to
acute tip. Bill about as long as head, rather shorter than whole foot. Adult <J 9 > i^i breed-
ing i)lumage : Bill yellow, usually tipped with black for 0.10-0.25. Cap glossy greenish-black,
with a narrow white frontal crescent whose horns reach over eyes, the convexity extending to
bill, but cut off from white of cheeks by a line of black through eye to end of feathers on bill.
Entire upper parts, including tail, pearly-blue, rather dark and of a leaden shade, reaching
quite to the black cap, fading on sides of neck and head into the snowy satiny-white of all the
under parts. Tail-feathers paler basally, white on their under surfaces and outer web of outer
feather. Mantle extending to very tips of secondai'ies, but inner webs of these feathers nearly
white toward the base. Shafts of first two primaries black on top, white underneath ; webs
black, the inner with a distinct white space, not reaching ends of the feathers; other primaries
like back, but darker plumbeous, fading to white on their inner borders. Feet orange-yellow ;
claws black. Adult in winter: Bill blackish ; feet dull yellowish. Forehead and lores white;
crown white, with black shaft-lines ; occiput and nape blackish, sending forward a band through
eye. Mantle darker than in summer, and more restricted, leaving hind-neck white ; a band of
grayisli-black along fore-arm, and whole edge of wing <jf this color; most primaries blackish,
without silvering. Young of first winter: Similar; forehead not pure white, nor hiud-head
quite blackish ; mantle varied with lighter tips of most feathers ; tail with traces of dark spots.
Young in August : Bill brownish-black, pale at base below. Forehead mostly white ; crown
and hind-head varied with white and brownish-black, the latter color especially forming an
auricular patch. Pearl-gray mantle appearing, but interrupted with brown hastate or cres-
centic spots, one or more on each feather, mottling tlie whole upper parts. Primaries grayish-
black, growing lighter from first to last, margined on inner webs with white, broadly and briefly
on outer primaries, more narrowly and lengthily on successive ones; outer web of first, and
shafts of all on upper side, black. Tail merely emarginate, pearly-blue, shading toward ends
of the feathers to dusky-gray, the tips white. Whole under parts pure white. A pretty little
Sea-Swalli)\v, inhabiting temperate North America, esi)i'cially along the Atlantic coast of the
U. S., casually to Labrador, and also on hirger inland waters to Minnesota; on the Pacific side
to California; S. into the Antilles and Middle America and to northern South America; inti-
mately related to the South American superciliaris and P^uropean minitta, but subgenerically
<listinct from any North American Tern. In former editions of the Key I combined it with S.
superciliaris, but I now revert to the opinion of its specific character which I originally ex-
pressed in Proc. Pliila. Acad. 18(52, p. 552, and which has meanwhile acquired the powerful
support of the A. 0. U. Eg^s dropped on bare dry sand of beaches, or iu a little shelly dej)res-
sion, I, 2, ."}, or 4, 1.20 to 1.30 by O.UO; ground color varying frou) pale clear greenish to dull
jiiih- dral), speckled all over with small splashes, irregular spots, and dots of several shades
of clear brown, with paler and more lilaceous shell-sjiots ; the markings often evenly distrib-
uted, more fn'([ueutly tending to wreathe at or around the larger end, the point often free from
marks op with only a few dots.
1016
S YSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
{Subgenus Onychoprion.)
{Haliplana of former editions of Key and of A. O. TJ, 1886-95.)
S. fuligino'sa. (Lat. fuliginosa, sooty. Fig. 699.) Sooty Tern. ECxG Bird. Wide-
awake. Bill as long as head, not much exceeded by whole foot, straight, stout at base, taper-
ing, acute, gonys ascending, commissure not decurved ; nostrils rather far forward. Tail deeply
forked, as in Sterna proper ; feet stout; toes short, with much incised webs. Plumage bicolor.
Adult (J 9 , in summer : Bill and feet black ; iris red. On forehead a white crescent reaching
above eyes, separated from white
of cheeks by a black bridle from eye
obliquely downward and forward to
bill. Entire upper parts black, with
slight greenish gloss. Entire under
parts white, reaching on sides of
head to eyes, and more than half-
way around neck. Primaries black-
ish, lighter on inner webs but with-
out any white wedges, their shafts
blown above, white below ; secon-
daries like primaries, but most of
their inner webs whitish; lining of
wings white. Tail like back, duller
on under surface, the streamers
white, with white shafts, darkening
toward end, especially on inner
webs. In winter : Similar, but
with some white spots in black of
crown. Young entirely ditferent : Bill black above, dull reddish below ; eyes and feet dull
reddish. Whole plumage smoky-brown, darkest above, paler and grayish or whitish on belly,
almost black on primaries; upper wing-coverts and scapulars tipped with white, giving
a peculiar spotty appearance ; feathers of back, rump, and upper tail-coverts margined with
dull rufous. Tail like wings in color, little forked, lateral feathers not elongated. Downy
young, gray dotted with whitish on upper parts, mostly white below. Adults: Length 15.00-
17.00, averaging about 16.50; extent about 34.00; wing 12.00; tail 7.50, forked 3.00-3.50;
bill along culnienl.80; gape 2.50; depth at base 0.50; tibia bare 0.70 ; tarsus 1.00; middle
toe and claw 1.20; outer do. 1.05; inner do. 0.75; hind do. 0.30. A well-known inhabitant
of most of the warmer parts of the globe, with a host of synonyms, both generic and specific.
In North America N. in summer along Atlantic coast regularly to the Carolinas, casually to
New England. Eggs 1-3, dropped on the sand, 2.00-2.12 X 1 .40-1.50, buff, creamy, or white,
sparingly. spotted and splashed with light brown, rich brown, and pale purplish. This bird
is type of 3 different generic names by Wagler — Onychoprion, Isis, 1832, p. 277 ; Planetis,
Isis, 1832, p. 1222; and Haliplana, Isis, 1832, p. 1224; the first of these has priority, as I
have remarked before, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1862, p. 556, and Auk, July, 1897, p. 314. Ony-
choprion has therefore been adopted instead of Haliplana by the A. 0. U. in Suppl. List,
Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 99.
S. f. crissa'lis. (Lat. crissalis, crissal, relating to the crissum.) Crissal Sooty' Tern.
Like the last ; crissum ashy instead of white. W. coast of Mexico up to the Gulf of Cali-
fornia, and widely dispersed in the Pacific. Not in former editions oi the Key. Baird MS.
apud Lawr. Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, xiv, June, 1871, p. 285 and p. 301 ; Mem. Bost. Soc
Nat. Hist, ii, 1874, p. 318. Not iu A. 0. U. Lists.
Fig. C99. — Foot of Sooty
Tern, nat. size. (From Saunders.)
Fig. 700. — Foot of Bridled
Tern, nat. size. (From Saunders.)
LARID.E — STEllXINJ^ : TERNS, SEA SWALLOWS. 1017
S. anaesthe'ta. (Gr. dvaiadriTOi, anaisthetos, stolid, stupiil, insensate, apathetic. Fig. 700.)
Bridled Tern. Paxayan Tern. Form of S. fuliginosa, but webbing of toes less extensive
(almost as deeply incised as in Hi/drochelidon). Adult (J 9 > iu summer: Bill and feet black.
Crown and stripe through eye to nostril black. A white frontal lunula, narrower than in fuli-
ginosa, extending beyond eye. Black pileum sharply defined on nape against ashy-white,
which insensibly shades into cinereous-brown, the prevailing color of the upper parts. Wings,
especially primaries, darker than rest of upper parts, with scarcely a shade of cinereous; tail,
with its coverts, much lighter and more ashy, approaching nape in color. Primaries with well-
defined, pure white spaces running for a considerable distance from their bases along inner
webs (in fuliginosa these webs simply grayish-brown with no well-marked wedges). A large
part of inner webs of secondaries white ; under wing-coverts white. Middle tail-feathers
brownish-ash, concolor with their coverts ; lateral ones with much white toward their bases,
especially on inner webs, increasing on each feather successively to such an extent that the
next to the outer one is wholly white except a small space at its tip, while the outermost is
entirely white. Shafts of primaries brownish-black above, white beneath ; of rectrices dark
along the cinereous and white along other portions. Under parts entirely white. Length
14.()0-1.'5.00; wing 10..50; tail G.00-7.00, forked about 3.50; bill 1.40-1.60; height at base
0.3.3-0.40; width slightly less ; tarsus 0.85 ; middle toe the same, with claw 1.20; outer toe
and claw 1.00; inner 0.75. Immature: Black cap imperfect, largely mixed with white on
vertex, so tliat it fades insensibly into the while of lunula, which latter is thus undefined ; black
bridle correspondingly imperfect. Upper parts paler and grayer tlian in the adult, some of the
feathers maciiined witli whitish. Lateral rectrices not wholly white. Under parts pure white,
as before. This is not the youngest plumage, but one that closely resembles, if it be not iden-
tical witli, tlie ordinary winter plumage of the adult. Young : As before; but more white on
head ; whitish tips of most feathers of the mantle ; a dark band along lesser wing-coverts, less
white on outer tail-feathers ; still younger, with rufous tips of the mantle feathers, but under
])arts white from the first fiedging ; bill and feet browni.sh. This perfectly distinct .species in-
liabits most warm parts of both hemispheres ; West Indies, and casually Florida. It has many
synonyms, among them Haliplana discolor Coues, 1864. The absurd specific name was origi-
nally misspelled anaethetus by Scopoli, 1785 — a misprint perpetuated by the A. 0. U. I
made it anosthreta in 1st edition of the Key, 1872, after cmosthcetus Gray, 1871 ; but this is as
bad spelliui^f as almost any other. The word appears as anfrstlictica in the Key, 2d-4th edi-
tions, 1884-90; this is an improvement, but ancestheta is perfectly good Latin form, as a trans-
literation of the Greek, and no doubt what was (triginally intended. I used this form in
I> X. W. 1874, ]). 701. S<tme autliors have perpetrated aenothetus and anastaetus !
IIYDROCHELI'DON. (Gr. vSup, hudor, water; xf^'^wj/, chelidon, a swallow.) Black
Tr.UN.s. l}ill a little shorter than head, longer than middle toe and claw, very slender and
acute : culmen and commissure convex, the curvature increasing toward tip ; outline of rami
and gonys both concave, the former most so ; angle very acute. Wings extremely long,
pointed, of same color as back, without distinct markings. Primaries broad and not acute ;
secondaries not slender nor fiowiug, reaching iu the folded wing only half-way to tip. Tail
.short, only moderately emarginate, the lateral feathers little exceeding the next, not streaming ;
all broad and mimded. Feet .^ilender and short ; tarsi rather less than middle toe. Toes mod-
erately long ; webs narrow ami very deeply incised (fig. .51). Size small ; form delicate ; ctdors
mostly black, the wings and tail jdumbeous. A small genus of 3 species, a subspecies of one
of which is common in Xortli America, where a second species has occurred as a straggler; the
third is the Whiskered Tern, H. hyhrida.
1018 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES.
Analysis of Species.
Wings and tail above like back nigra surinamensis
Wings whitening along border of forearm ; upper tail-coverts white leucoptera
H. ni'gra surinamen'sis. (Lat. niger, nigra, nigrum, black. Lat. surinamensis, of Surinam
or Dutch Guiana in South America.) Surinam Tern. American Black Tern. Short-
tailed Tern. Semipalmated Tern. Adult ^ 'i , m summer: Head and neck all around
and under parts to the vent, jet black ; under tail-coverts pure white. On back of neck, and
between shoulders, the black lightening into leaden-gray or plumbeous, which extends over all
the upper parts to the very tips of the tail-feathers. Inner secondaries like back ; others
darker, tending to the color of the primaries, which are grayish-black, silvered, with paler
margins of inner webs, their shafts white except at tips. Lining of wings ashy-white, this
color reaching a little over fore border of wing on to lesser coverts, so that it shows to some ex-
tent on the upper surface. Bill and claws black ; angle of mouth lake red ; feet dark reddish-
brown ; eyes brown. In winter : Very different; forehead, sides of head, neck all round, and
entire under parts, white; under wing-coverts ashy-gray. Crown white varied with grayish
or ashy, darker on nape, with dusky auricular and orbital bar. Upper parts generally as in
summer, but paler, many feathers with whitish edges. While changing, head and under
parts patched with white and black. Young : Bill brownish-black, base below flesh-color ;
mouth yellow ; feet light brown. Forehead grayish-white, deepening on crown and nape to
grayish-brown which reaches down to the back, obscuring the plumbeous; interscapulars quite
brown ; on other upper parts brown edges of the feathers. Lesser wing-coverts grayish-
black. A black crescent before eye. Under parts pure white ; sides of breast ashy-brown,
sides of body and lining of wings ashy; shafts of primaries brown. Length about 9.2.5; extent
25.00; wing 8.25; tail 3.75, forked 1.00 ; bill along culmen 1.10; along gape 1.60; height
at base 0.25; gonys 0.60. Young smaller, about 8.00; bill 1.00; tail shorter and less forked.
Nestlings in down, brown above mottled with black, sootier on head, whitish on sides of head
and middle of belly. North America at large, interior and coastwise, abundant; S. in winter
through much of South America. Breeds from our interior middle districts N. to Alaska and
the Fur Countries, often in large colonies, in marshes and reedy sloughs, in June. Nests usu-
ally on debris of dead reeds, often wet and floating in shallow water; eggs 2-4, 1.35 X 0.95
average, pointed, yet with considerable bulge of the sides ; ground color brownish-olive, rather
pale and clear, thickly marked with spots and splashes of every size from dots to masses, but
mostly large and bold, of light brown and blackish-brown, and the usual neutral-tint shell-
markings ; tendency to aggregate at or around the larger end. This is the American repre-
sentative of H. nigra of Europe, etc., but darker colored and otherwise distinguishable; some
authors rate it as a good species. The European bird is JRallus lariformis and Sterna fissipes
Linn. 1758, whence H. lariformis and H. fissipes of former editions of the Key — a p(jsition
from which I now recede. Our bird was described as S. plumbea by Wilson, 1813; but a
prior name is -S*. surinamensis Gm. 1788.
H. leucop'tera. (Gr. XevKos, leukos, white ; irrtpou, pteron, wing.) White-winged Black
Tern. Adult in summer: Bill black, tinged with red; feet red; claws black. Head and
neck all around and under parts pure black, shading on back and scapulars into dark slaty
plumbeons ; wings dark silvery-plumbeous, fading to white along border of forearm ; primaries
silvered-dusky with white shafts and dull white area on inner webs ; lining of wings blackish,
varied witli white along the border. Tail and its coverts, above and below, white, abruptly
contrasting with dark slate of rump and black of belly; tail-feathers sluided with pearly-gray
toward their ends. Length 8.50-9.50 ; wing 7.50-8.00 ; tail 2.75-3.10, forked 0.50 ; bill along
culmen 0.90-1.00; along gape 1.20, height at base 0.20; tarsus 0.75; middle toe and claw
0.87. Resembling the last, and changes of plumage correspondent; distinguished in any
laridjE—rhynchopin^E: skimmers. 1019
plumage by white upper tail-coverts and lesser wing-coverts. Europe, Asia, Africa, etc. ;
Barbadoes (once) ; accidental in North America in one alleged instance (Lake Koshkonong,
Wisconsin, Am. Xat. viii, 1874, p. 188).
ANOUS. (Gr. avovs, anous, mindless, regardless; i. e., stupid.) Noddies. Bill about as
long as head or longer, much longer than tarsus, moderately robust, as broad as high at base;
elsewhere depressed, tapering to the somewhat decurved tip. Fore end of nostrils nearly half-
way to end of bill, the fossae long and deep. No frontal antise; outline of feathers on base of
bill convex (reverse of Sterna, etc.). Wings moderately long for Sternince ; 2d primary little
shorter than 1st. Tail very long, broad, fan-shaped, dotible-rounded, i. e., graduated laterally,
yet with middle feathers shorter than next ])air. Tarsi shorter than middle toe without claw.
Lateral toes, especially the inner, lengthened ; hallux well developed. Webs broad and full,
not incised. Claws short, stout, little curved, very acute ; edge of middle claw dilated and
somewhat pectinate. Podotheca nearly smooth, from fusion of the plates, but a single defined
r(jw of scutella in front, with delicate reticulations elsewhere; soles of webs perfectly smooth.
Plumage dark, nearly unicolor. A remarkable genus forming (with Micranous, etc.) a super-
generic group (Anoe(j; or Megalopterecc) of Sternince. There are several species of warmer
parts of the world, all alike sooty-l>rown, with hoary or whitish cap. They alight with ease
on trees and bushes, where the bulky nest is usually built of sticks, etc., contrary to the rule
in the family Laridce.
A. stol'idus. (Lat. s^oZic??<s, stolid, stupid.) Noddy Tern. Adult (^ 9 > breeding plumage :
Bill and claws black; mouth black to a little beyond the angle of the jaws, the fauces yellow-
ish; eyes brown; feet dark reddish-brown, nearly black in the dried skiu. Occiput bluish-
plumbeous, becoming pure white on the front. Sides of head and neck all round with a wash of
bluish-plumbeous, with a very dark spot anterior to and just above eye; coloration otlierwise
deep fuliginous brown, blackening cm remiges and rectrices. Young: Similar, not so dark, but
rather umber-brown, with pale grayish-brown cap, and whitish line over eye. Length KJ.OO;
extent 31.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tailG.OO; bill along culmen 1.75; height or width at base
0.38; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.45; outer but slightly shorter; inner 1.20; hallux
0.40; breadth of webs 0.90; diameter of eye 0.30. Widely distributed over warmer parts of
the globe ; in North America, South Atlantic and Gulf States in summer ; breeds by thousands
on the low mangrove and other bushes, on which the nest is placed ; eggs sometimes laid on
slielvcs or in crevices of rocks, or on beaches. Egg averaging 2.05 X 1-35, warm buflf, spotted
and splashed with reddish-brown and neutral tints, chietly about the larger end.
Subfamily RHYNCHOPIN/E : Skimmers.
{Family Rynchopid^ of A. O. U.)
Bill hypognathous. Among the singular bills of birds that may excite our wonder, that
of the Skiimners is one of the most anomalous. The under mandible is much longer than
the upper, compressed like a knife-blade ; its end is obtuse ; its sides come abruptly to-
gether and are completely soldered; the upper edge is as sharp as the under, and fits a groove
in the upper mandible; the jaw-bone, viewed apart, looks like a short-handled pitchfork. The
ujjpcr mandible is also compressed, but less so, nor is it so obtuse at the end ; its substance is
nearly lioUow, with liglit cancellated structure, much as in a Toucan; it is freely movable by
means of an elastic hinge at the forehead. There are also cranial peculiarities. Conformably
with the shape of the mouth, the tongue differs from that of other Longipennes in being very
short and stumpy, as in Kingfishers and Stcga>iopodcs. The wings are excecdiuijlv loiiir. and
the liiglit iiKirc incasund and sweeping than that of Terns; the birds fly in close flocks moving
simnlt.-ineously, rather than in straggling companies. They seem to feed as thev skim low
over the water, with the fore parts inclined downward, tlie under mandible probably grazing
or cuttini; the surface : but they are also said to use their odd bill to pry open weak bivalve
1020
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — L ONGIPENNES.
Fig. 701. — Bill of Skimmer, nat. size.
mollusks. The voice is very hoarse and raucous, rather than strident. They are somewhat
nocturnal or at least crepuscular; their general economy is the same as that of Terns, as are
all points of structure excepting those above specified ; but these are so remarkable that the
Skimmers might form a family apart from Laridce. Besides the following, there are four extra-
limital species: E- melanura and B. intercedens of South America; B. flavirostris of Africa;
and B. alhicollis of Asia.
RHYN'CHOPS. (Gr. pvyxo^i hrugchos, beak; a)\//, ops, the face: well applied to the bird
whose beak is such an extraordinary feature.) Skimmers. Character as above. (A. 0. U.
misspells Bynchops, after Linn. 1758.)
K. nigra. (Lat. nic/ra, black. Fig. 701.) Black Skimmer. Cut-vv^ater. Scissor-bill.
Adult (J 9, in summer: Bill with basal half carmine (drying yellowish), rest black. Iris
hazel. Feet carmine (drying yellowish) with black claws. Crown of head, its sides to just
below eyes, back
of neck and whole
upper parts,
glossy jet-black.
Forehead, sides
of head below
eyes, sides of
neck and whole
under parts, pure
white, tinted rosy
or creamy in
the nuptial season. Lining of wings black. Primaries black, with black shafts, their inner
webs blackish, the inner four with inner webs and tips of both webs white ; secondaries
white, with a space of dark color on outer and small part of inner webs, increasing in amount
inwards, till the inner four are dark with only white tips. Tail-feathers white, the inner
webs more or less obscured with dark brown. In winter: Upper parts only blackish, in-
terrupted with white on the hind neck. Length 16.00-20.00; extent 42.00-50.00; wing
13.00-1G.50; tail 4.00-G.OO, forked about 1.50; tibia? bare 1.00; tarsus 1.45; middle toe and
claw 1.30. Length of under mandible 3.50-4.50, of upper about 3.00; height opposite nostrils
0.65; width 0.45; gape 4.50 or more; fused tomia or gonys of under mandible 4.00 or less;
greatest depth of under mandible 0.60. 9 smaller than ^. Young at minimum dimensions
given. Young-of-the-year : Bill smaller than in adult, thinner, weaker, its ridges less sharply
defined, and the two mandibles of less unequal lengths ; striae on sides of lower mandible as
numerous as, but much less distinct than, in the adult. Tail shorter, less forked. Bill brown-
ish-black for I its length, dull horn-color at tip, fiesh-color or light reddish toward base. Feet
light reddish. Entire upper parts light grayish-brown, deepest on wing-coverts and inner sec-
ondaries, each feather edged and tipped with white, broadest and most conspicuous on wing-
coverts and inner secondaries. Forehead, sides of head below eyes, neck all round, edge of
fore-arm, inferior surfaces of wings, <md whole under parts, white. Primaries almost exactly
as in the adults, except that the innermost have more white, and there is a slight white termi-
nal margin as far as the 4th or 5th ; secondaries about as in the adults, but their brown por-
tions lighter. Tail white ; greater part of two middle rectrices, and inner webs of the others,
tinged with grayish-brown, deepest on the middle pair. Younger birds bufi" above, much
spotted with blackish and ashy; bill and feet livid brownish. Nestlings in down grayish bufi'
mottled with blackish above, white below. Atlantic and Gulf States, strictly maritime, abun-
dant; N. regularly to New Jersey, casually to New England and Nova Scotia; S. in winter to
South America; also on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Nesting like that of Terns, in commu-
nities; eggs dropped on the sand, about 4 in number, about 1.75 X 1.30, pure white to pale
bufi", spotted and splashed with dark browns and blackish, and pale neutral-tint.
TUBINARES: TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS.
1021
Order TUBINARES: Tube-nosed Swimmers.
Nostrils tubular.
Bill epignathous; its
coveriug discontin-
uous, consisting of
several horny pieces ^
separated by sutures.
Hallux small, ele-
vated, functiouless,
appearing merely a.-^
a sessile daw, often
minute, or absent.
Tliese are cosmo-
politan oceanic birds,
rarely landing except
to breed, unsurpassed
in powers of liiglit,
and usually strong
swimmers. Except-
ing the Diving Pet-
rels or Sea-runners ,
{Pelecanoididce). none
of them dive well.
Witli the same ex-
ception, the wings
are long, strong, and
pointed, of 10 stiff
])rimaries and usually
numerous short sec- Fig. 702. -Ne8t of the Fulmar. (Designed by H. W. KUiott.)
ondaries (no 5th secondary in any, and the number reduced tt) 10 in one group) ; upper arm
and forearm sonietimes extremely lengthened. Tail short or moderate, of fewer than 20 feath-
ers, usually 12 or 14, variable in shape. Feet usually short, with long full-webbed front toes,
and rudimentary hallux, or none. Among anatomical characters may be noted : Palate schi-
zngnatlious; nasals holorhinal; vomer large, flat, pointed; basipterygoids ])resent or absent;
nian(Hble truncated; top of skull with large depressions for the supraorbital glands. Great
prctciral muscle double, and .'3d pectoral well developed; outer humeral condyle large; ancoual
ossicles present as a rule; coraco-humeral groove shallow. Femorocaudal and semitendinosus
present, and usually also the accessory femorocaudal and the amiiicus. I'roventriculus very
large; gizzard small, of ]ieculiar shape ; duodenum at first ascending; tongue small or rudi-
mentary; coeca varial)l(' ; traclieo-1)ronchial muscles attached to 7th or oth bronchial rings.
Oil-ghmd tufted. Spinal pteryla marked in the neck by lateral apteria. (Forbes. Gapow.)
In size, these birds vary remarkably, ranging from that of a Swallow up to the immense
All)atr(isses, unsurpassed by any birds whatever in alar expanse, and yielding to few in bulk
' Tlie formal nomenclature of these pieces Is: 1. Narirorn or rhinolheca, the nasal tube. 2. Ciihninicom, cover-
iiin the <Milm(>n. .■?. Lalerirom, tlie sifle-piece of the upper mandible. 4. Superior unfjiiirom, forming the hook of the
upper nian(lil)le ; alwj called <lerlrnt/iecti. .'>. litiinirorn, thp side-piece of the lower mandible. <>. Inferior unffiiicorn,
forniiiiR the tip of the under mamlible ; also called niijTotlieca. 7. /n/crrdHiicorn, alouR the Ronys, a small piece best
wen ill AlbntrosseH, in whirli all the otherH may also be most coiiveiiieiitly studied. (CouKs, Proc. Pliila. Acad. May,
iscc, pp. \--,, 17(; )
1022 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBIN ARES.
of body. The plumage is compact and oily, to resist water ; the sexes are always alike, and
no seasonal clianges are determined ; but variation with age, or as a matter of individual pecu-
liarity, occurs in many cases, though it is seldom so conspicuous as it always is in Longi-
pennes, and does not run through the whole order. The food is entirely of an animal nature,
and fatty substances, in particular, are eagerly devoured. When irritated, many species eject
an oily fluid from the mouth or nostrils, and some are so fat as to be occasionally used for
lamps, a wick being run through the body. The egg of each species is white or only faintly
marked, laid in a rude nest or none, on the ground or oftener in a burrow ; the young are nidi-
colous and ptilopsedic, covered with notably flufly down. Petrels are silent birds, as a rule,
contrasting with Gulls and Terns in this particular ; many or most are gregarious, congregating
by thousands at their breeding places or where food is plentiful.
Birds of this order abound on all seas ; but some are still imperfectly known. Bonaparte
gave 69 species in 1856; my memoirs upon the subject (1864-66) present 92; in 187J Gray
recorded 112 — which happens to be almost exactly the total given by Osbert Salvin in 1896,
though the discrepancies in detail are numerous. Mr. Salvin describes 110 species (many of
them unknown in 1871), which he arranges in 25 genera; with a dubious residuum of 11 spe-
cies. This accomplished monographer divides the Tubinares into 4 families: (1) Procellariidce
in a restricted sense, with subfamilies P?'oceZZartm« and Oeeanitinre ; (2) Pujfinidce, containing
most of the order, with subfamilies Puffinince and Fulmarince; (3) PelecanoididcB ; (4) Diome-
deidce. This is certainly a great improvement upon the fanciful arrangement ofGarrod and
Forbes, who proposed to divide the order primarily into two groups, according to the presence
or absence of coeca and the accessory semitendinosus muscle, — one family Oceanitidce for cer-
tain of the "Stormy " Petrels, and the other family for all the rest of the Petrels. I also think
my friend Salvin's arrangement better than that of former editions of the Key, which made the
single family Procellariida coextensive with Tubinares, and divided it by the character of the
nostrils into three subfamilies: (1) Diomedeince, Albatrosses; (2) Procellariince, all Petrels
except (3) Halodromince, the Sea-runners or Diving Petrels. These last, consisting of one
genus (Pelecanoides) and three species, resemble Auks in external appearance and habits ;
wings and tail very short; no hind toe; throat naked and distensible — the tuhular nostrils, in
fact, are the principal if not the only outward petrel-mark, and these organs are unique in
opening directly upward, the nasal tube being vertical instead of horizontal. The Sea-runners
— now called Pelecanoididce — are extralimital ; the other three families of Salvin are well
represented in North America. I see force in any of the various reasons alleged by some late
systematists for removing the Tubinares from their usual position, and shall leave them to stand
as heretofore between Longipennes and Pygopodes — what better links could be desired between
Petrels and Gulls than the Fulmars, or between Petrels and Auks than the Halodromes ?
Analysis of North American Families of Tubinares.
Nostrils separated, lateral. Hallux rudimentary DiomedeidcB
Nostrils united, culminal. Hallux evident, though small ProcellariidCB
Family DIOMEDEID-^ : Albatrosses.
Nostrils disconnected, placed one on each side of bill near base. Hallux rudimentary ; ap-
parently wanting in most cases, but minute in one genus. Three front toes long, fully webbed,
and with lateral fringes. Interramicorn well developed. Wings extremely long, especially in
the upper arm and forearm, very narrow, with very numerous (40-50) flight-feathers, of which
10 are developed primaries, 1st longest. Unequalled powers of sailing flight are conferred
upon Albatrosses by such a wing, the bony mechanism of which includes a sternum very broad
DIOMEDEID^: ALBATROSSES. 1023
for its length, coracoids short, with broad bases and widely divergent axes and a small manu-
brium of the furcula. The skull lacks basipterygoids. The species are ©f maximum size in
the order Tuhinares, and among the very largest of swimming birds, equalling or exceeding a
Goose in bulk of body. The adult and young generally differ in plumage, contrary to the rule
in this order. The nest is built on open ground, not in a burrow as is common among Petrels.
The egg is single, colorless or nearly so ; both sexes incubate. There are about 1.5 good spe-
cies of Albatrosses, besides 2 or 3 doubtful ones, representing 3 genera; most of them belong
to Southern seas; only 3 are properly North American, but I describe 3 others as stragglers to
our shores. Among well-known extralimital species are Diomedea melanophri/s, Thalassogeron
chhrorhj/nchus, and T. cautus. A fossil species, D. anrjlka, occurs in the Pliocene of England.
Analysis of Genera.
Tail rounded, contained about thrice in length of wing. Bill stout ; under mandible not sulcata.
Culminicorn wide at base, there joining latericom Diomedea
Culminicorn narrow at base, there separated from latericom Thalassogeron
Tail cuneate, contained about twice in length of wing. Bill compressed, with frontal re-entrance and lateral salience
of feathers at base ; under mandible with a long lateral groove Phaebetria
DIOMEDE'A. (Gr. AiofirjSrjs, Diomedes, a Grecian hero at the siege of Troy ; literally, coun-
selled from Zeus; Zeis (in compos. Aio-, Dio-), Zens, and /njjSea, medea, pi. of /i^Soy, medos,
counsel. But Newton observes that the Ares Diomedece of Pliny, inhabiting certain Adriatic
islands of the same name, ''seem to have been Shearwaters of some sort.") Albatrosses.
Bill thick, stout, and heavy, especially broad at base, without colored groove along lower man-
dible, or other special particoloration. Nasal tubes ample. Tail short, rounded, less than
half the wing (in one species about one-third the wing). Coloration variegated with white
and black, or uniformly fuliginous. Of largest size. D. exulans is type of this genus ; our
two species fall in a subgenus Phosbastria.
Arialysis of Subgenera and Species.
Bill very large, with outline of culmen very concave from base to hook, and outline of feathers at base strongly an-
gulated on both mandibles. (Diomedea proper.) exulans
Bill small, with little culminal concavity, and nearly straight outline of feathers around the base. (Ph(ebastria.)
Adult white, with yellowish head and dark wings and tail ; bill and feet light nlbatrns
Adult white, with dark spot before eye, and dark wings and tail ; bill dark, feet flesh-color . . immutabilis
Adult chiefly fuliginous ; bill dark and feet black nigripes
(Subgenus Diomedea.)
D. ex'ulans. (Lat. ])rosent participle of e.rulare, exsulare, to banish, be or make an exile or
wanderer.) WAXDRiiiNct Albatross. Adult: White; the flight-feathers dusky or black-
ish, the back, scajjulars, and wing-coverts more or less barred or otherwise variegated with
black ; tail mostly white, but somewhat variegated. Bill dull yellowish tinge, very large
and stout, strongly hooked, with deeply concave culmen, and strongly angulated outline of
feathers on both mandibles. Feet Hcsh-colored. Young : Dark brown, paler or whitish oa
the under parts and neck ; fixce and lining of wings white ; flanks variegated ; a dark crown-
patcli ; upper surface of wings uniformly dusky ; under tail-coverts dark. Very large ;
length 3^ to 4^ feet ; extent 10 feet or more; wing 2 feet or more; tail 8.00 inches; bill
about 7.00 ; tarsus 5.00 ; middle toe and claw (1.50. Egg single, 4.75 X 3.25, ovate-ellip-
tic, white, but minutely dotted in ])art. A species of most extensive distribution in South-
ern seas, repeatedly attributed to North America, and as often dropped for lack of conclusive
evidence of its occurrence. It probably requires to be reinstated ; but its present status is
hypothetical, as late records from Tampa Bay, Florida, and the mouth of the Columbia
Kiver are considered unsatisfactory. See CoUES, Auk, Oct. 1885, p. 387 ; Apr. 1895, p. 178;
1024 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBINARES.
New Light on the Greater Northwest, 1897, p. 853 ; Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 325 ; 2d ed. 1884,
p. 774 ; 3d ed. 1887, p. 892 ; 4th ed. 1890, p. 906 ; Eidgw. Mau. 1887, p. 51 ; A. 0. U. List,
2d ed. 1895, Hypothetical List, No. 4.1.
(Subgenus Ph<ebastria.)
D. al'batrus. (New Lat. albatrus, Span, or Port, nlbatroste, albatroz, alcatraz, alcaduz, from
Arabic al-cddous, after Gr. (cdSoy, kados, a bucket or water-pot ; first applied to the Pelican
of Europe, from its great pouch, subsequently extended to other large water-birds, and then
limited as the name of the Diomedeidce in ornithology; Ital. albatro, Fr. alhatros, earlier, alga-
tros, Dutch albatros, Germ, albatross, English, alcatraze, algatross, albetross, albitross, alba-
tross, and albatros.) Short-tailed Albatross. Johaiki. Bill 5.00 or 6.00 long, 2.00
dee}) at base, with moderately concave culmen and
prominent hook. Frontal feathers forming almost no
re -entrance on culmen, running nearly straight around
base of upper mandible, and extending scarcely farther
on sides of under mandible, with hardly any con-
vexity. Tail very short, contained more than 3 times
in length of wing. Length 33.00-37.00, averaging
about 3 feet ; extent about 7 feet ; wing 20.00 ; tail
5.50-6.00 ; tarsus nearly 4.00 ; middle toe and claw
5.50. Adult: White; head and neck usually washed
with shining rusty-yellow; wings and tail dark or
blackisli, with a wholly indeterminate amount of white
on the coverts and inner quills — sometimes nearly all
Fig. 703. — Bill and Foot of Short-tailed Ai- the wing-coverts white excepting a line along border
batross. (After Cassin.) ^^f fore-arm — Sometimes the white restricted to a
small space at elbow ; shafts of primaries yellow. Bill pale reddish-yellow, drying dingy-yel-
lowish; feet livid flesh-color or bluish-white, drying dark. Young: Dark-colored, resembling
nigripes, but easily distinguished. North Pacific Ocean ; common oS" our coast from Alaska
to California ; Japan ; China. Egg nearly equal ended, 4.20 X 2.60, white. This Albatross
shares with the next the sailors' name of Gong or Goney, from gooneg, a provincial English
word for a stupid person. D. albatrus Pall. 1780 ; D. brachgura Temm. of most authors, as
of former editions of the Key ; D. chinensis Temm. ; D. derogata Sw^inh.
D. immutab'ilis. (Lat. immutable, unchanging.) Laysan Albatross. Head, neck,
lower rump, and all under parts white ; wings and their coverts blackish -brown ; interscapu-
lars and back paler, more smoky brown ; tail black, fading to white at base; lining of wings
mixed dusky and white; a sooty space in front of eye. Bill gray, darker at base, blackish at
tip, base of under mandible yellow; feet fleshy pinlt; iris brown. Wing 19.00; bill 4.00 ;
tarsus 3.20 ; middle toe and claw 4.30. Young in down pale brown with blackish bill, passing
to adult coloration on first plumage. Laysan Island, North Pacific; San Geronimo and Guada-
lupe Island, Lower California. Rothschild, Bull. B. 0. C. i. No. IX, May 17, pub. June 1,
1893, p. xlviii; Ibis, 1893, p. 448 ; 1894, p. 548 ; Avifauna Laysan, 1893, p. 57, plates. New
to the Key: see Anthony, Auk, Jan. 1898, p. 38; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899,
p. 99, No. 82.1.
D. nig'ripes. (Lat. nigripes, black-footed.) Black-footed Albatross. Gony. Bill
about 4.00 (never 5.00), ^ longer than head, slightly longer than tarsus, equal to middle toe
without claw, extremely stout; culmen and commissure almost straight to the hook, which is
comparatively small, scarcely rising above level of culmen. Culminicorn very broad, espe-
cially at base, where it widens and descends to overlap the latericorn. Outline of feathers
DI0MEDEIDJ2 : A LB A TR OSSES.
1025
much as in albatrus, yet a slight re-entrauce on furehead, and feathers on sides of under man-
dible salient with a slight convexity. Tail contained 3 times in length of wing. Adult and
young: Bill dark reddish-brown; feet black. Plumage dark chocolate-brovA'U, paler and
grayer, rather plumbeous, below, lightening or whitening on front uf head and at base of tail ;
feathers of upper parts with paler edges, as if faded ; spot before eye and streak over eye quite
black. Primaries black, duller on inner webs, with yellow shafts ; tail blackish, duller below,
with whitish shafts except at tip. A final plumage may be lighter than as described, but is
never extensively white, and other characters prove the validity of the species. Young with
dusky upper tail-coverts. Length 36.00 or less, generally not over 30.00; wing usually 19.00—
20.00; tail about 6.50. Bill 1.50 deep and 1.25 wide at base; chord of culmen 4.00, its
curve 4.60; from feathers on side of upper mandible to tip 3.50; ditto lower mandible 3.20;
tarsus 3.70; middle or outer toe and claw 4.50; inner ditto 4.00. North Pacific coast, abun-
dant from Califijruia to Alaska ; Japan ; China.
THALASSOG'ERON. (G. daXaacra, thalassa, the sea; yepcuv, geron, an old man.) Culmi-
nating Albatrosses. Culminicorn high and narrow throughout, at base of bill separated
from latericorn by a skinny interval between nasal tubes and feathers. General proportions as
in Diomedea proper. Albatrosses of medium size, in adult plumage with distinctly colored
areas ; bill in our species brightly particolored with black and yellow. Extralimital species
are T. T. chlororhynchus, eximiits, cautus, layardi, and salvini.
T. culmina'tus. (Lat. having the culmen of a particular character.) Yellow-nosed
Albatross. Culminicorn with convex base. Adult : Above, grayish-brown, lightening to
ashy-gray on neck and
head, whitening on under
parts, darkening on wings
to the dusky bi'own of the
flight-feathers ; lower eye-
lid, rump, and upper tail-
coverts white ; tail slate-
gray ; shafts of primaries
and tail-feathers yellow-
ish. Bill blackish; cul-
men and most of side of
lower mandible yellow.
Feet yellow. Length
36.00 ; wing 20.00-21 .00 ;
tail 8.00-9.00 ; bill along
culmen 4.50, its depth at
base 1.75; tarsus 3.25;
middle toe and claw nearly
5.00. Egg 4.20 X 2.65.
A handsome Albatross of medium size, inhabiting Southern seas, said by Audubon in 1839 to
have occurred oft' the Columbia River. He described it as Z). chlororhyncha ; but his speci-
men is clearly of this species, as I first pointed out in Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, p. 183. The true
7). chlororhyncha of Gmolin, based on tlie Yellow-nosed Albatross of Latham, and now known
as tlie Green-billed Albatross, has never occurred in North America ; it is easily distiuiifnished
by the perpendicular orange or yellow stripe on each side of the base of the bill, and by the
acute base of the culminicorn. T. cuhninata was first admitted to the Key in the 3d edition,
1887, p. 893, on the strength of Audubon's specimen ; but one was taken in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, at the mouth of the Moisic River, Aug. 20, 1885 : Auk, Jan. 1888, p. 107, and July,
1888, p. 318. A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 29, No. [83.].
65
Fig. 704. — Sooty Albatros.s, much reduced. (From Teiiney, after Audubon.)
1026 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— TUBINARES.
PHOilBE'TRIA. (Gr. cpoif:ir]Tpia, phoibetria, a soothsayer, presager.) Black Albatross.
Bill comparatively slender, struugly couipressed, with sharp culmen ; side of under mandible
with a long colored groove. Fruntal feathers forming a deep acute re-entrance on culmen,
and a h)ng acute salience on side of lower mandible. Nostrils low and strict. Tail cuneate,
contained twice in length of wing. Plumage uniformly dark. One species.
P. fuligino'sa. (Lat. fuUginosa, sooty. Fig. 704.) SooTY Albatross. Eyebrow Al-
batross. Bill with shape and outline of feathers as above said ; chord of culmen 4.00-4.50 ;
height of bill at base 1..50, at hook 1.00; width at base 0.75 ; from feathers on side of upper
mandible to tip 3.50, ditto lower mandible 2.50. Length 36.00 ; extent 80.00; wing 20.00-
22.00; tail 10.00-11.00, graduated 3.50-4.50; tarsus about 3.00; middle toe and claw 4.75;
outer ditto 4.50; inner ditto 4.00. Plumage ordinarily uniform sooty-brown; quills and tail
blackish with white shafts ; eyelids white; bill black, with long yellow groove ; feet pale or
flesh-color, drying yellow. In some cases the plumage lightens to a clearer, more ashy-gray
coloration on various parts. The head and neck frequently washed with rusty-yellow. Egg
white, minutely dotted at the larger end, 4.00 X 2. GO. Pacific and Southern oceans at large;
off west coast of North America to Oregon.
Family PROCELLARIID^ : Petrels.
Nostrils united in one double-barrelled tube laid horizontally on the culmen at base.
Hallux present, though it may be minute. Five or six groups of Petrels may be distinguished,
although they grade into one another ; all but one of them are abundantly represented on our
coasts. The Fulmars are large gull-like species (one of them might be taken for a Gull were
it not for the nostrils), usually white with a darker mantle, the tail large, well formed of 14-
16 feathers, the nasal case prominent, truncate and more or less emarginate at the end, with a
thin partition which hardly reaches to the end of the case; the end of the under mandible is
not hooked like the upper, the gonys being short, straight or scarcely concave, and rather as-
cending than descending. They shade through the genus Daption into an exotic group of saw-
billed genera; and all these con.stitute the subfamily FuLMARiN^E. The group of Petrels of
which the genus (Estrelata is typical embraces a large number of medium-sized species, chiefly
of Southern seas, in which the bill is short, stout, strongly hooked, with prominent nasal case ;
the tail rather long, usually graduated, 12-feathered. The Shearwaters {Puffinus) have the
bill longer than usual, comparatively slender, with short low nasal case, obliquely bevelled off
at end ; partition between nostrils thick and under as well as upper mandible hooked at the
end ; tail usually short and rounded ; wings extremely long ; feet large. All the foregoing
have basipterygoids, and share some other osteological characters ; whence they are sometimes
associated as a family PufflnidcB apart from ProcellariidcE ; and at any rate, the groups repre-
sented by the genera (Estrelata and Puffinus form a subfamily Puffininje, as distinguished
from Fulmarince, and from any of the two following groups, which have no basipterygoids,
and which have the 2d or even the 3d primary longer than 1st. Such are the elegant little
*' Mother Carey's chickens " or Stormy Petrels (Procellaria proper and its relatives) ; marked
by their small size, slight build, and other characters ; their flight is peculiarly airy and flick-
ering, more like that of a butterfly than of ordinary birds ; they are almost always seen on
wing, appear to swim little if any, and like other Petrels gather in troops about vessels at sea,
often following their course for many miles, to pick up the refuse of the cook's galley. Some
of these, as the species of Oceanites, are remarkably distinguished, in fact unique in the family,
by having only 10 secondaries, long legs of somewhat grallatorial character, the tarsal envelop
with fused scutella, flat obtuse claws, and hallux exceedingly minute. Thus the Stormy Petrels
furnish two more subfamilies, Procellariin^ and Oceanitin^, the latter of which is the
most distinct division of the whole family.
PROCELLARIID.E — FULMARIN.E : FULMARS, ETC. 1027
Analysis of Subfamilies.
Large: length over 10.00 ; wing over 7.00 ; 1st primary not shorter than 2d. (Basipterygoids.)
Fulmars, etc. Under mandible not hooked at end Fulmarince
Shearwaters, etc. Under mandible hooked at end PuffinincB
Small : length 10.00 or less ; wing 7.00 or less ; 1st primary shorter than 2d. (No basipterygoids.)
Stormy Petrels, short-legged, with secondaries more than 10 Proceltariin(E
Stormy Petrels, long-legged, with secondaries only 10 OceanilincB
Analysis of North American Genera, without special reference to S>ibfamilies.
Fulmars, with prominent nasal tube, vertically truncate and witli thin partition ; under mandible not hooked at end.
(FULMAHIN.E.)
Tail 16-feathered. Length about 3().00 Ossifraga
Tail 14-feathered. Length 15.00-20.00.
Bill very stout, much shorter than tarsus, not lamellate. Gull-like Fiilmarus
Bill slenderer, little shorter than tarsus, not lamellate. Gull-like Priocella
Bill dilated, lamellate. Not Gull-like. Plumage checkered above Daption
Petrels, with nasal tubes as before ; bill stout, under mandible hooked. Tail 12-feathered. Length 10 00-10.00.
(PUFFININ.*:. )
Plumage dark above, white below (Estre.lata
Plumage entirely fuliginous Bulweria
Shearwaters, with nasal tubes variable ; bill slender, under mandible hooked. Tail 12-feathered. Length 10.50-20.00.
(PUFFININ*. )
Nasal tube somewhat as in Fulmars ; under tail-coverts blackish Priofinus
Nasal tube short, broad, low, obliquely bevelled off, with thick partition Puffinus
Stormy Petrels, with nasal tube and bill variable. Length under 10.00.
Claws hooked, acute ; tarsus little if any longer than middle toe and claw ; secondaries more than 10. (Pbo-
CBLLARIINJE. )
Tail cuneate. Color uniform fuliginous Halocyplena
Tail nearly square. Color fuliginous, with white upper tail-coverts Procellaria
Tail forked. Color fuliginous, or dark with white Gceanodroma
Claws flat, obtuse ; tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw ; secondaries only 10. (Ocbanitin.e.)
Color fuliginous ; upper tail-coverts white ; webs yellow Oceanites
Color dark, the under parts white ; webs black Fregetla
Color largely white ; webs yellow Pelagodroma
Subfamily FULMARIN/E : Fulmars, etc.
Nasal tube prominent, vertically truncate and usually emargiuate at end, with short thin
partition between openings of the nostrils. End of under mandilde not sharing the hooking of
the upper mandible ; gonys short, ascending, with straight or scarcely concave under outline
(much as in Gulls). Bill otherwise variable in size and shape, but stout or very stout, with a
tendency at least to lateral expansion and formation of a series of striae or lamellje on inside of
edge of upper mandible. This last character is obsolete in the true Fulmars (Fulmarus and
Priocella) ; but evident in Daption, and carried to such an e.Ktreme in tlie e.Kotic genus Prion
that the bill is as decidedly lamcllirostral as that of a Duck or Goose. No such formation
exists in other Petrels, and Salvin makes it the distinction between his two subfamilies Fulma-
rince and Piiffinince of his family Puffinidce. Skull with basipterygoid processes; furcula with
short liyj)och'idium ; sternum with uneven hind border; coracoids .short, with broad bases and
widely divcrircnt axes. (Salvin.)
The Fnlmari)ifc as here defined correspond to the two sections Fuhnarea; and Prioneer of
my early paj>eis (lri(>()), which seem to bo connected by the genus Daption; and this last
genus probably affcjrds also a link between the Petrel family and the PelecanoididfC. The true
Fulmars are decidedly Gull-like birds in general as|)cct and coloration. The saw-billed group
ui Fulmar in(C consists of the exotic genera P;- ton, with dilated bill and numerous highly devel-
oped .serrations; Pscudoprion, with narrower bill and fewer serrations; luid HalohfOia, with
hill much as in Pseiidoprion, but tail s(|uare (it is graduated in the other two genera, and of
Iti feathers in all three). The 4 Nt)rth American forms o'i Fulmarincc .wt} readily distinguished
by the following
1028 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBINARES.
Analysis of Genera.
Fulmar Petrels, without evident ridges inside the edge of upper mandible.
Tail IG-feathered. Lengtli 30.00 or more Ossifraga
Tail 14-feathered. Length 15.00-20.00. Plumage Gull-like.
Bill very stout, much shorter than tarsus Fulmarus
Bill less stout, little shorter than tarsus Priocella
Pintado Petrels, with evident ridges inside the edge of upper mandible
Tail 14-feathered. Length 15.00. Plumage spotted above, white below Daption
OSSIF'RAGA. (Lat. ossifragus, bone-breakiug ; os, geu. ossis, bone, and frangere, to break.
As a noun, feminine ossifraga was applied to the ossifrage, osprey, or sea-eagle, before it was
transferred to this genus of Petrels as equivalent to quehrantahiiesos.) Giant Fulmar. Of
immense size and powerful organization ; as large as most Albatrosses. Bill longer than head,
not shorter than tarsus, very robust, deeply grooved; nasal tube very long, reaching half-way
or more from base to tip of bill, depressed, carinate, with contracted orifice. Hook of upper
mandible large and strong ; under mandible not hooked. Commissure sinuate ; gape restricted,
not reaching under eye. Frontal feathers extending obtusely upon root of nasal case ; mental
feathers extending to gonys. Outline of lower mandibular rami about straight ; gonys straight,
ascending, with obtuse angle. Feet large; tibiae bare below; tarsus short, much less than
middle toe without claw, reticulate ; outer and middle toes with claws, of equal lengths ; hind
toe merely a stout claw ; webs full. Wings short, not very acute, folding short of end of tail.
Tail moderate, graduated, 16-feathered. One species.
O. gigan'tea. (Lat. gigantea, gigantic.) Giant Fulmar. Bone-breaker. Quebran-
TAHUESOS. OsPREY Petrel. Largest of Petrels. Length 30. 00-3G. 00; extent 6 or 7 feet ;
wing 17.50-20.50; tail 7.00-8.00, graduated about 2.50; bill 3.50-4.00, the nasal case nearly
2.00; tarsus 3. .50; middle or outer toe and claw nearly 6.00; inner ditto 4.50. Plumage very
variable with age or other circumstances ; usually dark dingy gray or uniform fuliginous above,
paler, whitish or white below ; wings and tail dusky ; in some states believed to be normal to
the adult ,^ 9 > entirely sooty ; in others nearly white all over. Bill mostly yellow, varying
to olivaceous, grayish, or whitisli ; feet dingy yellowish or brownish -black. Southern seas ;
casually N. to Oregon. The giant Fulmar Petrel has been called by Cooper "common off
Monterey," perhaps by mistaking one of the dark-colored Albatrosses for it.
FUL'MARUS. (Latinized from Eng. fulmar, Gaelic falmair or fulmaire.) Fulmars. Of
moderate size, and general Gull-like aspect; white with pearly-blue mantle, or smoky-gray.
Bill shorter than tarsus, about f as long as head, very robust, especially at base, with turgid
sides ; hook short, stout, very convex, rising almost from the end of the nasal case ; commissure
greatly curved ; outline of mandibular rami a little concave ; gonys ascending ; grooves of both
mandibles profound. Nasal tube longer than gonys, nearly half the culmen, prominent, turgid,
with straight upper outline, truncate emarginate end and thin partition. Wings of moderate
length, folding about to end of tail; primaries broad, tapering rapidly to rounded ends, 2d
nearly as long as 1st. Tail of 14 feathers broad to their ends, somewhat graduated. Feet
rather small. Gull-like ; tibise bare below ; tarsus compressed, J as long as middle toe and claw.
Outer and middle toes with claws of about equal lengths ; hind toe appearing as a stout sessile
claw. One species.
Analysis of Subspecies.
N. Atlantic.
Larger : wing about 13.00 glacialis
Smaller : wing about 12.00 minor
N. Pacific.
Mantle uniform glupischa
Mantle mixed with white rodgersi
F. glacia'lis. (Lat. glacialis, icy.) Common Fulmar. St. Kilda Pet^iel. Haffherr
or Sea-horse. John Down. Molly Maw^k. Mollemoke. Mallemuck, etc. (corrup-
PROCELLARIID.E — FULMARIN.E: FULMARS, ETC. 1029
tioii of Dutch mallemugge.) Length 18.00-20.00; wing 12.50-13.50; tail 4.50-5.00; chord
of cuhnon 1.50 (1.30-1.80); hill ahoiit 0.75 deep at base, and nearly as wide; nasal tube 0.60
long ; tarsus 2.00 (average) ; middle toe without claw 2-25. Adult $ 9 , normal plumage :
White; mantle pale pearly-blue, restricted to back and wings, or extending on head and tail;
u.sually a dark spot in front of eye ; quills dark ashy-brown. Bill yellow, tinged with sea-
green on culmen and lower mandible, the opening of the nostrils black ; feet drying dingy yel-
lowish, said to be delicate french gray in life ; iris brown. Young : Smoky-gray, paler below ;
feathers of upper parts with darker margins; primaries as in the adult; bill and feet obscured.
Some individuals appear to be permanently dark-colored, like this, and it is certain that Ful-
mars breed in such state. They are therefore " adult " ; but it may easily be that a change
requiring several years for its completion goes on, tending to the final white and pearly-blue
plumage of sufficiently old birds. The Fulmar is extraordinarily abundant in the N. Atlantic,
swarming at some of its favorite breeding places, especially St. Kilda, where some 20,000 young
have been taken in one month of August, wide ranging at other seasons; in North America S.
casually to New Jersey in winter. Nest on crags over the sea; e^g single, white, with rough
brittle shell, resembling a hen's egg in size and shape, about 2.85 X 2.00; young covered with
whitish down, fed in the nest by regurgitation of an oily fluid. Fulmars are very greedy of
fatty substances, and constantly attend the whale-fishery to feed upon blubber.
F. g. minor. Lessp;r Atlantic Fulmar. Like the last: Smaller; wing 12.00 or less;
bill l.;i5, its depth at base 0.()5; tarsus 1.75; middle toe 2.15, but the difi"erence is slight, and
the alleged distinction arbitrary : see CouES, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1866, p. 27. N. Atlantic,
with the last ; in North America S. in winter to Massachusetts. Proc. minor Kj^erbolling,
18.54. F. g. minor Bp. 1855; Coues, Key, 3d ed. 1887, p. 893; A. 0. U. No. 86 o.
Obs. — F. g. columba Anthony, Auk, 1895, p. 105, is described as differing from gbipischa in smaller size, as minor
does from glacinlis. San Diego, Cal., in winter.
h\ g. glupis'cha. (Latinized from the Russian name.) Pacific Fulmar. GtLUPISCH.
Averaging darker than glacialis; mantle bluish-cinereous rather than pearly-blue in the light
phase ; in the frequent dark phase the whole plumage sooty -gray, little lighter below than
above; bill rather weak, usually light-colored. Size of ^Zaem?is or rather less ; length 17.00-
I'J.OO; wing about 12.00; bill 1..5(), its deptli at base 0.67. N. Pacific, in vast numbers;
on our side S. in winter to Mexico. Habits, nest and egg, the same as those of the Common
Fulmar. Proc. glacialis Pall. 1811. Proc. pacifica Aud. 1839, nee Gm. 1788. Fulmartis
f/lacialis pacificus Bp. 1855, and of former eds. of the Key. F. g. glupischa Stej. Auk, 1884,
p. 234 ; A. 0. U. No. 86 b.
F. g. rod'gersi. (To Com. John Ilodgers, U. S. N.) RonOERS' FuLMAR. Mantle dark,
as in glupischa, but much restricted, most of the wing-coverts and inner quills being wliite ;
primaries mostly white on inner webs, their shafts yellow. No sotity jdumage recognized.
Size and shape as before. N. Pacific, swarming to breed ou some of the rocky islands in Ber-
ing Sea ; S. in winter to San Diego, Cal. Nest on crags ; single egg white, nearly equal-ended,
rough, with innumerable pits and points, 2.90 X 1-90; chick hatches like a puff-ball of white
(Inw II.
IMtlOCKL'LA. (Name compnimdcd nf I'rinn, an exotic genus of this family ((ir. npimv,
prion, a saw, with reference to the laiiielhe of the bill), and Lat. y<»v)ceZ/rt, a storm, tempest: see
J'rocellariu, beyond.) GuLL Fulmar. l?ill little siiorter than liead or tarsus, about | the
middle toe and claw, compressed, but hardly higher than broad at base, not very robu'^t, sides
rcgul.irly taperiiit; to rather narrow tiji ; sutures not so well marked as usual ; hook moderate;
rommissuri! a little curved; outlines of inferior mandiluilar rami and gonys botii slightlv cou-
< ave ; na.sal tube .\-^ the culmen, depres.sed at base, high and narrow at end. Feet, wings,
and tail as in Fiihuarus. One species, curiously nsemliling a Gull. This is a good genus,
1030
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBINARES.
wrongly reduced to a subgenus of Fulmarus by the A. 0. U. 1886-95. Mr. Salvin, indeed,
places it in a different subfamily. It is closely related to the exotic genus Thalassceca, with
which I once combined it (Proc. Phila. Acad. 1866, p. 29) but the rectrices are 14, as in Ful-
marus (not 12). The A. 0. U. reverted to the Key in 9th Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899,
p. 100, after CoUES, Auk, July, 1897, p. 31.5.
P. glacialoi'des. (Lat. glacialis, icy, and Gr. el8os, eidos, resemblance ; i. e. like the Fulmar,
F. glacialis. Fig. 705.) Slender-billed Fulmar. Adult $ 9 : Plumage white, with clear
pearly-blue mantle and black primaries, just like a Gull. Mantle beginning faintly on nape,
continuing over whole back, rump, tail, wing-coverts, and inner quills ; edge of wing slaty-gray ;
lining of wing mostly white; primaries black, their shafts yellowish -white at base, their inner
webs pearly-white to near the ends ; white of first primary extending to within 2.00 of the tip,
farther on the rest successively, reaching end of 6th ; outer webs of secondaries slaty-black,
inner white ; a small dusky spot before eye ; a faint pearly shade on sides of breast and body.
Bill yellow ; nasal tube, hook, and sometimes base of upper mandible obscured with bluish horn-
color or blackish ; feet pale flesh-color, obscured on outer toe, drying yellowish. Length about
Fig. 705. — Slender-billed Fulmar, nat. size. (From Elliot.)
18.50; extent about 36.00; wing 13.00; tail 5.25, the feathers graduated about 1.00; tarsus
2.00; middle toe and claw 2.60; outer ditto 2.70; inner ditto 2.25; chord of culmeu 2.00;
height or width of bill at base 0.75; nasal tube 0.67; the bill is really very stout, only " slen-
der" in comparison with that of the Common Fulmar. Young not seen; stages of plumage
probably coincident with those of Fulmarus. A species described under a large and not select
assortment of names, both generic and specific, but easy to identify ; wide-ranging over much
of the water of the world ; occurs on the Pacific coast of North America N. to Vancouver
Island ; but the Kotzebue Sound record is erroneous (mistake for Puffimis tenuirostris, the
Slender-billed Shearwater: see Auk, 1884, p. 233). Proc. tenuirostris Aud. 1839, nee Temm.
1835. Fulmarus tenuirostris Coues, Key, 1872, p. 328. Priocella tenuirostris of later eds.
of Key, p. 778. Proc. glacialoides Smith, 1840. Thalassceca glacialoides Bp. 1855; Coues,
1866. Fulmarus (^Priocella) glacialoides A. O. U. No. 87. Priocella garnoti Hombron &
Jacquinot, 1844.
DAP'TION. (Gr. Sdnrfiv, daptein, to devour. The form is irregular, and may be taken as
for SanTcav, dapton, devouring, present participle masculine of the verb ; or SdnTov, dapton,
present participle neuter, or as if the unrecorded Sanriov, daption, an irregular neuter form.
Daptium is also found, as in 2d-4th eds. of the Key ; and also Daptrion. The proper noun of
riiOCELLARIIDjE — PUFFININ.E: SHEARWATERS, ETC. 1031
agent from the verb is ddiTTrjs, daptes, devourer.) Pigeon Petrel. Bill much shorter than
head or tarsus, very stout and especially wide, as broad as high to the hook, where abruptly
compressed; culmeii nearly straight from tube to hook, which latter is neither large nor much
decurved ; sides of bill turgid, with convex outline from base to hook ; forks of lower mandible
wide apart, enclosing a Hat-irtm shaped space; rictus ample; skin of throat loose and disten-
sible, partly naked ; gonys very short, with slight angle ; inside the edge t)f upper mandible a
series of oblique ridges ; nasal case ^ as long as culmen, broad, depressed, with circular trun-
cate orifice. (Chai-acters of bill approaching those of Prion.) Wings folding about to end of
the short rounded tail, which is contained 2| times in length of wing, and is 14-feathered.
Tibiie little bare below ; tarsus much shorter than middle toe and claw, stout, compressed,
reticulate witli small circular plates outside, large ones inside ; outer toe without claw longer
than middle toe alone; hind toe well developed for this family. Small; plumage spotted.
One species.
D. capeii'sis. (Of the Cape of Good Hope.) Pintado Petrel. Checkered Petrel.
Cape Pigeon. Pahdela. Dajiier. Spotted above with blackish and white ; white below;
tail black-barred; bill and feet black. Length 15.00; wing 11.00; tail 4.50; bill 1.33; tarsus
1.67. Southern seas at large; accidental on coast of California and iu Maine. (See especially
N. Eng. Bird-Life, ii, 1883, p. 380.)
Subfamily PUFFININ/E: Shearwaters, etc.
Nasal tubes usually short and low, with more or less thickened partition between the nos-
trils, and obliquely truncated at the end, so that separate openings of the nostrils are usually
visible from above (best seen in PuJJinus; little different in some other genera from Fulina-
ruuB). Bill variable in size and shape, from slend(;r and strict to stout and short; both man-
dibles well hooked at their ends ; no sign of ridges inside edge of upper mandible. Tail
variable in length and shape, but constantly 12-feathered. Wings very long and pointed ;
1st primary never shorter than 2d. Coloration as a rule bicolor, dark above and white below,
but in some cases wholly fuliginous. Cranial and other osteological characters as in Fulma-
rince (see p. 1020).
This is the largest subfamily oi Procellariidic, including over 50 species, or about half the
family. It corresponds to the sections Piiffinece and (Estrelateoi of my early papers (18G4-CG),
and most of the species belong to the two genera Puffinus, with about 20 species, and (Estre-
lata, with probably over 30. The large sooty Majaqnens and the small snowy Pagodroma are
extralimital genera. The North American forms are readily determined by the following
Analysis of Genera.
S/iefirwaters, with tarsi much compressed, thin-edRed in front ; bill strict, with low broad nasal tube.
Nasal tube ending somewhat as in Fulmars. Bicolor, but with dark under wing- and tail-coverts. Wing over 12.00
Priojimts
Nasal tube ending very obliquely, so muesli bevelled off that both nostrils are visible from above, separated by a
thick partition. Bicolor or unicolor ; size medium to small Pujf'inn.<t
Petrel.^, with tarsi not notably compressed nor thin-edged in front ; bill stout, with short strict nasal tube. Tail
graduated.
Tail less than half as long as wing, graduated less than one-third its length. Tlumage white below (in all our
species) (ICstrelalu
Tail more than half as long as wing, graduated more than one-third its length. Plumage fuliginous Buiweria
I'lilOF'INUS. (Name compoundrd (if /V/o/; -\- Puffin us.) Fulmar Sheakwatkks. Hill
a little shorter than head, about ^ as long as tarsus, broad and stout at base, narrowing regu-
larly to the strong, much compressed and hooked tip; under mandible hooked to correspond
with upper, witli concave ijonys (as in Puffinus). Nasal tubes long for this subfamily, broad,
depressed (as in J'uffi'nus), but truncate and with thin ])artitiou (as in Fulmarus), so that the
1032 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBINARES.
nostrils do not or only partly appear from above; tube also bigher and wider at end than
at base. Wiugs comparatively rather short; primaries broad and stiff, 2d as long as 1st. Tail
rather short, of 12 feathers, the middle pair projecting and a little acuminate, lateral ones more
rounded and rapidly graduated. Feet large and stout, as in PuJJinus ; tarsus compressed,
shorter than middle toe and claw ; outer toe louger than middle ; tip of outer claw about reach-
ing base of middle. A genus remarkably connecting Fulmars with Shearwaters; but so near
the latter that it was made a sub-genus oi Puffinus ia the A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95. Two spe-
cies of large size and robust forin, chiefly of Southern seas; P. gelidus, the Ice Shearwater of
Antarctic seas and the following :
P. ciner'eus. (Lat. cinereous, ashy.) Smutty-nosed Shearwater. Black-tailed
Shearwater. Adult : Upper parts cinereous, nearly uniform, but some feathers with paler
edges ; under parts white, without line of demarcation from color of upper parts : tail, crissum,
and rent blackish; lining of wings, axillars, and some feathers on flanks, brownish-cinereous ;
quills blackish-cinereous on outer webs and tips, paler internally and basally, with brown
shafts. Bill yelloiv; nasal case, culmen to the hook, cutting edge and groove of lower man-
dible blacJc, these varied colors conspicuous in life ; feet (dried) dingy greenish with yellow
webs. Large: Length about 19.00; wing 12.50-13.50, averaging 13.00; tail 5.00-5.75,
wedge-shaped, 12-feathered, outer feathers 1.25, shorter than middle; bill (chord of culmen)
1.80, 0.67 high and 0.60 wide at base; nasal tubes nearly 0.50; tarsus 2.40; middle toe and
chiw 2.88. Southern Seas ; accidental off coast of California (Monterey). A peculiar species,
very different from any of the following, approaching the Fulmars. Cinereous Fulmar or
Petrel of Latham, whence Proc cinerea Gm. 1788 ; Proc. melanura Vieill, 1823. Proc.
hcesitata Forst. Descr. Anim. 1844, p. 208 ; Gould, B. Aust. 1849, pi. 47. Puffinus hcesi-
tatus Lawr. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. vi, 1853, p. 5. Proc. adamastor Schlegel, 1863.
Adamastor typus Bp. 1855. Puffinus cinereus Steph. 1825 ; Lawr. in Bd. B. N. A. 1858,
p. 835. Adamastor cinereus CouES, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1864, p. 119, p. 142. Priofinus cine-
reus Jacq. and PucH. Voy. 1853, Zool. iii, p. 145; Coues, Proc. Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 303;
A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 101. Puffinus {Priofinus) cinereus A. O. U. Lists,
1886-95, No. [97]. Puffinus (Priofinus) melanurus Coues, Key, 1st ed. 1872, p. 330. Pri-
ofinus melanurus Coues, Check-List, 2d ed. 1882, p. 127; Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 783.
Puffinus kiihlii Cass. Proc. Phila. Acad. 1862, p. 327 (error; not of Boie).
PUF'FINUS. (Latinized from Eng. j)uffin, a very old name of Fratercula arctica, a bird of
the Auk family, transferred by mistake of Ray's to the "Puffin of the Isle of Man, Puffinus
anglorum," the Manx Shearwater; origin and meaning uncertain.) Shearwaters. Bill
nearly or about as long as head, varying in slenderness, a little higher than broad at base,
compressed for the rest of its extent; end much hooked, tips of both mandibles decurved;
gonys concave. Nasal tubes short, only about | the length of culmen, falling short of the
hook by a space equal to or greater than their own length, broad and depressed, obliquely
bevelled off at end, the partition thick ; nostrils oval, in full view from above. Wings
long, thin, and pointed, folding beyond tail ; 1st primary longest. Tail rounded or rather
wedge-shaped, of 12 feathers. Feet very large and stout ; tarsus much compressed, thin-edged
in front as behind, equal to middle toe with or without claw ; outer toe about as long as
middle, but its claw much smaller; tip of inner claw scarcely or not reaching base of middle;
hind toe a mere knob. Embracing numerous species, of moderate and small size; most of
them bicolor, dark above and white below, others uniformly sooty. These birds shear the
waters of all oceans, and seem independent of land except in the breeding season, when they
come ashore to lay their single white egg in holes under ground. Their restlessness, or some
other characteristic, has shrouded them in mystery and made at least one species (P. yelkouan
of the Bosphorus) the subject of a myth; for these uneasy birds are supposed to embody lost
human souls.
PROCELLARIID.E — PUFFININ^: SHEARWATERS, ETC. 1033
Analysis of Species.
Tail long, cuneate. (Subgenus Thtellodroma. )
Two-colored ; white below, dark above cuneatus
Tail shorter and more rounded. (Puffinus proper.)
Two-colored ; white below, dark above.
Large : length IG.OO or more ; wing 12.00 or more.
Pale brownish-ash; under tail-coverts white, upper largely dark. Atlantic .... borealis or kuhli
Dark brown ; under tail-coverts dark, upper largely white. Atlantic gravis
Dark brown ; under and upper tail-coverts dark ; feet flesh-color. Pacific crealopus
Medium ; length under IG.OO, over 13.00 ; wing 9.25. Above blackish. Atlantic puffinus
Small ; length 13.00 or less ; wing 9.00 or less, but over 7.00.
Under tail-coverts mostly white. Atlantic auduboni
Under tail-coverts black. Pacific opislhomelas and auriciilaris
Smallest; wing 7.00 or less ; under tail-coverts white. Straggler to Nova Scotia assimilis
One-colored ; sooiy.
Large ; length IG.OO or more ; wing 11.00 or more.
Under wing-coverts mostly dark. Atla:itic fuliginosus
Under wing-coverts mostly whitish. Pacific ijrisens
Kmall : length about 14.00 ; wing 10.00. Pacific tenuirostris
(* Bicolor species, white below.)
(Subgenus Thyellodroma.)
P. (T.) cunea'tus. (Lat. cuneatus, wedged, as the tail is; cunetis, a wedge.) Knudsen's
Wedge-tailed Shearwater. Two-colored; white below, dark above. Feathers of upper
parts not edged with white ; back and wings sooty, former, including rump and upper tail-
coverts, sometimes mixed with more grayish or ashy feathers. Primaries and tail-feathers
blackisli. Top and sides of head and neck grayish-brown, edged with lighter on forehead,
lores, and thence backward below eyes. White of under parts shaded with ashy or dingy, es-
pecially along sides ; under tail-coverts mi.xed lighter and darker brown; under wing-coverts
white with touches of gray on some feathers, and a brownish border. Bill horn-colored or
bluish; feet flesh-colored. A dark phase lacks white of under parts. Length about 17.00;
wing 11.75; tail 5.50, with lateral rectrices only 3.60, thus graduated nearly or about 2.00;
bill 2.25; tarsus 1.90; middle toe 2.33, outer 2.20, inner 1.90. A strongly marked species (in
comi)arison with any of tlie following). N. Pacific, from Sandwich Islands to Japan and
Mexico; breeds on San Benodicto Island of the Kcvillagigedo Group; Lower California (Cape
San Lucas, Anthony); Gulf of California (Tres Marias Isls., Nelson). Not in former editions
of the Key. Salvin, Ibis, 5th ser. vi. July, 1888, p. 353 ; Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 371 ;
Anthony, Auk, 1898, pp. 38, 313; Nelson, N. Am. Fauna, No. 14, April 29, 1899, ]>. 27.
P. knudseni Stej. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. xi, Nov. 8, 1888, p. 93.
(Subgenus Pitfinus.)
P. kuh'li. (To Dr. Ileinrich Kuhl, an early monographer of Petrels, who died Sept. 14,
1821, aged 25.) Cinereous Sheauwater. Mediterranean Shearwater. Bill scarcely
or not shorter than liead, equal to tarsus, moderately hooked, with short nasal tubes, about \
as long as culmen, but rather high for this genus, with trace of a median ridge; nostrils ojM'n-
ing roundish. Wings folding a little beyond tail, which is graduated, with lengthened middle
feathers. Feet rather weak ; outer toe and claw longer than middle toe and claw ; tip of inner
claw about reaching base of middle. Adult : Upjier ])arts light smoky-gray, or pale brownish-
ash, uniform on crown and nape, interrui)ted on back by wliite or grayish-white edges of the
featliers, es])ecially on .^icapulars, darkening on wing-coverts and inner secondaries to grayish-
brown ; rump like back ; upper tail-coverts successively acquiring white till the longest ones
arc mostly of this color, only touched with brown. Primaries grayish-black, with large white
spaces on basal half or two-thirds of inner webs ; <iuter webs and tips of most secondaries grayish-
{Juinbeous ; most of their inner webs white. Entire under parts, from chin to ends of under tail-
1034 6: YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — TUBINA RES.
coverts, pure white, except some slight touches of gray on flanks ; lining of wings and axillars
white, except just along the edge. On sides of head and neck, no line of demarcation between
color of upper and under parts, the two merging tlirough a cloudy or wavy area; under eyelid
white. Bill yellowish, darker on culmen and hook; feet yellowish, the webs clearer. Length
about 18.00; wing 13.00; tail 5.50, graduated 0.75; chord of culmen 1.90; gape 2.60; height
of bill at base 0.70; width0.60; tarsus 1.90; middle toe and claw 2.50, outer ditto 2.55. (De-
scribed from a European specimen.) N. Atlantic, European coast, especially of the Mediter-
ranean. Greenland! Introduced to our Fauna in 1872, in original edition of the Key, p. 331,
upon strength of its general range, and Schlegel's ascription of it to Greenland ; but I have
never seen an unquestionable North American specimen. A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, No. 5.
P. borea'lis. (Lat. borealis, northern.) Cory's Shearwater. "Above brownish-ash,
the feathers of the back becoming pale at the tips, those on the nape and sides of the neck nar-
rowly tipped with white ; on the sides of the head and neck the ash and white gradually ming-
ling as in P. kuhlii. Tips of the upper tail-coverts white. Under eyelid white, showing
clearly in contrast with the ashy-gray of the head. The first three primaries are light ash on
the inner webs. Wings and tail brownish-gray. Under parts white, slightly touched with
ash on the flanks, lining of wings white. Under tail-coverts white, the longest tinged with ash
near the ends, which extend nearly to the tips of the longest tail-feathers. Outside of foot
greenish-black, inside and webs dull orange ; bill pale yellowish at the base, shading into
greenish-black, but again becoming pale near the tip. Length 20.50 inches; wing 14.50;
bill (straight line to tip) 2.25; depth at base 0.75; tail 6 50; tarsus 2.20." I copy the original
description (Cory, Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p. 84). The bird is perfectly distinct from
P. gravis, but too near P. kiihli, with which it is identified by Salvin. Coast of Massachu-
setts, Rhode Island, and Long Island. A. 0. U. No. 88.
P. gra'vis. (Lat. gravis, heavy.) Greater Shearwater. Wandering Shearwater.
Common Atlantic Shearwater. Hagdon. Hag. Bill little shorter than head or tarsus,
stout and subcylindrical at base, gradually compressed to the strong hook. Nasal tube straight,
about 5 as long as culmen, with v/idely separated subelliptical openings. Culmen rising with
slight continuous concavity from nostrils to top of the hook; commissure a long regular curve,
convex downward, from. feathers to curve of the hook. Outline of inferior mandibular rami
about straight. Bill about 3 times as long as high at base, not so wide as high. Wings long
and pointed; 1st and 2d primaries nearly equal. Tail contained about 2| times in length of
wing, much rounded, almost wedged. Tarsus as long as middle toe without claw ; outer toe as
long as or longer than middle, but its claw smaller, falling short of tip of middle claw ; tip of
inner claw not reaching base of middle. Adult : Above, dark bistre-brown, on head inclining a
little to plumbeous or grayish-brown ; usually ligliter on hind neck, darkest on inner secondaries
and rump ; each feather of back, rump, and wing-coverts edged with pale brownish-ash or even
ashy-whitish. On head the ccdor uniform, without these light margins, extending below eyes
to level of gape, with distinct line of demarcatitm from white of throat. On side of neck the
white reaches farther around, and is less distinctly outlined ; farther back, on sides of breast,
the dark color encroaches on the white. Upper tail-coverts, especially the longest ones, mostly
white, with dark bars or central fields. Primaries brownish-black, lightening on inner webs
toward base. Under parts wliite from chin to anus, with large dark brown patches on flanks j
under tail-coverts dark grayish-brown, with whitish tips; lining of wings white, mottled with
dark along the border and on ends of axillars. Tail-feathers like primaries. Bill blackish
horn-color ; outside of tarsus and outer toe brownish ; rest of feet and webs yellowish flesh-
color ; iris brown. The intensity and uniformity of coloration of the upper parts varies much
with age of the plumage. Fresh plumages are deep plumbeous-brown with narrow pale or
whitish margins ; old worn feathers are duller brown with broader less distinct grayish-brown
edgings. Observe line of demarcation of dark and white on head, neck, and breast; uniform
PROCELLARIID.E — PUFFIXIX^'E: SHEARWATERS, ETC. 1035
feathers of head ; dark under and partially white upper tail-coverts. Length 18.00-20.00; ex-
tent 42.00-45.00; wing about 13.00; tail 5.75, graduated 1.00; tarsus 2.40; middle toe and
claw 2.90; outer ditto 2.75 ; inner ditto 2.30; chord of cuhneu 2.00; depth of bill at base 0.65,
width 0.60. Wanders over the whole Atlantic, Greenland to Cape Horn and Cape of Good
Hope ; abundant in summer off the coast of New England. Sometimes seen in flocks of thou-
sands, shearing the crests of the waves, and skimming the billows with marvellous ease, with-
out a visible motion of the pinions. It is a very well known bird, yet its breeding-resorts are
much of a mystery. P. major of former editions of the Key, as of most authors. P. cinereus
of NuTTALL and Audubon. Proc. graris O'Rkillv, Voy. Greenl. 1818, p. 140, pi. 12, fig. 1.
Piiffinus gravis Salv. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x.w, 1896, p. 373; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan.
1897, p. 124, No. 89.
P. creat'opus. (Gr. Kpiai., kreas, flesh ; novs, pons, foot.) PiNK-FOOTED Shearwater,
Bill short, less than head or tarsus, turgid at base, where as wide as high. Nasal tubes short,
hardly ^ the length of culmeu, turgid, with slight median furrow and very oblique truncation.
Frontal feathers running forward on median line. Form otherwise as in P. gravis. Adult : Bill
pale yellowish flesh-color; nasal tubes, culmen, and tip blackish. Feet flesh -colored; claws
whitish with brown ends. Upper parts about the same shade of brown as in P. gravis; upper
tail-coverts entirely dark. No white on inner webs of primaries. On sides of head and neck
the color of the upper parts extends entirely around, without any distinct line of demarcation ;
chin and throat mottled with dark and white in about equal amounts. On sides of breast the
color more restricted than on neck. Lower eyelid white. Sides of body and lining of wings
mottled with dusky and white in about equal amounts ; long axillars dark except just at base.
Middle of belly and vent variegated with dusky and white. Under tail-coverts entirely fuligi-
nous. "Length 19.00; extent 45.00;" wing 12.50; tail 5.00, graduated 1.00; tarsus 2.10;
outer toe and claw 2.50; middle ditto 2.65 ; inner ditto 2.60; chord of culmen 1.60 ; gape 2. '30;
height or widtli of bill at base 0.60; nasal tubes 0.40. Eastern Pacific Ocean; coast of
California, S. to Chile.
P. puf'finus. Manx Shearwater. "Puffin of the Isle of Man." Smaller and otherwise
very different from any of the foregoing. Adult : Upper parts uniform lustrous black, or black-
ish with slight brown or slaty shade, rather ashy across hind neck ; the dark color extending
on sides of head nmch below eyes, but there marbled with white ; under eyelid wliite, set in
black. On sides of neck the white reaches part way around ; on sides of breast the dark extends
some distance, dilute and marbled with white. Primaries black, with black shafts, their inner
webs dull gray isli -brown; tail-feathers like primaries. Entire under parts, from chin to anus,
pure white, exce{)t a few feathers of the flanks, and outer webs of outer under tail-coverts,
which are plumbeous-black. Lining of wini^.^ and axillars white, mottled with black along the
edge. Length 13..")0-]5.00; extent 30.00-33.00; wing 8.75-9.25; tail 3.10, graduated 0.75
or less; tarsusl.80; middle toe and claw 1.90; outer ditto 2.00; inner ditto 1.55; chord of cul-
men 1.40; gape 2.10; height or width of bill at base 0.45. Varies much, but the small size
and blackishness are distinctive. Chiefly inhabits the Atlantic coast of Europe, and the Medi-
terranean ; it is the most numerous British species of the genus, said to range the N. Atlantic
at large, S. to Brazil ; but those who ^<uppose it to be a common North American species are
mistaken. Nest in burrows in the ground dug by the birds, or in natural cavities; egg single,
dead white, smooth, 2.35 X 1-60. Nestlings in down sooty-gray above, whitish below.
Procellaria anglorum Ray, 1713; Proc. pujfinus Brunn. 1764. Puffinus anglorum of most
autliors, as nf former editions of the Key; Puffinits pufjiniis LiCHT. 1854 ; A. 0. U. No. [90].
P. aud'uboiii. (To J. J. Audubon.) AuDirBoN's SiiHARWATKU. Smith's Cahow. Bill
small and weak, about § as long as head, J as long as tarsus; stout only at base, where higher
than wid<v, hcxdc rising abruptly fmm line of culmen; commissure and lower outline of bill
almost straight from feathers to liook. Wings folding to end of tail, which is cttiuparatively
1036
S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — TUB IN A RES.
long, and much graduated. Tarsus as long as middle toe without claw ; outer toe and claw
equal to middle toe and claw; tip of inner claw reacliing base of middle. Adult: Blackish of
upper parts with much of a grayish or plumbeous cast, and lighter borders of the feathers, es-
pecially on scapulars and inner secondaries ; darkest on rump and upper tail-coverts ; on sides
of head not extending below eyes, and even there marbled with whitish ; both eyelids white,
and indication of a light superciliary stripe. Quills and tail-feathers as in P. puffinus. Under
parts white, including lining of wings and asillars ; a few plumbeous-black feathers on flanks;
longest and outermost under tail-coverts black, the rest white, pure or with a plumbeous shade.
Bill dull leaden-blue, blackening at tip ; outside of tarsus and outer toe bluish-black, inside
and webs of all yellowish. Small : Length ] 1.00-12.00; extent 26.00; wing 7.50-8.00; tail
4.25, graduated nearly 1.00; tarsus 1.60; middle toe and claw 1.80; chord of culmen 1.25;
gape 1.70; nasal case to tip 0.90; depth of bill at base 0.40; width 0.35. A small bicolor
species, readily distinguished from any of the foregoing. S. Atlantic and Gulf coast, straying
north to the Middle States. (P. obscurus Gm. ? P. obsciirus of former editions of the Key,
doubtfully referred to the Dusky Petrel, described as a Pacific species ; considered identical there-
with by Salvin, but separated by the A. 0. U. as P. auduboni Finsch, P. Z. S. 1872, p. Ill,
and apparently to be recognized as distinct.) It is the Cahow of Smith, Virginia, ed. of 1632,
p. 171, at which date it had already been almost exterminated in the Bermudas, where it formerly
swarmed ; but it is known to still breed there of late years. Egg single, white, 2.05 X 1.45.
P. opisthom'elas. (Gr. omade, ojnsthe, backward ; fieXas, 7nelas, black. Fig. 706.) Black-
vented Shearwater. Resembling the last, and little larger. Bill about |- as long as tar-
sus. Tail relatively shorter, less graduated. Tarsus as long as middle toe and half its claw.
Frontal feathers extending in a point on culmen. Adult : Dark color of upper parts extending
farther on sides of head
than in auduboni, leaving
no white about eye. Un-
der tail-coverts entirely
sooty-blackish, except a
few of the shortest just at
the vent. More dark color
on flanks, lining of wings,
and axillars, than in au-
duboni. In the dry state,
bill yellowish- or reddish-
brown, nasal tubes and
culmen blackish, hook mostly bluish-white; outside of tarsus for the most part, outer toe and
edges of webs, blackish ; rest of foot pale yellowish flesh-color; iris brown. Length 12.00 or
more; wing 9.00; tail 3.75, graduated 0.60; tarsus 1.80; middle toe and claw 2.10; chord of
culmen 1.40; gape 2.00; end of nasal tubes to tip 1.05; height at base 0.42, at hook 0.32.
Egg 1.80 X 1.30. Decidedly different from P. obscurus of Pacific waters, as well as P. audu-
boni of the Atlantic. Pacific ocean ; on American coast from Lower California to Vancouver
Island ; common in summer on central California coast ; breeds on some islands of Pacific
coast of Lower California. Described in Proc. Phila. Acad. 1864, p. 139, from Cape St. Lucas,
and appearing correctly in all editions of the Key, 1872-90 ; miscarried as Puffinus gavia in
A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95; P. opisthomelas A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 124, after
Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 380.
P. auricula'ris. (Lat. auricular, relating to the ears.) Eared Shearwater. Town-
Send's Shearwater. ResemhVmg opisthomelas ; bill and feet smaller ; darker above, where
nearly black ; color of side of head extending below eye in line with the mouth and on auricu-
lars, without sharply defined edge ; flanks and axillars white ; under tail-coverts black. Length
Fig. 706. — Black-vented Shearwater, nat. size. (From Elliot.)
PROCELLARIID.E—PUFFININ^: SHEARWATERS, ETC.
1037
about 12.50; wing 9.25; tail 3.15; bill 1.50 along gape; tarsus 1.80; middle and outer toe and
claw 1.90; inner l.GO. Clarion Island of Revillagigedo Group, Mexico, to Cape San Lucas,
Lower California. New to the Key. C. H. Townsexd, Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. xiii, Sept. 9, 1890,
p. 133; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 380; Anthony, Auk, 1898, p. 38, p. 313,
p. 317; A. 0. U. Coram. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 101, No. 93.1.
P. assim'ilis. (Lat. assimilis, assimilated ; ad, to, and similis, similar, like.) Similar
Shearwater. Resembling the last ; upper parts rather less blackish, with more of a slaty-blue
shade ; line of demarcation between dark upper and white lower parts better defined along sides
of neck; especially, primaries white underneath on most of the inner webs; under tail-coverts
and lining of wings all white ; white rising on sides of head to include most of auriculars and
lores; obscurely whitish edgings of greater wing-coverts. Bill black; feet blackish, with yel-
low webs. Small: Length 10.50-11.00; wing 6.50-7.00; tail 2.75; bill 1.00 along culmen;
1.40 along gape, 0.70 from nostril to tip, scarcely 0.20 high or wide at nostril, hardly 0.50 in
length of the hook at end; tarsus 1.35; middle toe and claw 1.65. A very small species of
Australian and New Zealand seas, N. in the Atlantic to Madeira, accidental in North America
on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Sept. 1, 1896 (Pr. Biol. Soc. Washn. xi, April 21, 1897, p. 69).
P. assimilis Gould, P. S. Z. 1837, p. 156; B. Aust. vii, 1848, pi. 59. P. nugax and P. hail-
loni Bp. 1856. See Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, p. 141 and p. 144. P. assimilis, A. 0. U.
Comm. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 100, No. [92.1.].
(** Unieolor species, dark below as above.)
P. fuligino'sus. (Lat. fuliginosus, sooty. Fig. 707.) Atlantic Sooty Shearwater.
Strickland's Shearwater. Black Hag or Hagdon. Adult $ 9 : Nearly uniform dark
sooty-brown, blackening on quills and tail-feathers, more sooty-gray below, paler still on throat :
lining of wings mixed sooty and whitish. Bill drying an undetinable dark color, in life dusky
bluish-horn color, the tube,
ridge, and hook blackish ; feet
drying dark outside, pale in-
side; in life inside of tarsus and
upper side of feet livid flesh-
color, outside of outer toe and
under side of feet blackish ;
eye blackish. Length 16.00-
18.00; extent about 40.00;
wing 11. .50-1 2.00; tail 4.00;
tarsus 2.25; middle toe and
claw 2.50; chord of culmen
Fig. 707. — Sooty Shearwater, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
1.75-2.00; gape 2.33; feathers on side of lower mandible to tip 1.67 ; depth of bill in front of
nasal tube 0.40. A wide-ranging Atlantic species; common off North American coast, espe-
cially northerly, in summer, in flocks with P. gravis. It is perfectly distinct from any of the
two-colored species, of .several of which it has at times been considered to be the 9 I'l" ^ special
state of plumage. Breeds in colonies, often of great extent, laying in holes burrowed several feet
deep in the ground; egg single, white, 2. .55 X 1-75. P. stricklundi Ridgw. 1884; A. 0. U.
No. 94, 1886-95. But the species, supposing it to be distinct from the Pacific P. griseus, is
correctly named as above in all editions of the Key, for Puffinus fitliginosHS Strickl. ISlii, is
not voided on account of any prior Procellaria fuUginiisn. applied to several different species of
other genera than PulJinns : see CouE.s, Auk, July, 1897, p. 315 ; whence the A. O. V. reverted
to the oriuinal nomenclature of the Key: see Supjd. List, Auk, Jan. lH!t9, p. 101, No. 94.
I*, gri'seus. (Lat. griseits, gray.) Pacific Sooty Shearwater. Dark-iiodied Shear-
water. Similar to the last, from wliicli perhaps not specifically diininct. Under wing-
coverts white, only interrujitrd by somr (Insljy niarbling ; tlimat sometimes whitish. Bill
1038 SYS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — TUBINA R ES.
(dry) brownish-black, horn-colored at tip. Feet (dry) light yellowish flesh-color, tinged
with brown on outside of tarsus, outer toe, and tips of claws. In life bill horn color, toes and
tarsi bluish. Smaller: wing 11.00; tail 4.25, graduated 0.90; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and
claw 2.40; outer ditto 2.30; chord of culmen 1.70. Nectris amaurosoma Coues, Pr. Phila.
Acad. 1864, p. 124, p. 143 (Cape St. Lucas, L. Gala.), since found N. on the California coast.
Queen Charlotte Islands, and at Sitka, and probably wide-ranging in Pacific waters; in which
case its proper name is P. griseus, as A. 0. U. No. 95. Supposedly breeds in Southern Hem-
isphere only. All the large Sooty Shearwaters are combined under the name Griseus by Salvin,
and such is very probably their true status.
P. tenuiros'tris. (Lat. tenuis, slight, thin; rostrum, beak.) Slender-billed Shear-
water. KuRiLE Shearwater. Distinct: a small, weak- billed, short-tailed, very dark-
colored species, sooty-black above, quite black on quills and tail-feathers, beneath smoky-gray,
palest on throat, the under tail-coverts nearly as blackish as upper parts. Groove of under
side of primary-shafts yellow. Bill (dry) dusky greenish-yellow, brighter along edges and at
tip ; feet (dry) yellowish, the hinder edge of tarsus and under surface of webs blackish. Length
about 14.00; wing 10.00; tail 3.50, graduated 0.75; chord of culmen 1.20; depth of bill at
base 0.30; width 0.40; tarsus 1.90; middle or outer toe and claw 2.25. N. Pacific, Alaska
to Japan ; N. in summer to Kotzebue Sound ; breeding in Southern Hemisphere and ranging
at large southward ; Australia; New Zealand.
CESTRE'LATA. (Gr. olarprfKaTos, oistrelatos, goaded on by a gad-fly.) Gadfly Petrels.
Diabolic Petrels. Bill about as long as tarsus, stout, compressed throughout, with nearly
straight converging lateral outlines, the hook particularly large, high-arclied, long-decurved,
rising almost immediately from end of nasal tube, leaving but a sliort concave culmen proper ;
latericorn very large, turgid, rising high at root of nasal case, convex along under outline ;
commissure strongly sinuate throughout ; outline of mandibular rami nearly straight, of gonys
concave ; tip of under mandible decurved to fit the arch of the hook. Grooves of both mandi-
bles distinct. Nasal tube of moderate length, high, not carinate, about straight, truncate at
end, M'ith thin partition between nostrils. Interrainal space narrow, fully feathered. Wings
pointed, very long, folding beyond end of tail. Tail long, graduated or much rounded; its
length less than ^ that of the wing, and its graduation less than ^ its own length. Feet of
moderate size ; tarsus reticulate, about as long as, or little shorter than, middle toe without
claw; outer toe alone rather longer than middle; witli its claw, about as long as middle toe
and claw ; tip of inner claw reaching base of middle. Hallux a sliort sessile claw. The lar-
gest genus of ProcellariidcB, containing about 30 medium-sized and rather small species, chiefly
inhabiting Southern seas; most of them bicolor, a few uniformly fuliginous. Our 3 are mere
stragglers to North America, unless CE. fisheri should prove native. (I cannot bring myself
to misspell this word ^' ^strelata," as a majority of my respected colleagues on the A. 0. U.
Committee insist upon doing, for no better reason than that Prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte
did not know how (Estrelata ought to be spelled. Such deference to authority as this is in
my judgment a blot on our " Canons of Nomenclature," which justly exposes us to rebuke from
" mouths of wisest censure.")
Analysis of Species.
Large : wing 11.00 or more. No large white space on inner web of any primary.
A black cap. Under parts white hcesiia/a
Small : wing under 11.00. Large wliite spaces on inner webs of primaries.
No cap. Back cinereous, the featliers tipped with whitish scalaris
Cap white, spotted with gray. Feathers of back not tipped with whitish fisheri
Obs. — A fourth species, OS. jamaicensis, is likely to prove North American. Tliis is nearly as large as hcpsitaia
(wing 11.00; tail 5.00), but much darker colored, without distinct black cap; general plumage sooty, paler below than
above, the upper tail-coverts whitish ; bill and feet black. It is the Blue Mountain Duck of GossE, B. Jam. 1S47, p. 437.
Proc. jamaicensis, Bancroft, Zool. Journ. v, 182G, p. SI. Pterndronia caribbcea Carte, P. Z. S. 1866, p. 93, pi. 10.
CE. jamaicensis A. and E Newton, Handb. Jam. 1881, p. 117 ; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 403.
PROCELLARIID.E — PUFFIN IX.E: SHEARWATERS, ETC.
1039
tE. haesita'ta. (Lat. hcEsitata, stuck ; the describer was in doubt about it.) Black-CAPPED
Petrel. Diablotin. Adult: Forehead, sides of head, neck all round, upper tail-coverts,
base of tail, and all under parts, white ; back clear bistre-brown (nearly uniform, but the
feathers often with paler or ashy edges), deepening on wings and terminal half of tail; crown
with an isolated blackish cap, and sides of head with a black bar (younger birds with white of
head and neck behiuil restricted, so that these dark areas run together). Bill black; tarsi and
base of toes and webs, iiesh-colored (drying yellowish) ; rest of toes and webs, black. Length
16.00; extent 39.50; wing 11.50-12.00; tail 5.25, its graduation 1.50; tarsus 1.40; middle
toe and claw 2.12; bill 1.40, 0.66 deep at base, 0.40 wide ; tube 0.33. A rare bird, native of
some of the West India Islands, as Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Dominica, of casual
occurrence on the Atlantic coast, U. S. (P. brevirostris and P. meridionalis Lawr. Ann.
Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. iv, 1848, p. 475; v, 1852, p. 220, pi. 1.5) ; and in Europe (Zool. 18.52,
p. 3691 ; Ibis, 1884, p. 202). A specimen was taken Aug. 30, 1893, at Blacksburg, Va., 200
miles inland (Auk, Oct. 1893, p. 361); and three others in October, 1898, on the Ohio River
Via. 708. — CEstrelata Fislieri. Ridgw.
at or near Cincinnati (Auk, Jan. 1899. p. 75). Pwc. hasitata Kihl. ^strelata hasitata
A. 0. U. iniss])elling both words. Proc. diabolica Lafr. 1844.
CE. scala'ris. (Lat. scalaris, pertaining to a ladder or stairs ; scaln, a staircase ; referring to
the markings of the upper parts. Compare scalnris as a name of the ladder-backed Wood-
peckers of the genus Dnjobates.) Scaled Petrel. Form typical of Q'Jsti eldta im nhoyc,
.-izc small. Adult: Upper parts, including tail-coverts and c.vposcd surfaces of tail-feathers,
jiure cinereous, deepening to plumbeous on hind head, rump, and lesser wing-coverts; feathers
of back and greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with ashy-white. Under parts pure
wliite ; ash of upper parts coming down sides of neck and deepening as it extends more broadly
al(»ng sides and quite across abdomen, which is plumbeous — this color with vague and nebu-
1040 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBIN ARES.
lous boundaries ; under wing- and tail-coverts white. Sides of head white, with a distinct
narrow darlt bar through eye ; a white superciliary line ; forehead and crown mixed white and
ashy. Primaries and secondaries with distinct pure white areas on inner webs ; on the prima-
ries these areas occupying the whole webs at base, sending a narrow wedge forward ; primaries
lightening from without inward, secondaries abruptly darkening again. Bill black ; tarsus
livid flesh -color; basal third of toes and contained portion of webs yellowish, the rest black.
Chord of culmen 1.05; height of bill at base 0.45-0.50; width 0.40-0.45; tarsus 1.85; middle
toe and claw 1.68; outer ditto 1.65; inner ditto 1.40. Wing 9.80; tail 3.90; graduated 0.75.
Southern seas ; a waif caught in New York State, Livingston Co., Apr. 1880. ^strelata
gularis Brewst. Bull. Nutt. Club, Apr. 1881, p. 94 (but not Procellaria gularis Peale,
1848) ; A. 0. U. List, 1st ed. 1886, No. [99]. ^. scalaris Brewst. Auk, July, 1886, p. 390 ;
KiDGW. Man. 1887, p. 68; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. [99]. (E. gularis Coues, Key,
2d and 3d eds. 1884 and 1887, p. 780. (E. scalaris Coues, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 906 ; Salvin,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 416.
CE. flsh'eri. (To Wm. J. Fisher, of Kadiak, Alaska. Fig. 708.) Fisher's Petrel.
Closely related to the last. Above plumbeous-gray, blackish on lesser wing-coverts ; edges of
secondaries hoary white ; head and lower parts white ; crown spotted with blackish, belly over-
laid by a wash of smoky plumbeous; a dark spot below eye ; tail largely white with irregular
gray barring and vermiculation. Wing 10.15; tail 4.00, graduated 0.90; culmen 1.00; tarsus
1.35; middle toe 1.40. Oflf coast of Alaska (Kadiak). ^.fislieri Ridgv^. Pr. U. S. Nat.
Mus. v, June, 1883, p. 6.56; viii, 1885, p. 18; Man. 1887, p. 68 ; Auk, Oct. 1895, p. 319,
pi. 4; Coues, Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90, p. 780; Bd. Brew, and Eidgw. N. A. Water
Birds, ii, 1884, p. 396; A. 0. U. Lists, 1st and 2d eds. 1886-95, No. 100 ; Salvin, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 415. The type specimen remains unique and is not referable to
any other species, though near CE. gularis and CE. defilippiana.
BULWE'RIA. (Toone Bulvver.) Columbine Petrels. General characters of CEsirefoto ;
bill similar with smaller nail and straighter commissure. Tail longer, more than J the wing,
cuneate. Size small. Color fuliginous. Two species, one a waif in North America. The
other is B. macgillivrayi of the Fiji Islands. (Given under (Estrelata in 2d-4th eds. of Key.)
B. bul'weri. Bulwer's Petrel. Adult: Plumage entirely fuliginous, almost black on
wings and tail, lighter and more brownish below, somewhat ashy on head, gray on greater
wing-coverts. Length about 10.00; wing 8.00; tail 4..50, graduated 1.75 ; chord of culmen
0.85; tarsus 0.90-1.00 ; middle or outer toe and claw 1.10 ; inner ditto 0.85. Temperate North
Atlantic and North Pacific oceans; Canary Islands, etc; accidental at Bermudas; has once
occurred off Greenland. (Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, p. 158; Zool. 1881, p. 378.) Egg white,
1.60-1.75 X 1.20, laid in burrows or rocky crevices; young covered with sooty down. Proc.
bulweri Jard. and Selby, pi. 65, pub. Nov. 1828. P. anjinho, Hein. 1829. Puffinus
columbinus Webb and Berthelot.
Subfamily PROCELLARIIN>E : Short-legged Stormy Petrels.
Nasal tubes prominent, truncate, with thin partition between the nostril:? (much as in the
(Estrelata group of the Puffinince). Bill of moderate size and not diagnostic shape; both
mandibles well hooked at end, as in most Petrels (compare Fulmarince). Tail 12-feathered,
of variable shape — square, forked, or wedged. Wings not very long: 2d primary longer than
1st; secondaries more than 10 (as throughout the family excepting Oceanitince) . Feet not
notably lengthened ; leg-bones shorter than wing-bones. Tarsal bone not twice as long as
femur; tarsus little if any longer than middle toe and claw; tarsal envelop reticulate in front,
with no tendency to fuse in a booted podotheca ; tibise feathered nearly to the joint. Hallux
minute. Claws compressed, curved, acute (compare Oceanitince). Size at a minimum iu the
PROCELLARIID.E — PROCELLARIIN.E: PETRELS. 1041
family. Length under 10.00; wing 7.00 or less. Plumage in most cases fuliginous, unicolor
or relieved with white on the tail. A small group of 3 genera, all represented in North
America. They share with the long-legged Stormy Petrels (Oceanitincc) the anatomical
characters of lack of basipterygoids, even hind border of sternum, long manubrium of furcula,
and slender coracoids with little divergent axes, in these respects differing fnjm Fulmarincc and
P affinince ; they also agree with the Oceanitincs in the small size and general outward aspect,
but differ remarkably in the feet, as will be more particularly noted under head of the next
subfamily. The species are not numerous, and most of them belong to the genus Oeeanodroma.
Analysis of Genera.
Tall cuneate. Color entirely fuliginous. Lengtli under G.OO Halocyptena
Tail square or a little rounded. Color fuliginous, with wliite upper tail-coverts. Lengtli under G.OO . ProceUaria
Tail forked. Color variable. Length over 6.00 Oeeanodroma
HALOCYPTE'NA. (Gr. aks, hals, the sea ; wkvs, oJcus, swift ; ttttivos, ptenos, winged.)
Wedge-tailed Stoumy Petrels. Like a miniature Q^strelata or Bulweria ; unicolor,
fuliginous. Bill much shorter than head, about i the tarsus, weak and slender, acutely
hooked ; nasal tubes as in ProceUaria proper. Wings foldiug beyond tail, 2d primary longest,
3d nearly equal, 1st about equal to 4th. Tibia briefly bare below; tarsus little longer than
middle toe and claw; outer toe without claw as long as middle; tip of inner claw reaching
base of middle ; hallux minute; webs moderately full ; claws compressed, curved, acute. Tail
rather long, wedge-shaped; central feathers projecting; lateral regularly graduated, narrowly
rounded. One species.
H. microso'iiia. (Gr. fiUpos, mikros, small; aSifia, soma, body.) Least Petrel. Adult:
Lustrous brownish-black, darker above, blackening on wings and tail, browning ou under
parts, graying on greater wing-coverts and inner quills ; bill and feet black ; no white any-
where. Length 5.75 ; wing 4.75; tail 2.50, graduated 0.35 ; bill 0.50; gape 0.62 ; height at
ba.se 0.19, width 0.21; nasal tube 0.22; tibia bare 0.30; tarsus 0.90; middle toe and claw
0.82 ; outer ditto 0.80 ; inner ditto 0.68. A queer little bird, from the coast (jf Lower California
to Panama. My type specimen, described in J864, remaiued unique till 1888, when the second
one was taken in the Bay of Panama (Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. xiii, 1890, p. 141). Salvin cata-
logues one in the British Museum from Mazatlau, Mexico. In 1896 the bird was found breed-
ing witli Oeeanodroma melania and 0. socorroensis on San Benito Island off the Lower Cali-
fornia coast. Egg laid in July in a hole or crevice of rocks, not in underground burrow,
single, dead wliite, with the usual rosy blush when fresh and unblown, in many cases with a
ring of black specks at one or both ends, which come off at a touch, leaving only faint stains ;
shape variable, elliptical varying to long or short ovate: 0.97-1.07 X 0.70-0.77 (Axthonv,
Nidcdogist, Oct. 1896, p. 16).
PROCKLLA'RIA. (Lat. procella, a tempest.) Square-tailed St()i;mv l'Kri:i'i..s.
" .Mother Carey's Chickens." Diminutive, fuligiuous, with white upper tail-coverts.
Bill small, sh(jrt, C(mipressed, sides rapidly converging to narrow tip ; less than half as long
as head, about ^ the tarsus. Wings folding beyond tail; 2d primary longest, 3d little sht)rter,
1st less than 4th. Tibia briefly bare below; claws compressed, curved, acute. Tail slightly
rounded or nearly square, with broad feathers ; under tail-coverts very ample. Two species,
distiuijuislicd by shape of tail from those of tlie preceding or following genus. The extralimital
one is /'. it'tlii/s of the Grdajxipos.
V. polafi'ica. (Gr. irtXayiKik, prhif/i/cos, oceanic.) Co.MMON Stormy Petrel. Above,
glossy browniisli-black, bclnw uidH' fuliginous; upper tail-coverts white, with black tips;
white streaking on crissum. ami usually white touches under the wings. Bill and feet black ;
no yellow on webs. Leuirtii 5..")0-5.75 ; wing 4.50-4.75; tail 2..50; bill 0.45; gape 0.62;
tarsus 0.90; middle toe and claw 0.82, outer 0.88, inner 0.65. Egg 1.09 X 0.85. Nestlings
60
1042
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBINARES.
in down sooty-gray. Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts ; Europe, Africa, and North America;
not known to breed on our side. This is the rarest of the three little black white-rumped
" Mother Carey's chickens " of our Atlantic coast, easily distinguished by its short legs and
square tail; Leach's, the most numerous, is also short-legged, but larger and fork - tailed ;
Wilson's is intermediate, with square tail, but very long stilt-like legs, flat claws, and a yellow
spot on the webs.
OCEANOD'ROMA. (Gr. 'Q.Keav6sj OJceanos, Lat. Oceanus, the divinity of the sea, hence
the ocean ; bp6)xos, dromos, running.) Fork-tailed Stormy Petrels. Bill much shorter
than head, more than ^ as long as tarsus, rather stout, as high as or higher than wide at base,
the hook strong and acute; nasal tube less than half as long as culmen. Wings moderately
long, folding little beyond tail; 2d or 3d primary longest; 1st about equal to 3d or 4th. Tail
long, more or less deeply forked, the feathers all broad, obtusely rounded. Legs short; tibia
little l)are below ; tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. Of rather large size (for this
subfamily) and robust form. Color fuliginous, unicolor or with white upper tail-coverts; or
variously ashy or gray, mostly white below. About 12-14 species are known. (^Cymochorea
and Oceanodroma of former editions of the Key.)
Analysis of Species.
General plumage dark {Cymochorea).
Upper tail-coverts more or less white.
Upper tail-coverts almost entirely white.
Larger; tail deeply forked, about 0 75. Atlantic and N. Pacific leucorrhoa
Smaller ; tail lightly forked, about 0.33. S. and L. California kaedingi
Upper tail-coverts tipped with black.
Smaller ; tail lightly forked ; mucli white on tail-feathers. Washington, D. C cryptoleucura
Larger; tail deeply forked, about 1.00. Guadalupe Isl macrodactyla
Upper tail-coverts white only on each side. L. and S. California socorroensis
No white anywhere.
Sooty-brown ; large ; wing 6.75 ; tail 4.00, forked 1.00 or more. L. and S. California melania
Sooty-gray ; small ; wing 5.00 ; tail 3.25, forked 0.60-0.90. California homochroa
General plumage light; no white on upper tail-coverts. (Oceanodroma.)
Not white below. N. Pacific fnrcata
White below, with dark collar. N. Pacific hornbyi
O. leiicor'rhoa. (Gr. XeuKos, leukos, white; oppos, orrhos, rump. Fig. 709.) Leach's
FoKK-'i'AiLF.D Petrel. White-rumped Petrel. Coloration as in the last species, with
Ik. Ik. ..^ A white of upper tail-coverts, forming a conspicuous mark ;
\\\V ^^ wMl^ M ^^^ ^P^' ^^ ^® lighter — rather of a grayish or even ashy hue
\\\^^N^^. WjjT ^m on some parts; but easily recognized, whatever the shade
\ ' ' l^Hil^^Hli^^H °^ cdlor. Bill and feet black; iris brown. Length about
' >^<\ ^H^^^^V 8.00; extent 17..'")0; wing 6.00-6.50; tail 3.00-3.50, forked
' '*^^^K^W^^ ___!t^^ about 0.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw the same;
\ j^£!^ * 1^^^^ '"^^^^^w ^^^^ 0.67. Seas of the Northern Hemisphere. North
"vy^^,^^" •"" ■■ jK J**^'^^^^^^' America, both coasts, and west coast of Europe. Abun-
x^^^^^^»^!5^5^^^^^^^ dant on our North Atlantic coast, breeding from Maine
^^^^^ ^^^^'*^_1- *^ northward, and equally so at some points on the coast of
Fio. 700. —Leach's Fork-tailed Petrel, Alaska. Nest in burrows in the ground ; egg single, white,
much reduced. (From Teuney, after Au- unmarked, or With a Wreath of fine or obscure light-red
dubon.) .°
spots around the larger end, 1.20 X 0.95, laid in June.
Nestlings sooty. {Cymochorea leucorrhoa of former editions of the Key.)
O. kaed'ingi. (To — Kaeding.) Kaeding's Fork-tailed Petrel. Like 0. leucorrhoa;
smaller; tail less forked. Sooty black, more plumbeous on head, more brownish on wing-
coverts ; long upper tail-coverts white, black-shafted ; lateral lower coverts edged with white ;
tail-feathers blackish to base. Wing about 5.00; middle tail-feathers 3.00; lateral 3.33;
tarsus 0.80; middle toe and claw 0.80; culmen 0.60. Socorro and Clarion Islands t)f tlie
procellariWjE—procellariin.E: petrels. 1043
Kevillagigedo Group, Mexico, to Guadalupe Island, Lower Califoruia, and to southern Califor-
nia ; N. to Cape Flattery. New to the Key. Anthony, Auk, Jan. 1898, p. 37 ; A. O. U.
Comm. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899, p. 101, No. 105.2.
O. cryptoleucu'ra. (Gr. Kpvnros, liruptos., hidden; XevKos, leukos, white; ovpd, oura, tail;
referring to concealed white bases of tail-feathers.) Hawaiian Petrel. Sandwich Island
Petrel. Knudsen's Petrel. Similar to Leach's Petrel; hmger upper tail-coverts broadly
tipped with black, 0.25-0.50; tail-feathers, except middle pair, extensively white toward their
bases for about 1.00, and with white shafts ; tail lightly forked. Bill and feet entirely black,
as in all the foregoing species of this genus ; claws short and wide. Length about 7.75 ; ex-
tent 19.00; wing averaging 6.00, said to range from 5.80-G.30 ; tail 3-00-3.25, forked 0.15-
0.25; tarsus 0.85-0.90; bill 0.80 ; middle toe 0.90 ; outer rather less ; inner 0.70. Originally
described from the Sandwich Islands; accredited to the Galapagos and Madeira. New to the
Key; accidental at Washington, D. C, Aug. 28, 29, 1893; two specimens .secured, harbin-
gers of the annexation of the Hawaiian avifauna to that of the United States ! Also, Kent,
England, Dec. 5, 1895. (See Auk, July, 1897, pp. 297-299.) CymocJiorea cnjj)toleiicura
Eidgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. iv. Mar. 1882, p. 337; Oceanodroma crijptoleucura Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 71 ; Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. xix, for 1896, p. 654 ; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1899,
p. 101, No. [106.2.].
O. inacrodac'tyla. (Gr. /xa/cpo's, makros, long; MktvXov, daktidon, a digit, whether finger or
toe.) Guadalupe Petrel. Similar to Leach's Petrel; larger and darker; white of upper
tail-coverts restricted, these feathers being broadly tipped with black ; crown darker than
back, lightening somewhat on the forehead ; bill stouter at base than that of leucorrhoa ; tail
longer and more deeply forked. Length about 8.50; wing 6.50; tail nearly 4.00, forked 1.00
or more ; tarsus 0.85-1.00; middle toe and claw 1.10-1.20. Guadalupe Island, Lower Cali-
fornia. An interesting Petrel, apparently a valid species, described as 0. leucorhoa macro-
dactijla by Bryant, Bull. Cala. Acad. Sci. ii. No. 8, July, 1887, p. 450, tliough earlier
noticed in the same publication (p. 276) as 0. leucorhoa ; raised to specific rank by the A. 0. U.
Committee as 0. macrodacfi/la, Suppl. List, 1889, p. 5; A. 0- U. List, 2d ed. 1895, No. 106.1.
Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, p. 351, where in character of the upper tail-coverts the
species is compared with cryptoleiicura of the Sandwich Islands and Galapagos. Cymochorea
macrodacti/la CouES, Key, 4th ed. 1890, p. 906.
O. melan'ia. (Gr. fieXavia, vielania, blackness. Fig 710.) Black Fork-tailed Petrel.
Form of leucorrhoa very nearly ; bill more robust ; tarsus a little longer than middle toe and claw.
No white or whitish anywhere. Adult : Plumage sooty brown-
ish-black, darkest above and on head, more smoky-brown on
under parts, grayer on wing-coverts, quite black on wing- and
tail-feathers; bill and feet black; iris brown. Length 9.00;
extent 18.50; wing 6.75; tail 4.00, forked 1.20 ; tibia bare 0.50;
tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.10; bill 0.65; gape 0.95;
height or width at base 0.25 ; nasal tubes 0.30. Coast of Mex-
ico N. to southern California; Cape St. Lucas, Lower Califor-
nia, and some of the islands off the coast. Breeds on San pj,,. 710. — Black Fork-tailed
Benito and Los Coronados Islands — on San Benito Island Petrel, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del.
more numerously than O. socorroensis, but in company with and
in a similar manner (see beyond). Egg white, larger than that of the Socorro Petrel ; average
1.35 X 100 (Anthony, Nidologist, Oct. 1896, p. 16). The species remained for long rare and
little iiiiown. (Cymochorea mehrna of former editions of the Key. 0. totcnsetidi Kidgw.)
O. hoinoch'roa. (Gr. 6/xof, omos, like, equal; XP"**' chroa, color.) ASHY Fork-tailed
Petrel. Adult: Somewhat like the last; smaller, with short, weak, com})resse(l bill, and
tarsus no longer than middle toe and claw. No white anywhere ; but under wing-coverts with
1044 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — TUBINARES.
some grayish-white. Plumage dull plumbeous or slaty-blackish, more smoky-brownish on
lower parts, lighter grayish-brown on greater wing-coverts ; wings and tail black. 2d primary
longest, 3d nearly equal, 1st longer than 4th. The general plumbeous or bluish-ashy cast of
the plumage is quite different from the sooty shade of 0. meJania, approaching the clearer ash
of 0. f areata. Length about 7.25; wing 5.25; tail 3.25, forked 0.60-0.90; tarsus 0.90;
middle toe and claw the same; bill 0.50; gape 0.75; height or width at base 0.20; nasal tubes
0.24. Coast of California, breeding on Farallone and Santa Barbara Islands. Egg dull
creamy white with fine reddish dots around great end.
O. socorroen'sis. (Lat. of Socorro.) SocoRRO Fork-tailed Petrel. Similar to 0. homo-
chroa ; about same size ; wings longer ; tail shorter and less deeply forked ; feet smaller.
Lateral upper tail-coverts of the type specimen chiefly whitish, producing an evident spot on
each side of the rump ; no whitish under the wings, the under coverts being of the same color as
the under surface of the body. The general coloration darker than in 0. homochroa and more
as in 0. melania. Wing 5.55; tail 2.85, forked 0.40; culmen 0.55; nasal tube 0.27; tarsus
0.85; middle toe and claw the same. It is surmised that the lateral white spots on the upper
tail-coverts of the type may in other cases be united in one. Socorro Island, off the W. coast of
Mexico, and N. into our fauna; San Diego ; breeds on Coronados Islands and San Benito
Island, off the coast of Lower California, on the latter in June and July, with 0. melania and
Halocyptena microsoma ; egg single, laid in a burrow underground or among rocks, often that
deserted by Cassin's Auklet; shell smooth, not glossy, white, sometimes with pale or faint
specks of lavender and cinnamon about the larger end; average size 1.15 X 0.90. C H.
TowNSEND, Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. xiii, 1890, p. 134; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896,
p. 352 ; A. 0. U. Suppl. List, Auk, Jan. 1897, p. 117, No. 108.1.
O. furca'ta. (Lut. furcata, forked.) Gray Fork-tailed Petrel. Adult: Bluish-ash,
paler or whitish below and on greater wing-coverts, dusky about eyes; lesser wing-coverts
sooty; quills and tail brownish ; primaries pale or white on inner edges; outer web of outer
tail-feather white; bill and feet black. Length 8.00-9.00; wing 6.00-6.40; tail 4.00, forked
about 1.00 ; bill 0.60 ; tarsus 0.87 ; middle toe and claw the same. North Pacific coast, com-
mon, breeds on Aleutians and islands in the vicinity of Sitka; S. to Monterey. Young in
down light gray. Egg averaging 1.30 X 1.00, white with a pink flush when fresh, usually
found stained, or with fine spots about great end ; laid in underground burrows or holes in
rocks, chiefly in June.
O. horii'byi. (To Admiral Hornby, R. N.) Hornby's Fork-tailed Petrel. Very
different from any of the foregoing ; -white below, with a distinct dark collar. Adult : Above
sooty-brown, paler and grayer on the upper back ; a whitish cervical collar across hind neck,
connecting with white of the throat ; hind head, nape, and about the eyes blackish ; front, lores,
and all under parts white, with the dark collar as said. Wings black, lightening to sooty-
gray on most of the coverts above and below ; tail dusky brown. Bill and feet black. Length
8.25; wing 6.75; tail 3.75; tarsus 1.00 ; middle toe and claw about the same; bill along cul-
men 0.60 ; along rictus 0.90. Northwest coast. I have never seen this rare species, of which
there are no specimens in this country; type in British Museum, figured by Salvin, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxv, 1896, pi. 3. A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, No. 6.
Subfamily OCEANITIN/E : Long-legged Stormy Petrels.
Nasal tube and bill not peculiar, in comparison with Procellariince. Wings remarkably
distinguished in the whole family ProcellariideB by fewness of the secondaries — only 10 ; 1st
primary shorter than 2d, usually than 3d. Legs and feet very long, almost grallatorial ; leg-
bones longer than wing-bones ; tarsal bone at least twice as long as femur ; basal phalanx of
middle toe at least as long as next two joints ; outer and middle toes of approximately equal
PROCELLARIDJ^—OCEANITIN.E: PETRELS. 1045
lengths. Tarsal envelop tending to fuse in a booted podotheca (especially in Oceanites and
Pealeu ; less so in Garrodia and Pelagodroma ; variable in Fregetta). Tibiae bare an inch or
so. Hallux minute. Claws broad, flat, blunt (least so in Oceanites). This is in several re-
spects the most remarkable subfamily of Procellariidce, by some authors ranked as a family.
In the small size and general outward appearance these Stormy Petrels resemble the foregoing
Procellariince ; but a glance at the feet suffices to distinguish them; in characters of the skull
and sternal bones they agree with Procellariince, except that the sternal keel is fenestrate.
Tlie OceanitincB consist of the five genera mentioned iu this paragraph, three of them repre-
sented in North America. Exti'alimital forms are Oceanites gracilis, Garrodia nereis, Pealea
lineata, and several species of Fregetta.
Analysis of Genera.
Tarsus moderately longer than middle toe and claw ; basal phalanx of middle toe shorter than rest of toe and claw.
Tarsus booted ; webs yellow. Plumage fuliginous, with white upper tail-coverts Ocemiites
Tarsus somewhat scutellate ; webs yellow. Plumage largely white Pelagodroma
Tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw ; basal phalanx of middle toe flattened, not shorter than rest of toe
and claw.
Tarsus somewhat scutellate ; webs black. Plumage largely white Fregetta
OCEANI'TES. (Gr. 'Q/ceaviT?;?, Okeanites, sou of the sea.) WiLSOXiAN Stormy Pktrel.s.
Bill short, weak, compressed, not ^ as long as head or middle toe and claw, about -f the tar-
sus ; sides a little concave; hook small; nasal tubes perfectly horizontal. Wings very long,
2d jn'imary much the longest; 1st and 3d about equal; 4th much shorter. Tail moderate,
about square (as in Procellaria) ; amj)le, with featliers broad to their very tips. Tibia denuded
1.00 or more. Tarsi presenting the character, remarkable if not unique among water birds,
of being covered iu front and on sides by a continuous plate or "boot," as in a Thrush, the
scutella being fused. Toes, though long, only about | the greatly lengthened tarsi ; basal
pliahinx of middle toe shorter than rest of toe and claw ; liind toe so minute as to be liable to
be overlooked. Claws broad, flat, obtuse. Two species of this notable genus: 0. gracilis ui
the west coast of St)Uth America, and the following :
O. ocean'icus. (Lat. oeeanicus, oceanic.) Wilson's Stormy Petrel. Coloration much
as iu P. 2)elagica or 0- leucorrhoa. Adult : Dark sooty-brown, pale gray on wing-coverts,
black on wings and tail ; upper tail-coverts, and frequently crissum, sides of rump, and base of
tail, white. Bill and feet black, but webs with a large yellow spot; iris brown. Length 7.00 ;
extent about 16.00; wing about 6.00; tail 8 00, nearly even but slightly emarginate; tibia
bare 1 .00 ; tarsus 1.30; middle toe and claw 1.10 ; bill 0.50. One of the commonest and best
known Stormy Petrels, widely dispersed over the waters of the globe ; on the Atlantic N. to
Lal)rador and Great Britain ; Antarctic and Indian Oceans; Australia; New Zealand ; breeds
in southern seas ; common in summer on our Atlantic coast. Nest in burrows or crevices ; egg
single, white.
FRKGEIT'TA. (Ital. fregata, a frigate.) Stilt Stormy Petrels. Frigate Stormy
Petrels. Kesembling Oceanites in great length of leg, flat obtuse claws, and other char-
acters. Bill stout, about as high as broad at base, ^ as long as head, more than half as long
as middle toe and claw, with long high nasal tube. Wings moderately long, folding just be-
yond tail; 2d primary longest; 3d nearly equal; 1st between 3d and 4th. Tail ample, square
(in our species; forked in others), with broad feathers, square-tijiped. Tibiae bare 1.00 or
more; tarsus nearly half as long again as middle toe, its scutella fused in a boot, or tending to
become so. Tfies short, with small narrow webs ; basal phalanx of middle toe flattened, not
shorter tlian rest of toe and claw ; claws extremely flat, broad, rounded, somewhat like a Grebe'.s.
CVdors blackish and white. Several species of Southern seas, one straggling to our country.
{('i/uiodroma KiDdw. 1884, of A. 0. U. 1H86-0.1, but Frrgcttii Bp. 18.").") is not voided by /•';>•-
giKii I5R1SS. 1760. See CoiJES. Auk. July. 1807. p. 31.'): A. (). U. Suppl. List. Ai.k. Jau.
!-:•!•. p. 102.
1046 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PYGOPODES.
F. gralla'ria. (Lat. for grallatorius, relating to stilt- walking; grallator, one who goes on
stilts; grallce, stilts, related to gradus, a step, stride, pace.) Lawrence's Stilt Petrel.
White-bellied Petrel. Adult : Blackish of variable intensity, blackening on quills and
tail, lightening to grayish on back, where the feathers may be edged with whitish; abdomen,
upper tail-coverts, most under wing-coverts, and bases of all tail-feathers except middle pair,
white; bill and feet black. Length 7.50-8.00; wing 6.00-6.50; tail 3.00, about even, with
very broad, square-tipped feathers; bill 0.50; tarsus 1.33; longest toe (outer) and claw 1.00
or less; tibiae bare 1.00 or more. Southern seas; Florida, accidental, one instance (Lawr.
Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. 1851, v, 117).
PELAGODRO'MA. (Gr. ntXayns, x>elagos^ the sea ; 8p6fios, dronios, running.) Clipper
Stormy Petrels. Resembling Fregetta in great length of leg, fiat, blunt claws, and other
characters. Basal phalanx of middle toe not peculiar ; tarsi appreciably scutellate. Bill re-
markably long, slender, and compressed, with weak hook and short nasal tubes, less than half
as long as culmen. Wings of moderate length, folding just beyond end of tail; 2d primary
longest, 3d nearly as long, 1st about equal to 4th. Tail long, square, or but slightly emar-
giuate, with broad feathers, truncate at the end. Tibiae bare an inch or more; middle toe and
claw nearly as long as tarsus; webs very full. One species.
P. mari'na. (Lat. marine.) White-faced Petrel. Color ashy-gray, or slaty, of vari-
able shade, blackening on wings and tail, lightening on back, rump, and upper tail-coverts,
where the feathers may be edged with white; all the under parts, the forehead, and line over
eye, white. Bill and feet black ; webs mostly yellow. Length about 8.00; wing 5.80-6.20 ;
tail about 3.00, emarginated about 0.30; bill 0.90; tarsus LOO; middle toe and claw 1.40. A
large, handsome species, the original "Frigate Petrel" of Latham, related to Fregetta gral-
laria, but readily distinguished. Southern seas, N. to the Canary Islands; accidental in Great
Britain (Walney Island in Morecanjbe Bay, Nov. 1890, and Colonsay Island, W. coast of
Scotland, Jan. 1, 1897) ; once taken off the coast of Massachusetts, lat. 40° 34' 18" N., long.
66° 09' W. Auk, Oct. 1885, p. 386; Ridgw. Man. N. A. Birds, 1887, p. 72; Coues, Key,
3d ed. 1887, p. 893; A. 0. U. List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 38, No. [111.]
Order PYGOPODES: Diving Birds.
In birds of this order the natatorial plan reaches its highest development. All the species
swim and dive with perfect ease; many are capable of remaining long submerged, and of trav-
ersing great distances under water, progress being effected by the wings as well as by the feet.
Few other birds, as Cormorants, Anhingas, Penguins, and the passerine Dippers, resemble
Pygopodes in this respect. The legs are so completely posterior, that in standing the hori-
zontal position of the axis of the body is impossible ; the birds rest upright or nearly so, the
whole tarsus being often applied to the ground, while the tail affoi-ds additional support; pro-
gression on land is awkward and constrained, only accomplished, in most cases, with a shuffling
motion, when the belly partly trails on the ground. One species of Auk could not fly at all,
because the wings, although perfectly formed, were too small to support the body. The rest
of the order fly swiftly and vigorously, with continuous wing-beats. The rostrum varies in
shape with the genera; but it is never extensively membranous, nor lamellate (as in Anseres
and some Tubinares), nor furnished with a pouch (as in most Sfeganopodes) ; nor are the
tomia ever serrate. The nostrils vary, but are neither tubular nor abortive. The wings are
short, never reaching when folded to end of tail, which is short, never of peculiar shape, gen-
erally of many feathers (there are, however, no perfect rectrices in Grebes). The crura are
almost completely buried, and feathered nearly or quite to the heel. The tarsus is usually
compressed; sometimes, as in Loons, extremely so. The front toes are completely palmate
GAVIIDM: LOONS, OR DIVERS. 1047
in Loons and Auks ; lobate, with basal webbing, in Grebes ; hallux present and well formed,
with a membranous expansion, in Loons and Grebes, but wanting in Auks. The plumage is
thick and completely waterproof; once observing some Loons under peculiarly favorable cir-
cumstances in the limpid water of the Pacific, I saw that bubbles of air clung to the plumage
whilst the birds were under water, giving them a beautiful spangled appearance. The ptery-
losis shows contour- and down-feathers, both aftershafted ; there are definite apteria ; Auks
have free outer branches of the inferior pterylse, wanting in Loons and Grebes. The oil-gland
is large, with several orifices. Among osteological characters should be particularly mentioned
the long apophysis of the tibia in Loons and Grebes, but not in Auks. The thoracic walls
are very extensive ; long jointed ribs grow all along the backbone from neck to pelvis, and
form with the long broad sternum a bony box enclosing umch of the abdominal viscera as
well as those of the thorax, perhaps to prevent their undue compression under water. In
Auks and Loons, the top of the skull has a pair of crescentic depressions for lodgment of
large glands; the palate is schizognathous, and the nasals are schizorhinal in Auks, but ho-
lorhinal in Loons and Grebes. Basipterygoids are lacking or rudimentary ; lacrymals small,
not reaching zygoma ; the vomer is cleft behind, and maxillopalatines laminate. The sternum
has a different shape in each of the families. There are two carotids, except among Grebes,
and in the genus Alle. The digestive system shows minor modifications, but accords
in general with the piscivorous regimen of the whole order. Sexes are alike; young mostly
difi'erent; seasonal changes often great. Auks are altricial or nidicolous ; Loons and Grebes
praecocial or nidifugous. There are three families of Pi/gopodes, sharply distinguished by ex-
ternal characters ; all of them are fully represented in this country, where all the known species
of Loons and Auks occur. (The Penguins, Impennes, Sqiiamipennes, Ptilopteri, or Sphenisco-
morphce, formerly included in this order, are better left to stand by themselves. They are
confined to the Southern Hemisphere, where they are represented by 6 genera, Aptenodytes,
Pi/goscelis, Catarrhactes, Megadnptes, Eudijptula, and Spheniscus, and about 17 species of one
family, SpheniscidcB. The wings are reduced to mere flippers, with very numerous undeveloped
remigcs, unfit for flight, but very eflficieut as fins in swimming under water; there are no
apteria ; much of the plumage is harsh and scaly. There are numerous strong osteological
characters, among them flatness and solidity of wing-bones, and incomplete fusion of metatar-
sals. The elbow has a pair of sesamoids, and the knee a large irregularly -shaped patella.
The feet are 4-toed and palmate.)
Analysis of Suborders and Families.
Loons. Feet 4-toed, palmate Gavi-e or Gaviid^
Grebes. Feet 4-toed, lobate .... Podicipedes or Podicipedid.*;
Auks. Feet 3-toed, palmate Alce or ALCiDiK
SuBORDKR GAVI^ : Loons.
The characters of the subordc^r are the same as those of its single family, as follows: —
Family GAVIID.^ : Loons, or Divers.
(CoLYMBiD^ of Key, 187::>-90. Ukinatoriu.e of A. 0. U. 1880-0.").)
Hill stont, straight, compressed, tapering, acute, paragnathous, entirely horny. Nostrils
narrowly linear, their upper edge lobed. Head completely feathered; anti.e prominent, acute,
reaching nostrils; no crests nor rufl's. Wings .'strong, with ID stitt" developed primaries (11 in
all) and many short secondaries ; aquintocubital. Legs completely posterior, buried, feathered
to the heel ; tarsi entirely reticulate, extremely compressed, the back edge smooth ; toes 4, the
anterior palmate, the posterior semilateral, not elevated, and having a lobe connecting it with
1048 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES— GAVIjE.
the base of the iuner. Tail short, but well formed, of 18-20 stiff featliers. Tibia with a very-
long apophysis ; patella rudimentary. Sternum M-ith long, broad, median projection backward
(metasternum), and shorter lateral processes. Skull with deep temporal fossse and supraorbital
depressions, separated by a well-marked sagittal crest, and small lacrymal bones iu close con-
nection with nasals. Spinal column with free vertebrae. Carotids double. Coeca and ambiens
present, accessory seraitendinosus absent; sternotracheal muscles symmetrical. Back spotted.
Head of adults never crested or ruffed, of young not striped. Loons are large heavy birds
with broad flattened body and rather long sinuous neck, abundant on the coasts and large in-
land waters of the Northern Hemisphere. They are noted for their powers of diving, being
able to evade the shot from a gun by disappearing at the flash, and to swim many fathoms
under water. Loons also share with Grebes the curious faculty of altering their specific grav-
ity at will, by inhaling or exhaling air, so that they can sink quietly down in the water without
diving, and swim with the body more or less submerged, but with head and part of the neck out
of water. They are migratory, breeding mostly in high latitudes, generally dispersed S. in
winter. They are prsecocial, and generally lay 2 dark-colored spotted eggs in a rude nest or
none by the water's edge. The voice is extremely loud, harsh, and resonant. Sexes alike;
9 smaller than ^ ; young and winter adults different from summer adults. There is but
one genus, with 5 species, all North American.
CrA'VIA. (Ital. name of a Grull. As Lat. used by Moehring, 1752, for Gulls; by Brisson,
1760, for Gulls and the Noddy Tern; by Forster, Enchiridion, 1788, p. iiS, for the Loons, as
here applied ; by Boie, 1822, for certain Gulls ; by Gloger, 1842, and Naumann, 1834, for certain
Plovers ; by the A. 0. U. 1886-95, for the Ivory Gull : see Allen, Auk, xiv, July, 1897, p. 312,
and CouES, ibid. p. 313. In the plural, Gavice was used by Bonaparte, 1850-53, for an order
of birds equivalent to Longipennes and Tubinares, or Gulls and Petrels (including the genus
Chionis !), to which were added the Urinatores, or Loons, Grebes, and Auks. I now restrict
GavicE to the latter. See Newton, Diet. 1893, p. 310.) Loons or Divers. Characters as
above given for the family GaviideB. {Colymbus of all former editions of the Key. Urinator
of A. 0. U. 1886-95.)
Analysis of Species and Varieties (Adtilts in summer).
Head and neck black, with green, blue, and purple reflection, and patches of white streaks.
Bill mostly or wholly black ; culmen, commissure, and gonys gently curved with slight gonydeal angle ; feathers
falling short of middle of nostrils; culmen 3.00 or less; gape 4.00 or more ; height of bill at nostrils usually
under 1.00. Gloss of head and neck mostly green ; white spots of back nearly square imber
Bill mostly yellow ; culmen nearly straight ; commissure and gonys straight with sharp gonydeal angle ; feath-
ers reaching middle of nostrils ; culmen about 3.75 ; gape about 5.00 ; height of bill at nostrils usually over 1.00.
Gloss of head and neck mostly blue ; white spots of back longer than broad adamsi
Top of head bluish-ash ; front of neck blue-black ; neck with white stripes.
Larger: wing about 12.00 ; bill about 2 .50, stout, with convex culmen arcticus
Smaller: wing about 11.00 ; bill about 2.00, slender, with straight culmen pacificus
Throat and sides of head bluish-ash ; front of neck with red patch lumme
Analysis of Species {Adults in winter and Young).
Back with paler gray margins of the feathers and no spots. Wing 12.50 or more.
Bill as above said for summer imber
Bill as above said for summer adamsi
Back uniformly dark or with gray margins (young); some spots on wing-coverts. Wiug 11.50-13.00.
Larger, as above said arc/icus
Smaller, as above said pacificus
Back profusely spotted with white. Wing 11 50 or less lumme
G. im'ber. (Danish imber; Swedish immer, emmer; Fferoic imbrim ; Icelandic himbrim;
English ember, imber, immer, etc. in composition M'ith goose. Fig. 711.) Common Loon.
Great Northern Diver. Imber Diver. Ember-goose. Adult (^ 9 > in summer: Bill
black, the tip and cutting edges sometimes yellowish. Feet black. Iris red. Head and neck
GAVIIDyE: LOONS, OR DIVERS. 1049
glossy greenish-black, with lustrous purplish reflections on the front and sides of the head. A
patch of sharp white streaks on throat ; a larger triangular patch of the same on each side of
neck lower down, nearly or quite meeting behind, separate in front. Sides of breast striped
with black and white. Entire upper parts, wing-coverts, inner secondaries, and sides under
the wings, glossy black ; all except the sides thickly marked with white spots ; those of scapu-
lars, inner secondaries, and middle back, large, square, and regular ; those of other parts oval,
smallest on rump, most numerous on wing-coverts. Upper tail-coverts greenish-black, im-
maculate. Primaries brownish-black, lighter on inner webs. Under surface of wings, axil-
lars, and under parts generally from the neck, pure white; lower belly with a dusky band.
The white throat-patch consists usually of five or six streaks; in this, as in the lateral neck-
stripes, the individual feathers are broadly black, with sharp white edges toward their ends.
The texture of these feathers is peculiar ; the outer surface is hollowed, with raised edges of
specially firm, smooth, polished character, so that these patches may he felt as well as seen.
Fig. 711. — Loon. (L. A. Fuertes.)
The white spots on the back occur in a pair on each feather near its end, their aggregation in
any region being therefore determined by the size of the feathers. The frontal antije extend
lialf-way or more from base of culmen to fore end of nostrils. Adults in winter have a plumage
indistinguishable from that of the young, as follows: Young: Bill smaller tliau in the adult,
bluish-white, with dusky ridge ; feet not black. Iris brown. Crown and hind neck dull
brownisli-black ; other upper i)arts dark brown, but the feathers, especially of fore back, with
light gray edgings. Primaries black, with brown inner webs; tail-feathers with gray tips.
Traces of lighter and darker lineation on sides of breast. Sides of head mottled with ashy
and whitish ; chin, throat, neck in front, and under parts, white, with some dark feathers on
sides, flanks, and crissum. Length .31. 00-^3(3. 00; extent about 52.00; wing I^.-IO-U.^."); cul-
men "J. 7.')-;}. 00; gape 4.00-4.25; height of bill at nostrils about O.SO ; wiilth there about 0.40;
tarsus .'{.OO-^.-lO, thus longer than culmen; middle toe and claw 4.2.'»-5.0(); 9 '^"'1 young at or
near the smaller figures given; young with bill much smaller than that of adults. Downy
young sooty-brown, paler on neck, the breast and belly pure white. Inhabits the uortheru
]>ortion of the Northern Hemisphere; in winter, generally dispersed in the U. S. ; breeds in
northerly portions of tin; U. S. and northward. Ki,'i,'s usually 2, .'150 X 2.25, elongate and
1050 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES—GAVI^.
pointed, dull greenish-drab, with dark brown and blackish spots. {Colymhus torquatus of most
authors, as of former editions of the Key; Urinator imber of A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95.)
G. ad'amsi. (To Dr. C. B. Adams.) Yellow-billed Loon. Adams' Diver. Larger
than G. imber; bill rather larger, somewhat differently shaped and colored. Bill about
equalling head, longer than tarsus, much compressed, tip very acute, not at all decurved ; cul-
men and commissure almost perfectly straight ; gonys straight or nearly so to the prominent
angle. Frontal antise reaching beyond middle of nostrils. Bill light yellowish horn-color,
only dusky at base. Head and neck deep steel-blue, with purplish and violet reflections,
glossed only on cervix with green. Throat-patch of white streaks smaller than in imber,
but the individual streaks larger, as are those of the neck-patches. White spots of upper
parts larger than in imber, longer than broad instead of square on the scapulars. Length
35.00-38.00; wing averaging 15.00; culmen 3.50-3.75; gape 5.00-5.25; height of bill at
nostrils 0.95-LlO; width 0.40-0.50; tarsus 3.50, thus rather shorter than culmen; outer toe
4.65-5.10. Average dimensions thus somewhat exceeding those of imber; extension of loral
feathers and proportions of tarsi and toes the same. Arctic America, Hudson's Bay to Bering
Sea, common ; Siberia to Japan ; also occasional in Europe. Colymbus adamsi of former
editions of Key ; Urinator adamsii, A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95.)
G. arc'ticus, (Lat. arcticus, arctic.) Arctic Loon. Black-throated Diver. Adult
(J 9 ) ill summer : Bill black, shaped as in imber, but smaller ; feet blackish ; eyes red. Chin,
throat, and neck in front black, with purplish and violet reflections on sides of head, gradually
fading into clear bluish-gray of crown, nape, and hind neck, deepest on forehead, lightest be-
liind, separated from black of throat by a series of white streaks; a crescent of sliort, white
streaks across upper throat ; sides of breast and neck striped with pure white and glossy black,
these stripes nearly meeting in front. Upper parts glossy greenish-black, each feather of
scapulars and interscapulars with a white spot near end of each web, the scapular spots largest,
forming four patches in transverse rows ; wing-coverts thickly speckled with small ovate white
spots. Inner webs of quills, and tail-feathers below, light grayish-brown. Sides under wings
like back. Lining of wings and under parts from neck, pure white, with a narrow dusky band
across lower belly; under tail-coverts dusky, tipped with white. Young: Bill light bluish-
gray, dusky along ridge ; eyes brown ; feet dusky. Upper part of head and neck dark gray-
ish-brown ; sides of head grayish-white, ininutely streaked with brown. Upper parts with a
reticulated or scaly appearance, the feathers being brownish-black with broad bluish-gray
margins ; rump brownish-gray. Primaries and their coverts brownish-black ; secondaries and
tail-feathers dusky, margined with gray. Fore part of neck grayish-white, minutely and
faintly dotted with brown, its sides below streaked with the same. Lower parts, including
under surface of wings, pure white, the sides of body and rump, with part of lower tail-coverts,
dusky, edged with bluish-gray. Adults in winter resemble the young; they are distinguished
from the foregoing by smaller size, and from lumme by not being spotted on the back ; the
frontal antiaj are shorter than in imber and adamsi, hardly extending half way from base of
culinen to end of nostrils. Downy young sooty, paler below. Length 27.00-30.00; extent
40.00 or more ; wing 12.00-13.00 ; culmen 2.45 ; gape 3.40 ; height of bill at nostrils 0.65 ;
width there 0.35 ; tarsus 2.90 ; outer toe and claw 3.80. Northern part of Northern Hemi-
sphere ; common in Arctic America, where it breeds in June and July ; rare or casual in
winter in northerly portions of the U. S., chiefly E. of the Rocky Mts. Eggs indistinguishable
from those of the foregoing, but averaging smaller, about 3.10 X 2.00.
G. pacif icus. (Lat. pacificus, pacific.) Pacific Loon. Lawrence's Black-throated
Diver. Like the last; colors the same, only paler gray on hind head and neck. Bill shorter,
slenderer, somewhat differently shaped, with straight culmen. Size small : Length about 24.00 ;
extent 40.00 or less ; wing 11.25-12.25, averaging under 12.00 ; culmen 1 .90-2.20 ; gape 3.00 ;
depth of bill at nostrils 0.50 or less; tarsus about 2.50. N. W. America, breeding only far
PODICIPEDID.E: GREBES. 1051
north ; abundant on Pacific coast of U. S. in winter to Lower California. Eggs as before,
averaging smaller still, about 3.00 X 1-90. {Colymbus pacificus Lawr. 1858 j Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad. 1862, p. 228. C- arcticus pacificus of all former editions of Key, and perhaps
correctly ; but I now revert to my original position of 1862, since the A. 0. U. have adopted
it. Urinator pacificus of A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95.)
G. lum'me. (Same word as English loon or loom, also dialoctically loni, lomm, lo7ne, lomme,
etc, Danish and Swedish lom, German lolime, lomme, Icelandic lomr ; applied indiscriminately
to loons, grebes, murres, guillemots ; the breeding resorts of the latter are called loomeries,
and the M'ord reappears in the New Latin form lomvia, now the specific name of the Thick-
billed Guillemot or Briinuich's Murre.) Sprat Loon. Red-throated Diver. Bill slen-
der; culmen slightly concave at nostrils, gently convex to tip; outline of rami nearly straight ;
gonys slightly convex. Frontal antife scarcely extending beyond base of nostrils. Tarsus
relatively longer than in any of the foregoing, about \ the middle toe. Adult $ ^ ,m summer :
Bill black, rather lighter at tip; feet blackish. Crown and broad cervical stripe glossy green-
ish-black, the latter with white streaks, which spread on sides of breast so as to nearly meet
in front. Throat and sides of head clear bluish-gray; a large, well-defined, triangular chestnut
throat-patch. Upper parts and sides under wings brownish-black, with greenish gloss, pro-
fusely spotted with white; the spots small, oval. Primaries blackish, paler on inner webs;
tail narrowly tipped with white. Under parts and lining of wings white ; axillars with nar-
row dusky shaft-streaks ; lower belly, with some of the under tail-coverts, dusky. Young :
Bill mostly bluish-white, with dusky ridge. Crown of head and hind neck bluish-gray, the
feathers of the ftirmer bordered with whitish. Upper parts profusely marked with small oval
and linear spots of white, as in the adult (as is not the case with any of the foregoing species).
Throat without red patch, its sides and tliose of the head chiefly white, more or less mottled
with dusky. Length 25.00; extent 44.00; wing 11.50 or less; culmen 2.00; gape 3.00;
height of bill at nostril 0.50; width there 0.35; tarsus 2.75; outer toe 3.50. Varies greatly
in size, and in size and shape of bill ; recognized by profuse spotting of upper parts, as well
as, when adult, by the red throat-i)atch. The spots are smallest and most numerous on wing-
coverts and upper back, where they grade into streaks on hind neck ; largest on inner secon-
daries, scapulars, and sides under the wings, where they are rather lines than spots ; fewest,
or almost wanting, on middle of back. The marking results from a small spot or stripe near
end of each feather, on edge of each web ; there is occasionally a second pair nearer base of
the feather. The amount of spotting is very variable with individuals ; some old summer birds
are nearly plain on the back ; in young the spots are larger and more numerous than in adults,
and usually lengthened into oblique lines, producing a regular diamond-shaped reticulation.
The difference depends mainly on the moult, which is complete in autumn, and extensive in
spring. Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere at large ; breeds from New Brunswick and
Manitoba to high latitudes in North America, and ranges over most of the U. S. in winter.
Eggs 2-3, 3.00 X 1-75. {Colymbus septentrionalis of authors, as of all former editions of the
Key. Urinator lumme of A. O. U. Lists, 1886-95.)
Suborder PODICIPEDES : Grebes.
The characters of the suborder are the same as thuse of its single family, as follows :
Family PODICIPEDID^ : * Grebes.
Bill of variable length, much longer or shorter than head; culmen usually about straight,
sometimes a little concave, or quite convex, especially at end ; commissure nearly straiglit, but
• Since the name Cobjmbns han been transferred from Lioons to Grebes, under exigency of the A. O. U. Code, and
iH the prior generic designation of any Grebes, the present family should in strictness Ix? called Colymbiu.k. We may
1052
^^ YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — P YGOPODES — PODICIPEDES.
T .
-F Ij
T
more or less corresponding with curve of culinen, usually sinuate at base; under outline in
general convex, vi^ith slight gouydeal angle or none ; sides more or less striate. Nasal fossae
vpell marked ; nostrils near their end, linear and pervious (broader in Podilymhus), upper edge
straight, not lobed. Frontal extension of feathers considerable, and usually antiae run still
further into the nasal fossae. A groove along symphysis of mandible extends often nearly to
tip. Eyes far forward, with a loral strip of bare skin thence to
base of upper mandible, very narrow in typical forms, broader
in Podilymhus. Head usually adorned in breeding season with
variously lengthened colored crests or ruffs ; when these are
wanting the frontal feathers may be bristly. Neck usually long,
slender, and sinuous. Plumage thick and compact, smoothly
imbricated above, below of a peculiar smooth, satiny texture,
which brings it into great repute for trimming the hats of women
whose primitive tastes betray their savagery. Wings short but
ample, very concavo-convex ; developed primaries eleven (alto-
gether twelve), narrow, somewhat falcate, graduated, the outer
three or four attenuate on one or both webs; most secondaries
short and broad, but inner ones lengthened to hide the rest of the
remiges when the wing is closed ; bastard quills unusually long,
reaching over half-way to ends of primaries ; greater coverts also
very long. Tail rudimentary, represented by a tuft of downy
feathers. Characters of the feet peculiar — for in other lobe-footed
birds, as Phalaropes and Coots, the lobation is of a different
character. Tarsus extremely compressed, with only a slightly
thickened tract within which the tendons pass, its front edge a single smooth row of overlap-
ping, the hinder serrate with a double row of pointed, scales ; sides regularly, transversely scu-
tellate, as are upper surfaces of toes; latter inferiorly reticulate, with an edging of pectinated
scales. Toes flattened out and further widened with broad lobes, especially wide toward end,
and at base connected for a varying distance by interdigital webs. Hind toe highly elevated,
broadly lobate, free. Claws short, broad, flat, obtuse, of squarish shape something like human
finger- nails; that of the hallux minute.
Grebes are so strongly marked by the foregoing characters, especially of feet and tail, that
some authors, including the A. O. U. Committee, rank them as a suborder Podicipedes of the
order Pygopodes to be alone contrasted with the Loons and Auks together. There is some-
thing to be said in favor of this view, but it is better to have three suborders, if any, and rank
them as equidistant from one another. Principal internal characters are absence of right caro-
tid, and of ambiens, femorocaudal, and accessory semitendinosus muscles (leg formula BX
minus ambiens, as against A B X plus ambiens in Loons) ; sternotracheal muscles asymmet-
rical ; greater number of cervical vertebrfe (15-19) ; fusion of one or more thoracic verte-
brae ; shortness of sternum, whose lateral )irocesses reach beyond the transverse median
Fio. 712. — F, fibula; T,
tibia, with o, its cnemial process,
and -P, large patella, of a Grebe,
nat. size.
waive that point, as there is actually a genus '■'■ Podioeps " or Podicipes in this family, to furnish a corresponding title.
But I cannot follow those who write the family name ''^Podic>pid(e." By no rule of faith or morals can such a bogus
•word be justified. The A. O. U. uses the generic word "PofZicfps," copying the original misprint or other blunder of
Latham, 1790. Very well : then the proper form of the family name would be Podicipitidce. For if '■'■ Podiceps '" is
mistaken to end in -eeps, a term meaning "head," its genitive is -cipiiis, and the same is its combining form (like
anceps, gen. ancipilis, etc.). But in fact the formation of the word is podex, gen. podicis, the rump, ax\ii pes, gen. pedis,
the foot, giving Podicipes, the correct literal translation into Latin of the English name which was formerly in good
literary use for Grebes. And consequently the proper form of the family name is Podici-ped-id^, as above. This term
is precisely equivalent to the name of the order Pygopodes, which is derived from tlie Greek wyri, pyge, the rump, but-
tocks, nates, and n-oii?, pous, gen. ttoSos, podos, the foot. So " Podicipidce" is literally as well as figuratively a "head
over heels " affair, which requires to be set on its stern, or stood on its feet — not on its head.
PUDICIPEDID.E: GREBES. 1053
part (reverse of the case in Loons) ; absence from top of skull of pits for supraorbital glands ;
and freedom of lacrymal bone. There is a long cnemial apophysis of the tibia, reaching
high above knee-joint, as in Loons, but this is backed by a patella of about equal altitude
(tig. 712). The gizzard has a special pyloric sac; there are coeca and a tufted oil-gland.
Grebes are among the most thoroughly or exclusively aquatic of all birds, preferring always to
swim unless forced to fly ; they are extremely expert divers, and have the curious habit of sink-
ing back quietly into the water when alarmed, like Anhingas and Loons, their ability to alter
the specific gravity of their bodies being unsurpassed if not unequalled. The mechanism of the
feet is such, that Grebes "feather their oars" automatically in bringing them forward; and
Ikjw fast they can row under water with tliese admirable implcTnents will be appreciated by
one who tries to shoot a bird (-f this lund, and observes how quickly, after diving like a Hash,
it reappears afar. A Grebe held in the hand, moreover, can work its flippers so fast that the
eye cannot follow the movement, and only perceives a film like that of a humming-bird's
wings. The wings sometimes serve as fore legs to assist a Grebe's awkward scrambling on
hind. Owing to the apparent absence of any tail, the general aspect is singular, rendered still
nujre so by the grotesque ];)arti-colored ruffs and crests that most members of the Podicipedidce
possess. These ornaments are very transient; old birds in winter, and young, are very differ-
ent from adults in breeding attire, and young birds frequently have the head curiously striped.
The eggs are more numerous than in other pygopodous birds, frequently numbering 6-8 ;
elliptical, of a pale or whitish unvariegated color, and commonly covered with chalky sub-
stance. The nest is formed of matted vegetation, close to the water, or floating among aquatic
plants; it is a wet bed in whicli th<' eggs are laid, and from which the young swim directly,
(irebes are the only cosmopolitan birds of the order Fijgopodes, being abundantly distributed
over lakes and rivers of all parts of the world ; but they are less maritime than the species of
eitlier of the other families, and only found on salt water when away from their native water-
soaked vegetation. There are not over 2") well-determined species, of few genera, the best-
marked (jf which are the four following :
Analysis of Genera.
Bill slender or only moderately stout, paragnathous, acute. Nostrils narrow or linear. Loral bare strip narrow.
Frontal feathers normal. Tarsus little if any shorter than middle toe — at least J as long. Seraipalmation of toes
moderate. Lobe of hallux broad. Usually with conspicuous crests or ruffs during the breeding season.
Bill longer than head, extremely slender and acute. Tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Crests and ruffs
slight. Secondaries short. Large : Length over 'JO.OO JEchmophorus
Bill not longer than head, moderately stout. Tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw. Crests and ruffs de-
cided. Medium : Length under 20.00, over 10.00 Cohjmbiis
Bill much shorter than head, not g the tarsus, quite stout. Tarsus about J the middle toe. Outer and middle
toes equal. No decided crests or ruffs. Small : Length 10.00 or less (Subgenus) I'odicipes
Bill Btout, epignathous, obtuse. Nostrils broadly oval. Loral bare strip broad. Frontal feathers bristly. Tarsus
not .^ the middle toe. Semipalmation of toes exten^ive. Lobe of hallux moderate. No decided crests or ruffs
I'otlih/mbtis
yT3t'lIMOI*irOIHJS. (Gr. alxiJ-r], aichiiie, a spear; (j)op6s, phoios, bearing.) Spk.vk-iull
( Irkhe.s. Bill very long, exceeding liead, straight or slightly recurved, very slemler and acute ;
cnlmen straight or slightly concave ; commissure about straight, or slightly sinuate at base;
luider outline concave at base, without protuberance at symphysis. Hare loral space extremely
narrow. Wings comparatively long, with much attenuated outer jirimaries, and scanty sec-
ondaries. Legs long ; tarsus not shorter than bill, as long as middle toe and claw; basal web-
bing of toes slight. Size large ; neck very long; body slender. Crest and ruffs inconspicuous,
not specially colored in our species (gray and chestnut in the South American -('Tv major) ; no
great ditferenco between summer and winter plumages. One species, western; from which
tlie hypothetical "f.7'n7.j" maybe recognized by liic following' characters, perhaps only dis-
tinctive of sex :
1 054 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES — PODICIPEDES.
Large : Length (extreme) 29.00 ; wing 8.00 ; bill and tarsus each 3.00. Bill equal to tarsus, straight, dark olivaceous
brighter yellowish at tip and along cutting edges. Under outline of bill straight from base to the slight angle,
gonys thence straight to tip. Lores ashy-gray occidentalis (}
Small: Length 22.00 ; wing 7.00; bill 2.25 ; tarsus 2.75. Bill shorter than tarsus, slightly recurved, under outline
curved from base to tip, with barely appreciable angle. Lores pure white clarki 9
.35. occidentalis. (hiit. occidentalis, western.) Western Grebe. Adult (J: Bill obscurely
olivaceous, brighter along edges and at tip. Iris orange-red, pink or carmine, with a white
ring. Hard parts of palate like bill ; soft parts purplish or lavender. Outer side and sole of
foot Vlackish, rest dull olivaceous, more yellowish on webs. Forehead and lores dark silvery-
ash. A short occipital crest and puflFy cheeks, but neither bright-colored, agreeing with white
and dark colors of the respective parts. Top of head and line down back of neck sooty-black-
ish, changing on upper parts into a lighter, more brownish-black ; feathers of back witli grayish
margins. Primaries mostly dark chocolate-brown, with white bases, their shafts white at base.
Secondaries mostly white, but more or fewer of them dark on most or all of the outer webs.
Sides under wings washed with a pale shade of color of back. Lining of wings and whole under
parts from bill pure white, with satiny gloss. Length 24.00-29.00; extent 40.00 or there-
abouts: wing about 8.00; bill, tarsus, middle toe and claw, each, about 3.00; gape 3.60;
height of bill at base 0.50. Eggs usually 3-5 in number, measuring 2.40 X 1-55; nestlings
in down are grayish-brown above, white below, without special markings on the head. As
here described, the bird is given in its purest character; but it grades in size directly into the
next, and some of the larger individuals have a mostly yellow, somewhat recurved bill, with
white lores. Western U. S. and adjoining British Provinces; common, especially in the
interior, E. to Manitoba, S. to Mexico and Lower California.
^JE. clark'i ? (To John H. Clark.) Clark's Grebe. Adult 9 , in breeding plumage :
Bill about as long as head, shorter than tarsus, slightly recurved, extremely slender and acute ;
culmen a little concave ; under outline almost one unbroken curve from base to tip. Under
mandible, and tip and cutting edges of upper, chrome-yellow, in marked contrast to black of
culmen. Loral bare strip leaden-blue. Crown, occiput, and hind neck grayish-black, almost
pure black on hind head, fading gradually along neck into the lighter blackish-gray of the
upper parts generally. Lores broadly pure white, as are the entire under parts, with a sharp
line of demarcation along sides of head and neck. A decided occipital crest, the feathers about
an inch long and quite filiform — but not colored apart from the general pattern; no decided
rufl's — no colored ruffs at all; but the white feathers of sides of head behind and across throat
longer and fuller than elsewhere — about as in griseigena or holhodli. Wings and general
coloration (except white lores) exactly as in occidentalis. Winter dress not materially different.
Length 22.00; extent 28.50; wing 7.00; culmen 2.30; gape 2.75; height of bill at nostrils
0.40; tarsus and middle toe with claw, each, about 2.75; thence grading up to occidentalis.
With only extremes before us, we might well consider them distinct species ; but other speci-
mens show intergradation ; we frequently find specimens as small as typical clarki, with equally
slender bill, yet vvith bill wholly olivaceous and lores ashy, as in typical occidentalis. Individuals
said to be more frequently observed on the Pacific coast of the U. S. Podiceps clarkii Lawr.
1858. JEchmophorus clarkii Coues, 1862; A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, 1886-95, No. i, as
probably 9 of occidentalis. Podiceps {^chmopJwrus) occidentalis var. clarkii, of the Key, 1st
ed. 1872, p. 336; ^. o. clarki of later editions, 1884-90, p. 794. See especially Coues, Pr.
Phila. Acad. Sept. 1862, p. 404 ; Henshaw, Bull. Nutt. Club, 1881, pp. 214-218 ; Bryant,
Auk, 1885, p. 313.
COLYM'BUS. (Gr. Kokvfi^os, kolumbos, Lat. colymhus, a diving-bird, perhaps a Grebe;
also Kokvix^as, kolumhas, KoKvfi^is, kolumbis, and /toXv/x/Srjrjj?, kolumbeies, of same meaning and
application, like Lat. urinator. The name colymhus has usually been given to the genus of
Loons ; but the A. 0. U. code requires its application to a genus of Grebes.) Grebes. Bill
PODICIPEDID.E: GREBES. 1055
moderately stout, usually more or less compressed, equalling or shorter than head or tarsus.
Tarsus obviously shorter than middle toe and claw; outer lateral toe a little longer than
middle. Size medium. Head in breeding season with colored crests or ruffs, or both. The
leading genus: Podiceps or Podicipes of authors, as of former editions of Key. Colymhus,
A. 0. U.
Note. — Believing C. cristatus may have been hastily eliminated from our fauna, I analyze and describe it with the
rest.
Analysis of Subgenera and Species (adults).
Large : Length over 15.00 ; wing over COO. Bill more or less nearly equalling head or tarsus in length. (Coltmbus
proper. )
Crests, and especially ruffs, long and conspicuous. Neck without red or gray in front ; under parts pure silky-
white. Tarsus averaging equal to middle toe without claw cristatus
Crests moderate ; ruffs inconspicuous. Neck with red or gray in front ; under parts watered with dusky (some-
times but slightly). Tarsus averaging less than middle toe and claw holbitlli
Medium : Length under 15.00, over 11.00 ; wing 5 00-0.00. Bill much shorter than head ; little over half the tarsus.
(Dytes.)
Bill compressed, higher than broad at nostrils. Crests and ruffs very conspicuous ; neck red in front . aurilus
Bill depressed, broader than high at nostrils. Crests in form of auricular tufts ; neck black in front
nigricollis californicus
Small : Length under 11.00 ; wing under 5.00. Bill as before. (Podicipes.)
No crests or ruffs dominicus
P. crista'tus. (Lat. cristatus, crested.) Crested Gbebe. Tippet Grebe. Gaunt. Adult (f 5, breeding plu-
mage : Crown and long occipital crests glossy black ; end of ruff the same, the rest reddish-brown, fading into silky-white
of throat and sides of head. Neck behind and upper parts dark brown, the feathers with gray margins. Primaries choco-
late-brown, with black shafts ; tips of inner ones white, as are all the secondaries, excepting a little of the outer webs ;
greater wing-coverta white on iimer webs. Under parts pure silky-white, without a trace of dusky mottling ; sides of
neck and body tinged vrith reddish, and on flanks mixed with dusky, where the feathers have dark shaft-lines. Length
about 24.00; extent 33.00 ; wing 7.00; bill 2.00, the gape 2.70 ; tarsus 2.50. Europe, Asia, etc. North America? (Not
authentic ; not recognized by A. O. U.)
(Subgenus Colymbus.)
C. hol'boelli. (To C. HolbajU.) American Red-necked Grebe. Holbcell's Grebe.
Adult (J 9 , breeding plumage : Crests short, and ruffs scarcely apparent. Iris carmine. Bill
black ; tomia of upper mandible at base and most of lower mandible yellowish. Crown and
occiput glossy greenish-black ; back of neck the same, less intense, and upper parts generally
the same, with grayish edgings of the feathers. Wing-coverts and primaries uniform chocolate-
brown ; shafts of the latter black. Secondaries white, mostly with black shafts and brownish
tips. Lining of wings and axillars white. A broad patch of silvery-ash on throat, extending
on sides of head, whitening along line of juncture with the black of the crown. Neck, except
the dorsal line, deep-brownish-red, which extends diluted some distance on breast. Under
parts silky-white, with a shade of silvery-ash, each feather having a dark shaft-line and ter-
minal spot, producing a peculiar dappled appearance. Winter adults, and young : Crests
scarcely appreciable. Bill mostly yellowish, the ridge more or less dusky. Red of neck re-
placed by brownish-ash of variable shade, from quite dark to whitish. Ash of throat and sides
of head replaced by pure white. Under parts ashy-white, the mottling not so conspicuous as
in summer. Length about 19.00; extent 32.00; wing 7.60; culmen 1.90-2.40; gape 2.40-
3.10; height of bill at nostrils 0.55; tarsus 2.50; middle toe and claw 2.85. This bird could
only be confounded with cristatus in immature dress : it is smaller, more tliick-set, with stouter
bill, nebulated under plumage, less white on the wing, and usually has rather shorter tarsi —
only about * the middle toe and claw, instead of about equal to middle toe alone, as in cristatus.
The American holbtrlli is larger than the European griseigena ; bill, especially, disproportion-
ately longer, differently shaped and colored ; tarsus longer, both absolutely and relatively to
length of toes. North America at lariie and Greenland ; portions of Siberia and Japan ; com-
mon in U. S. in winter; breeds iu Washington, Montana, N. Idaho, North Dakota, northern
1056
SYSTEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES — PODICIPEDES.
Minnesota, etc., but chiefly N. of the U. S. Specimens more like typical griseigena from the
Northwest coast. Eggs 2-5, sometimes more, oftener 3 or 4, 2.10-2.35 X 1.25-1.45, rough
whitish, either inclining to pale greenish or M'ith huffy discoloration, of the narrow-elongate
shape usual in this family. Podiceps ruhricollis and P. griseigena of American authors. P.
cooperi Lawr. 1858; Coues, 1862. P. holbosUH Reinh. 1853, Greenland. P. (Pedetaithga)
holhblli Coues, 1862, N. Am. generally. P. affinis Salvad. 1866. P. griseigena var. holbollii
of Key, 1st ed. 1872, p. 3.37. Podicipes griseigena holboelli of Key, 2d-4th eds. 1884-90,
p. 794. Cohjmhis holboellii A. 0. U. Lists, 1880-95, No. 2.
(Subgenus Dytes.)
C. (D.) auri'tus. (Lat. auritus, eared. Figs. 713, 714.) Horned Grebe. Sclavonian
Grebe. Adult ^ 9 j breeding plumage : Bill black, tipped with yellow ; feet dusky exter-
nally, internally yellowish; iris carmine, with a fine white ring. A brownish-yellow stripe
over eye, widening behind, deepening in color at the ends of long crests, dark chestnut be-
tween eye and bill. Crown, chin, and very full ruff glossy greenish-black. Upper parts
brownish-black, with paler edges of the feathers. Primaries light chocolate-brown, with black
shafts, except at base ; secondaries white. Neck all round except stripe down behind, and
sides of the body, rich dark brownish-red or purplish wine-
red, mixed with dusky on flanks ; other under parts pure
silky-white. Winter adults, and young : Bill dusky, much
of under mandible bluish- or yellowish -white. Indications
of crests and ruff in length and fulness of feathei's of the parts.
Crown and neck behind, and sides of body, sooty-blackish ;
other upper parts, and wings, as in the adult in summer.
Chin, throat, and sides of head pure white, this color nearly
encircling nape ; neck in front and lower belly lightly washed
with ashy-gray ; other under parts as before. Newly-fledged
young curiously stripetl on the head with rufous, dusky, and
wiiite; downy young gray above, darker on crown, streaked
and spotted with dusky on sides of head and throat. Length
about 14.00; extent 24.00; wing 5.75; tarsus 1.75; middle
toe and claw 2.10; culinen 0.90; gape 1.30; height of bill
at nostrils 0.30, width there 0.25. Bill thus compressed
higher than wide at base, tapering, with considerably curved
culmen — quite different from the depressed bill wider than high at base with straight tip and
ascending gonys, of nigricollis or californicus ; it varies much in size, even among equally
adult examples ; in young it is always smaller and weaker than in old birds. Black, yellow-
tipped in the old, we find it variously lighter in the young — usually dusky on ridge, elsewhere
tinged with olivaceous, yellowish, or even orange, or extensively bluish-white. In breeding
plumage this Grebe is conspicuously different from any other, " the head being surrounded, as
it were, by a nimbus or aureole, such as that with which painters adorn saintly characters,"
as Newton says ; but the young are much like those of the next species, requiring careful dis-
crin)ination. Europe ; Asia ; North America at large, abundant, and generally diffused in
migration ; breeds in portions of the northern U. S. but mainly farther north. Eggs laid on
soaking or floating beds of decayed reeds, to the number of about 5 usually, sometimes more,
white or slightly shaded, elliptical, 1.70 X 1.20. Cohjmbus auritus Linn. 1758, in part;
A. O. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 3 — a name which has oftenest been applied to the Black-necked
Grebe, but is now restricted to the present species. C cornntus Gm. 1788. Podiceps cornutus
Lath. 1790, and of most authors, as of the Key, original edition, 1872, p. 337; Podicipes
m^
Fig. 713. — Horned Grebe, Left
Foot. (L. A. Fuertes.)
P0DICIPEDIDJ2: GREBES. 1057
cornutus of later editions, 1884-90, p. 795. It is unfortunate that the name atiritMs, which
means " eared," must be taken away from the species called Eared Grebe in English, and given
to another called Horned Grebe in English, instead of using cornutus for the latter; but this is
one of the many awkwardnesses of nomenclature from which there is no escape under the
A. 0. U. Code.
C. (I>.) nigricol'lis califor'nicus. (Lat. nigricollis, black-necked ; nicjer, black, collum,
neck. Lat. californiciis, Californian.) American Eared Grebe. Californian Black-
necked Grebe. Adult ^ 9 j breeding plumage : Bill shorter than head, much depressed
at base, broader than higli at nostrils ; tip acute, not decurved ; gonys straiglit, ascending ;
culinen nearly straight. Tarsus about equal to middle toe without claw. Bill entirely black ;
feet dull olivaceous, blackish outside and on soles; eyes scarlet; eyelids orange. Conspicuous
long auricular tufts, golden-brown or tawny, finely displayed fan-shaped upon a black gi'ound.
Crown, chin, and neck all round, black. Primaries entirely chocolate-brown, with usually a
wash of dull reddisli-brown externally ; secondaries M'hite, but bases of all. and a considerable
Fig. 714. — Horiifcl (iiclM-, VV inter I'himage. (L. A Kiicrte.s.j
part of two outer ones, dusky ; their shafts mostly all dusky. Rides deep purplish-brown or
wine-red ; this color washed across breast, behind black of neck, and across anal region.
Under parts silky-white, the abdomen grayish. Adults in winter lack the ear-tufts and black
neck, but are otherwise not very different : Crown, neck narrowly behind, and upper parts,
blackish, or grayi.sh-black ; chin, throat, and sides of nape, white; place of the ear-coverts
and fore neck dull whitish ; sides and flanks more or less overlaid with slate-color. Young :
Bill shaped generally as in the adult, but smaller, with less firm outlines, so that its distinctive
shaj)e is somewhat obscured ; but notice the wide base, straight culmen, and ascending gonys
of the present species. Little or no trace of auricular tufts. Crown, sides of head, and neck
all around, sooty -grayish, paler and more ashy on fore neck. Upper parts rather lighter and
duller colored than in adults. Primaries as in adults, but witlumt reddish tinge ; a few of the
innermost .sometimes white-tipped. Sides under wings washed with a lighter shade of cidor
of back ; lower belly grayish. Length 12.00-14.00, usually I.'J.OO or less ; extent 21.50-24.00 ;
wing 4.75-5.25 ; culmen 1.00 or less; gape 1.25; height of bill at nostril 0.22, width there
0.2(5; tarsus l.GO; middle toe and claw 1.95. While the breeding plumages of the Horned
and Eare<l Grebes are widely different, tliere is much sinnlarity between the young and winter
dress of the two species. As a rule, this one is smaller; wing under 5.;i0, that of tlie ntlier
67
1058 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES — PODICIPEDES.
species over 5.60 ; traces of ruffs are less appreciable ; the fore neck is scarcely lighter than hind
neck; back rather deeper colored and more uniform. The shape of the bill, however, furnishes
the most reliable character. Western North America, the commonest Grebe breeding in pools
west of the Mississippi ; N. to Great Slave Lake ; E. to Illinois ; S. to Guatemala in winter.
Eggs not distinguishable from those of C. auritus. As I first pointed out in 1862, Proc. Phila.
p. 231, californicus is simply the American form of the European Eared Grebe, differing iu
much less extent of white on the wings. In the European, all the primaries have some white,
and the 4 inner ones are all white, like the secondaries : compare above. In the 2d-4th eds.
of the Key, I presented both forms, on the strength of a queried Greenland reference for the
European one ; but this does not seem to be confirmed, and I now drop nigricollis proper, as
the A. 0. U. has also done. Our bird is P. auritus of some American writers ; P. californicus
Heerm, 1854, Lawr. 1858; P. (Proctopus) californicus Coues, 1862; P. auritus califor-
nicus of the Key, orig. ed. 1872, p. 337, later eds. p. 796; Colymhus (Dytes) nigricollis califor-
nicus, A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 4.
{Subgenus Podicipes.)
C. (P.) domin'icus. (Of St. Domingo.) St. DoMiNGO Grebe. White-winged Grebe.
(Representing a subgenus apart from the foregoing, commonly called Tachyhaptes or Sylheo-
cyclus, but most closely related to the European Dabchick, C. fluviatilis, which is type of
Podicipes as now restricted by elimination. ) Bill very short, much less than head, scarcely
over half the tarsus, stout, little compressed, rather obtuse ; lateral outlines nearly straight ;
culmen slightly concave at nostrils, elsewhere convex; commissure almost straight ; under out-
line straight to angle, gonys thence straight to tip, angle well defined. Wings short, with
abrupt attenuation of outer primaries. Tarsus stout, about | middle toe and claw ; outer lat-
eral about equal to middle toe. Size very small ; body full ; neck short ; no decided crests
or ruffs. Adult (J 9 > in breeding plumage: Iris orange; bill mostly black; feet blackish.
Crown and occiput deep glossy steel-blue ; sides of head and neck all around dark ashy-gray,
darkest behind, where tinged with bluish ; chin and throat blackish. Upper parts brownish-
black, with glossy-greenish reflections. Primaries chocolate-brown, the greater portion of
inner vanes of all, and nearly all of the inner 4 or 5, together with all secondaries, pure white.
Under parts silky-white, thickly mottled with dusky. Adults in winter, and young : Upper
mandible dusky, the lower mostly yellowish. Plumage less pure and glossy ; top of head like
other upper parts; chin and throat ashy, varied with white or quite white. Downy young
have the head and neck spotted and striped with black, white, and rufous. Length 9.50-
10.00; extent about 16.00; wing 3.60-4.00; culmen 0.70; gape 1.00; tarsus 1.25; middle
toe and claw 1.75. Warmer parts of America, N. to the Lower Rio Grande of Texas and to
Lower California. Eggs usually 7, 1.35 X 0.95.
PODIJjYM'BUS. {Podi{cipes-\- Co)hjmhus.) Thick-billed Grebes. American Dab-
chicks. Bill shorter than head, stoutest in the family, compressed, with obtuse e^^ignathous
tip ; culmen about straight to nostrils, thence declinato-convex ; gonys regularly convex with-
out decided angle ; commissure slightly sinuate at base, then straight, then much deflected.
Upper mandible covered with soft skin to nostrils, between which are two fossae, the anterior
shallow, oblong, the other deep, triangular, separated from bare loral space by an intervening
ridge. Nostrils broadly oval, far anterior. No crests or ruffs, but shafts of frontal feathers
prolonged into bristles. Eyelids peculiarly thickened. Outer 3 or 4 primaries abruptly sinu-
ate near the end. Tarsus stout, about J as long as middle toe and claw. Middle and outer
toes nearly equal. Basal semipalmation of toes extensive. Lobe of hind toe moderate.
P. podic'ipes. (For podicipes, see note under Podicipedidce, p. 1051. A. 0. U. uses podiceps.)
Pied-billed Grebe. American Dabchick or Dobchick. Dipper. Didapper or
ALClDyE: ACrKS, MURRES, ETC. 1059
DiVEDAPPER. Water-witch. Hell-diver. Adult J ? , breeding plumage : Bill light
dull bluish, or bluish-white, dusky on ridge or at tip, encircled with a broad black band. Iris
brown and white; eyelids white. Feet greenish-black outside, leaden-gray inside. Frontal
and coronal bristles black. Crown, occiput, and neck behind, grayish-black, the feathers with
slightly lighter edges ; sides of head and neck brownish-gray ; a broad black throat-patch,
extending on sides of lower mandible. Upper parts brownish-black, the feathers with scarcely
lighter edges. Primaries and secondaries chocolate-brown, the latter frequently with a white
area on inner webs. Under parts ashy, washed with silvery, thickly mottled with dusky;
these dark spots most numerous and evident on the sides ; lower belly nearly uniformly dusky.
Winter adults : Bill light dull yellowish, without a dark band, more or less dusky on the ridge.
No gular patch; throat whitish. Crown and occiput dusky brown; upper parts with more
evident pale edgings of the feathers than in summer. Neck, breast, and sides light brown,
darker behind, wliere more or less conspicuously mottled with dusky ; lower belly grayish ;
under parts otherwise pure silky-white, immaculate. Young: White of throat invaded by
brownish streaks; head streaked with white. Downy young: Blackish above, with 4 whitish
stripes ; head and neck streaked with black and white, and spotted with rufous. Length about
13.00; extent 24.00; wing 4.50-5.00; culmen 0.85; gape 1.20; height of bill at nostrils 0.40;
■width 0.25; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw 2.15. Varies greatly in size: Length 12.00-
15.00, etc. Inhabits the greater part of Soutli and Central America and all temperate North
America; tlie most abundant Grebe in the eastern U. S. at any season, breeding nearly
throughout its range. Eggs 4-6 or more, 1.70 X 0.95.
Suborder ALC^ : Auks.
The characters of this suborder are the same as those of its single family, as follows :
Family ALCIDJE : Auks, Murres, etc.
Feet palmate, three-toed (hallux wanting). Tarsi reticulate or partly scutellate. Tibio-
tarsal joint naked. Claws ordinary. Bill of wholly indeterminate shape, often much as in
Gaviidce or Podicipedidee, often curiously shaped, with various ridges, furrows, or horny pro-
tuberances, which latter are deciduous. Tail })erfect, though short, of 12-10 feathers (rarely
18 in one species). Lores completely feathered. Nostrils wholly variable in shape and posi-
tion, naked or feathered. Coloration variable; head often with long curly crests. No tibial
apophysis. Carotids double (single In Alle). Coeca present; accessory semitendiuosus absent ;
oil-gland tufted. Palatal structure schizognathous ; nasal schizorhinal. Skull with marked
supraorbital and temporal fossfc ; lacryinals fused; vomer bifid beliind ; basiptorveoids unde-
veloped; maxilliii)alatines laminate; sternum very long, with its median backward projection
beyond the lateral processes. Nature altricial and ptilopaedic, the young being nidicolous, not
nidifugous like those of Loons and Grebes. Eggs few or single, plain or varieiiated. The
numerous species confined to the Northern Hemisphere.
Birds of this fLimily will be immediately recognized by the foregoing, in connection with
general pygopodous characters. Agreeing clo.seIy in essential respects, they differ amonir them-
selves to a remarkable degree in the form of the bill, with every genus and almost every species ;
this organ frequently assuming an odd shape, developing horny processes, showing various
ridi,'es and furrows, or being brilliantly colored. It is the rule that any soft part that may l)e
observed on the bill will finally become liard, or form an outgrowth, or both ; and such pro-
cesses, in some cases at least, are temnf)rary, appearing only during tlie breedinj; season.
The last sentence, reprinted as it stands in the original edition of tiio Key (1872). Iiints
at the extraordinary clianges undergone by the bill in .several genera of AIcid>f, so ablv elnci-
1060
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES — ALC.E.
dated in 1877 and 1879 by - '
L. Bureau, who showed
that in certain species parts of tlie horny
covering are regukirly shed or moulted, in
a manner anahtgous to tlie casting of deer's ant-
lers, and quite as in tlie case of our White Peli-
can, which drops the "centre-board" of the
l)iil. In the Common Puffin, for example, no
fewer than nine horny pieces fall off separately,
after the breeding season, to be renewed again
from the soft basement membrane. The ab-
sence, in winter, of the horny plate at the angle
of the mouth of Simorliynchus cristatellus, had
been noted (Key, 1872), as well as the presence
or absence of the horn of Ceratorhina ; but we
had no knowledge of the process by which the
change is effected, prior to Bureau's studies.
Since then Simorhynchus pusillus has proved
to shed the knob. In Fratercula there is also
a moult of the excrescences upon the eyelids,
and a shrivelling of the colored rosette at tlie
corner of the mouth.
Auks are confined to the Northern Hemi-
sphere. Some representatives have been found
as far north as explorers have penetrated, but the
great majority live in more temperate latitudes.
A more or less complete migration takes place
wath most species, which stray southward, some-
times to a considerable distance, in autumn,
and return north again to breed in spring; a
few appear nearly stationary. The most south-
ern accredited habitat of any member of tlie
family is about latitude 20° N., on the Pacific
coast of North America, but this is exceptional.
The species are very unequally divided between
the two oceans, the Atlantic having but few rep-
resentatives compared with the Pacific. On the
northern coasts of the latter the family reaches
its highest development ; the greatest number Kittiwakes (p. 993), Auks, etc. (Designed by H. W.
nf or.o«;/:>o .,.->rl ^^v,.,-, ^ e J »i ^1 1 Elliott. (From Harper Brothers.)
or species and genera are found there, though
the number of individuals of no species surpasses that of several Atlantic representatives.
Fig. 715. — Egging in Alaska on cliff.s inli.-ibited by
alcidjE: auks, murres, etc.
1061
Comparatively few species are
common to both oceans. All the
members of the family are exclu-
sively marine. They are decidedly
gregarious, at least in the breed-
ing season, when some of them
congregate in countless numbers
at places called " loomeries." A
calculation worked out by Professor
Newton in 1898 gave 3,000,000
Puffins for one locality among the
Hebrides. Usually one, some-
times two, rarely three eggs are
hud, either upon bare rock or
ground, in crevices among
rocks, or in burrows exca-
vated for the purpose. Auks
are all altricial, and believed
to be chiefly monogamous.
The young are at first
covered with flufi"y down ;
rarely stiffish hairs appear
on some parts. The moult
is double ; young of the year
usually differ from adults,
and the latter are usually
unlike in their summer and
winter plumages. A prev-
alent feature is the pos-
session of crests or plumes,
or of elongated feathers of
peculiar shape on the sides
of the head. All the species
walk badly ; some scarcely
walk at 'all. The position
i>f the legs with reference to
tlie axis of the body necessi-
tates an upright position
when standing. Tlie birds
appear to rest on their rumps, with the feet extended horizontally before them, most of the
tarsus tiiuching the gniund. The Puffins, however, and a few others, stand well on their feet.
All the species but one Hy well, with rapid vigorous motion of the wings, in a straight, firm,
well-sust;uncd course, and progress on or under water with the utmost facility. Tliey are very
silent birds; tiie voice is rough an<l harsh; the notes are monotoned. They feed exclusively
upon animal substances procured from the water.
The family is divisible into four subfamilies according to feathering of nostrils and otiier
characters, especially those derived from shape and structure of the bill.
1 1., 'lie Kock tenanted by Cormorauts (P. bicristalus), Auks
(iKM^jniii iiy H. W. Elliott. From Harper Brothers.)
1062 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES — ALCjE.
Analysis of Subfamilies and Genera.
Fratekctilin^. Nostrils naked, remote from feathers. Bill of variable shape, extremely compressed, much higher
than wide, appendaged with deciduous elemeuts. A rosette at angle of mouth. Inner claw enlarged and much
curved. Tarsus scutellate in front. No great seasonal changes of plumage. Tail of 16 feathers.
Eyelids with deciduous appendages. No crests. Culmen with one curve ; both mandibles grooved. Covering
of bill moulted in 7-9 pieces. N. Atlantic and N. Pacific Fratercula
Eyelids simple. Long lateral crests. Culmen with two curves ; upper mandible grooved, under .smooth. Cov-
ering of bill moulted in 7 pieces. N. Pacific Lunda
Phaleeidin^. Nostrils naked or only incompletely feathered, in most forms exposed and overhung with a nasal
scale. Bill of variable shape in different genera and species, appendaged with deciduous elements or not. Various
crests, or none. Inner claw not peculiar. Eyelids not appendaged. No rosette at angle of mouth. Tarsi
scutellate or reticulate. Average size small.
Nostrils remote from feathers. BiU usually appendaged. Head usually crested or plumed. All N. Pacific.
Bill appendaged with a large upright horn. Tarsi scutellate in front. Tail of 16-18 feathers . Ceratorhina
Bill variously appendaged with one or more deciduous pieces. Tarsi reticulate.
Upper mandible oval in profile, lower falcate, rictus ascending. Tail of 14 feathers . Cyclorrhynchus
Upper mandible not oval in profile, lower not falcate, rictus not ascending. Tail of 14 featliers
Simorhynchus
Bill not known to be appendaged, acute at tip, upper mandible wrinkled. Tarsi reticulate. Tail of 14
feathers Ptycorhamphus
Nostrils not remote from feathers. Bill not appendaged with deciduous elements. Head never crested exc. S.
umizusume.
Tarsi scutellate in front and internally, much compressed. Bill short, much compressed. Tail of 14
feathers. N. Pacific Synthliborhamphus
Tarsi reticulate, not much compressed. Bill elongate, more or less acute.
Bill slender, straight, acute, with comparatively long gonys. Small ; wing under 6 inches. Tail of
12-14 feathers. N. Pacific Brachyrhamphus
Bill similar, with comparatively short gonys. Large : wing over 6 inches. Tail of 12-14 feathers. Cir-
cumpolar Cepphus
Allin^. Nostrils subcircular, incompletely feathered. Bill unappendaged, short, stout, obtuse, with very short
gonys. No crests. One genus, Arctic and N. Atlantic. Tarsi scutellate. Size small ; wing about 5 inches.
Tail of 12 feathers Alle
Alcin^. Nostrils linear, densely feathered, being quite covered by the plumage. Bill unappendaged, lengthened.
No crests. Tarsi scutellate. Size largest in the family ; lengtli over 15 inches.
Bill simply elongate, not cultrate nor sulcate, culmen gently curved. Tail of 12 feathers. Circumpolar . Uria
Bill elongate, extremely compressed, cultrate, sulcate, culmen strongly decurved.
Wings fully developed, fit for flight. Tail of 12 feathers. N.Atlantic Alca
Wings reduced in size, unfit for flight. Tail of 14 feathers. Extinct Plautus
Obs. — Many additional characters of these remarkable genera are given under their respective heads.
Subfamily FRATERCULIN/E : Sea Parrots, or Puffins.
Characters as above sufficiently indicated. This subfamily contains a number of the most
curious birds of the Auk family. With one exception (that of the Common Puffin or Sea
Parrot of the Atlantic), all are confined to North Pacific and Polar waters, and all have the bill
appendaged with 7 to 9 deciduous elements, which are regularly moulted. The shape and color-
ation of the bill are peculiar, giving the birds a grotesque appearance. Both genera have a
singular fleshy rosette at the angle of the mouth ; Fratercula has peculiarly appendaged eye-
lids ; Lunda has extravagant corn-colored crests on each side of the head; and both have a
special development of the inner claw.
FRATER'CULA. (Lat. fraterculare, to swell up, used comically by Platus like sororiare,
to swell up as twin breasts; from fraterculus, little brother, dimin. of frater, brother: what
application ?) Sea Parrots. Masking Puffins (the grotesque bill being likened to the
comic mask of revellers at a carnival, and being as it were put on for the nuptial festivities,
and afterward removed). Bill about as long as head, about as high as long, extremely com-
pressed, with nearly vertical sides; lateral profile somewhat triangular; depth at base equal to
that of head; culmen beginning level with forehead, thence curving downward with regu-
lar convexity to the overhanging tip, its ridge sharp and unbroken throughout ; commissure
straight and horizontal to the decurved tip ; gonys sharp, ascending, gently sinuous. Terminal
ALCID.E — FRATERCULINM: SEA PARROTS.
1063
Fig. 717. —Head of Sea Parrot (F. arctica), uat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.)
portions of both mandibles hard, horny, and persistent, depressed with several oblique curved
grooves, convex forward. Basal portion of upper mandible forming a narrow obtuse-angled
triangular space, or nasal fossa, its short base horizontal, its long sides rising and sloping
backward to meet at an acute angle at base of culmen ; nostrils linear, horizontal, close to
commissure at base of this space, which iu winter is naked and membranous, in summer cov-
ered with a sym-
metrical horny
'' saddle" sheath-
ing nasal fossa ;
with a raised
"collar" sur-
rounding base of
upper mandible,
through numer-
ous perforations
of which protrude
rudimentary
feathers ; with a
small narrow
horizontal horny
strip on each side
below nostrils ; usually, also, with a long, narrow, obliquely vertical strip bounding the tri-
angular space anteriorly. Basal portion of under mandible contracted and membranous iu
winter, in summer with a symmetrical horny " shoe" which carries the line of the gonys down-
ward and backward to a point, and a narrow horny strip along base. These deciduous ele-
ments form 3 symmetrical pieces, surrounding the bill, and 3 or 2 pairs of lateral pieces; in all,
9 or 7 pieces (9 in arctica and glacialis, 7 in corniculatu) which are regularly moulted. Angle
of mouth with a rosette of naked skin, festooned in summer, shrunken in winter. Eyelids
surmounted above by a triangular, obtuse or acute, below by a horizontal, lengthened callosity.
No crests on head, but a furrow iu plumage behind eye. Wings not peculiar. Tail rounded,
but central feathers shorter than the next, contained about 2^ times in length of wing, 16-
feathered. Tarsus very short, only equal to inner toe without claw, stout, little compressed,
reticulate except for a small scutellate space in front. Outer toe about equal to middle; its
claw shorter than middle claw, both slightly curved, not very acute, upright ; middle claw
dilated on inner edge ; inner claw enlarged, curved to a semicircle, very acute, usually lying
horizontal. Sexes alike; seasonal changes of plumage slight, those connected with moult of
bill very great. Egg single, white or scarcely marked, laid in rocky crevices or burrows in
ground. Young in down sooty, with white belly.
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Excrescence of upper eyelid forming a slender acute horn. Height of bill much greater than length of commissure.
Black of throat reaching bill. N. Pacific corniciilata
Excrescence of upper eyelid forming an obtuse process. Black of throat not reaching bill.
Culmen moderately convex, its chord about 2.0O; its arc 'J. 10; bill under 1.50 deep at base. Wing under 7.00.
N. Atlantic arctica
Culmen very convex, its chord about 2.40 ; its arc 2. CO ; bill over 1 50 deep at base. Wing 7.00 or more. Arctic
arctica glacialis
F. cornicula'ta. (Lat. cormcnlata, having a little horn (over the eye) ; corniciilum, a cor-
nicle, small horn; dimiu. of cornw, a horn. Figs. 718, 719.) HoRNED MASKING Puffin.
Adult (J 9 ) '" summer : Appendage of upper eyelid produced into a long, slender, acute, up-
right horn; tliat of lower eyelid linear, obtuse, horizontal, liill very large, especially higli for
its length, its height abttut equal to chord of culmen exclusive of tlie basal collar, much greater
1064
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES — ALC^.
Fig. 718. — Horned Piiftiu.
than length of gape ; base of cuhnen and point of gonys both produced far backward, giving a
very convex outline of feathers alongside the bill ; sides of bill not distinctly divided into nasal
compartment and grooved portion, nearly
smooth, with only 3 short shallow grooves ;
culmen very convex, almost the sextant of a
circle ; tip of upper mandible much hooked ;
rictus short, that portion in advance of the
basal rim of upper mandible only about as
long as upper mandible is deep; outline of
gonys sinuate, at first convex, then more
ascending, with slight concavity ; chord of
gonys nearly as long as that of upper man-
dible, exclusive of the basal rim or collar.
Crown grayish -black, narrowing to a point
at base of culmen ; sides of head white; po.st-
ocular furrow and sides of lower jaw ashy.
A distinct narrow line of white along edge of
fore-arm. Upper parts glossy blue-black;
a sootier shade of black encircling fore-neck,
running forward on throat to bill; other
under parts white, except a few elongated
blackish feathers on flanks; lining of wings
pearly-ash. Bill entirely vermilion, even
the basal collar ; edges of eyelids red ; ex-
crescence.'^ of eyelids bluish-gray ; iris brown ; feet orange, tlie webs tinged with vermilion ;
claws brownish-black ; rosette of mouth bright orange. Length 14.50; extent 24.50; wing
7.25; tail 2.75; tarsus 1.10; middle toe and claw 2.00; outer 1.90; inner 1.35; chord of cul-
men 2.00; curve 2.25; gape, from basal collar to tip, 1.20 ; chord of gonys 1.75; depth of bill
at base 1.80; greatest width 0.60; nostril 0.40; horn over eye 0.35. In winter: Bill sup-
posed with good reason to shed 3 symmetrical pieces and 2 pairs of pieces, in all 7, namely,
collar at base of upper mandible ; saddle of nasal fossa ; shoe of under mandible ; pair of sub-
nasal strips; pair of mandibular strips — if so, all the same as in F. arctica, excepting the
prenasal strips. Processes of eyelids fall ; colored ring round eye pales ; rosette of mouth
shrivels and pales ; denuded membranous part of bill doubtless blackish ; feet yellow. In
any state, the species is easily recognized by extension of black collar to bill. North Pacific,
both coasts, and adjoining Polar seas ; S. on the Asiatic side to the Kurile Lslands, on the
American to British Columbia ; not known on North Atlantic. Economy in all respects that
of the better known species. The single egg seen is dead white, rough, 2.75 X 1-75.
F. arc'tica. (Lat. arctica, arctic. Fig. 717.) Common Puffin. Puffin Auk. Labrador
Auk. Sea Parrot. Tammy Norie. Coulterneb. Bottlenose. Pope. Adult ^ 9 ,
in summer : Appendage of upper eyelid upright, obtusely triangular ; of lower eyelid linear,
obtuse, horizontal. Bill with moderate convexity of culmen, its height less than chord of cul-
men, little more than from posterior border of nostril to tip ; base of culmen and poiut of gonys
not produced far backward, leaving but little convex outline of feathers along side of bill ; sides
of bill distinctly divided, the anterior, hard, horny, deeply grooved portion differently col-
ored from the smooth basal portion; rictus long, that portion in advance of basal rim of upper
mandible longer than upper mandible is deep ; outline of under mandible regularly curved from
base to tip; chord of gonys shorter than that of culmen. Crown grayish-black, sharply defined
against color of sides of head, separated by a slight ashy cervical collar from the dark color of
other upper parts ; sides of head, with chin and throat, ashy, nearly white between eyes and
alcidjE—fraterculin^: sea parrots.
1065
bill, with a dark ashy patch on side of throat. Upper parts glossy blue-black, contiQuous with
a broad collar around neck in front, not extending to bill ; a narrow line of white along border
of fore-arm. Under parts from the neck pure white, the long feathers of flanks blackish.
Under surface of wings pearly-gray ; inner webs of primaries and secondaries grayish-brown,
the shafts brown, with black ends and whitish bases. Iris brown. Eyelids vermilion, the
excrescences grayish-blue. Basal collar of bill and first ridge dull yellowish ; nasal saddle and
corresponding shoe of lower mandible grayish-blue ; rest of bill vermilion, the tip of lower
mandible and two terminal grooves often yellowish; rosette of mouth orange; feet coral or
vermilion; claws black. Length 13.50; extent 24.00; wing 6.50; tail 2.25; tarsus 1.00;
middle toe alone 1.40, its claw 0.40; outer 1.40, its claw 0.30; inner 1.00, its claw 0.40;
chord of culmen 2.00, its arc 2.10, the ordinate 0.30 ; depth of bill 1.40; gape 1.25; gonys
1.45; greatest width of bill (at
base of nostrils) O.GO ; nostrils
0.35. 9 averaging less than ^.
Adults in winter : Face blackish.
No colored eye-ring nor appen-
dages of eyelids. Eosette of mouth
shrunken and pale. Feet orange,
not red. Basal 2)arts of bill mem-
branous and blackish, and whole
base contracted ; point of gonys
cut off". The following pieces have
been shed : 1, basal rim or collar ;
2, nasal case or saddle ; 3, mandi-
bular case or shoe ; 4, 5, strips at
base of mandible, one on each
side ; 0, 7, subnasal strips, one on
each side ; 8, 9, prenasal strips,
cue on each side (3 symmetrical
pieces, 3 paired pieces, 9 in all).
Young, first fall and winter : Re-
semble winter adults, plumage the
same, with blackish face, but bill
weaker and less developed. This
long kept us in ignorance of the
moult of the bill, adults in winter
being mistak<^n for young birds till
Bureau explained the case. Both
coasts and islands of the North
Atlantic; in North America breeding in southern Greenland, Labrador, Newfoundland, and S.
to Bay (if Fuiidy and Maine coast (Matiuicus Rock most soutliern point); not known in the
Niirtli I'acific, where r(']ilac('d by F. corniculata ; replaced in Polar seas by the larger, stouter-
billed F. glncialii^. In winter, ranging or driven S. along the coast of the U. S. ; not regular
beyond New England. The moult of the bill as well as of the plumage occurs in August and
September, when the birds are unable to fly for a period, and many perish if caught at sea in
storms at this time. Nest by thousands or millions on coasts and islands, burrowing in the
ground like rabbits, to arm's length or more. The single egg is laid late in June and in July,
on a slight grassy nest at the end of the burrow, or sometimes in a rocky crevice ; in shape
rounded ovate, with greatest diameter nearly at the middle; average size 2.50 X 1-75; shell
granular, white or brownish-white, colorless or marked with obsolete spots, dots, and
Kio. Tirt. — Lpft, Horned Puffin: right, Tufted Puffin. (.Drawn by
H. W. Elliott. From Harper Brothers.)
1066 S YS TEMA TIC S YNOPSIS. — P Y GOP ODES — AL CM.
scratches of pale purplish, sometimes with a few splashes of pale yellowish -brown. Nestlings
are covered with blackish down, whitish below from the breast.
F. a. glacia'lis. (Lat. glacialis, icy.) Large-billed Puffin. Glacial Puffin. Spe-
cific character of i<^. arctica; size greater; bill especially larger, and differently shaped. Pro-
tuberance of upper eyelid higher and sharper. Bill very deep, rising high on forehead, with
very convex culinen, dropping nearly perpendicularly at end. Four distinct grooves of upper
and three of lower mandible; gonys quite convex. Length 14. .50; extent 26.00; wing 7.25;
tail 2.2.5; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.90, outer 1.90, inner 1.45; chord of culmen 2.40,
its arc 2.(30, the ordinate 0.45; depth of bill at base 1.70; gape 1.50; gonys 1.60; greatest
width of bill 0.65; nasal slit 0.45. Polar seas; Novaya Zemlya; Spitzbergen ; northern
Greenland. Not authentic as occurring in the U. S. The seasonal changes are the same as
those of i^. arctica. This subspecies was originally described by Temminck, Man. Orn. 2d ed.
ii, 1820, p. 933, and figured by Naumann in Oken's Isis, 1821 , p. 782, pi. 7, fig. 2, as Mormon
glacialis Leach; it was afterward taken up in Stephens' Gen. Zotil. xiii, 1825, p. 40, pi. 4,
fig. 2, as Fratercnla glacialis.
LiUN'DA. (Skandinavian lunde; "one of the many local names of the Puffin, and doubtless
that from which Lundy, the island in the Bristol Channel, is called," Newton.) Tufted
Masking Puffin. Generic character of Fratercnla, excepting crest, eyelids, and details ot
bill. A long tuft of feathers on each side of head. Eyelids not appendaged. Nostrils very
small, linear, marginal. Upper mandible divided into distinct but not differently colored com-
partments ; its base with a deciduous raised rim or collar, perforated for passage of feathers as
in Fratercnla, but not so prominent, and deciduous smooth basal saddle not so distinctly sep-
arated from ridged part of bill beyond, where are .3 well marked, widely separated, curved
grooves, concave forward (the reverse oi Fratercnla) . Culmen arched in two separate curves;
basal one surmounted by a prominent widened ridge-pole, ending abruptly; terminal one
sharp, strongly convex to hooked tip of bill. Lower mandible with sides perfectly smooth
throughout; gonys at first descending, then rounding upward, thence about straight to tip;
base with a narrow deciduous border ; ordinarily no evidence of existence of a deciduous shoe.
The parts of the bill moulted are : basal collar ; nasal saddle ; pair of subnasal strips ; mandibu-
lar shoe; basal strip — 3 large symmetrical pieces and 2 pairs of small lateral pieces, in all 7.
(Thus as in F. arctica, lacking only the pair of prenasal strips ; thus exactly as supposed to be
the case in F. corniculata. The loss
of the pieces of the upper mandible
makes the same difference in the bill
as occurs in F. arctica; but the moult
of the mandibular shoe effects less
change in the appearance of the bill.)
One species. Pacific.
L. cirra'ta. (Lat. cirrata, having
curly locks. Figs. 719, 720, 721.)
Tufted Puffin. Adult J 9 » in
summer : Crests about 4 inches long,
straw-yellow, some of the posterior
feathers black at base ; these bundles
of silky, glossy plumes with very
Fig. 720. — Bill of 2/0H«^ Tufted Puffin, nat. size. ,,. , r , i i i
delicate shafts and loosened webs;
they chiefly sprout from what corresponds to the furrow in the plumage of F. arctica. Face
white, broadly of this color on sides of head to beyond eyes (as far as the crests), narrowly
across forehead and chin ; bill thus entirely surrounded by white. Crown between the crests,
and entire upper parts, excepting extreme forehead and a line along forearm, glossy blue-
ALCIDjE — FRATERCULIN^: SEA PARROTS.
1067
black. Entire under parts, excepting extreme chin, and including sides of hind head and sides
of neck, sooty brownish-Llack, more grayish on belly; lining of wings smoky-gray; under
tail-coverts quite black. Wings and tail black, their inner webs brownish-black ; shaft of 1st
primary whitisli underneath near
base. Bill, feet, and eye-ring
vermilion ; basal parts of bill
when about to desquamate more
yellowish horn color, or even
showing the livid color of the
subjacent membrane. Rosette of
mouth yellow. Iris white. Claws
black. Length 15.00-16.00; ex-
tent 27.00; wing 7.75; tail 2.75 ;
tarsus 1.30; middle toe 2.00, its
claw 0.50; outer 1.80, its claw
0.40; inner 1.25, its claw 0.50;
greatest depth of bill 1.90; great-
est width 0.90 ; chord of culmen
2.40, of which the terminal part
is 1.40; gape about 1.90; gonys FiO. 721. -Tufted Puffin. (U A. Fuertes.)
1.60; greatest depth of upper mandible 1.15; nostrils 0.25. Adults in winter: Plumage as in
summer, but crests shed, and white of face replaced by dusky ; feet pale salmon flesh-color; iris
" pale blue." Basal part of bill dark, without the above-named deciduous pieces. In birds of
the first spring the terminal portion of the bill may be smooth, like the under mandible, and the
bill and feet rather orange than vermilion ; at this time the face whitens and the crests sprout.
Young : No crests, and no white face. Bill like that of adults in winter after the moult, sad-
dled with soft dark skin at base, but smaller, weaker, quite smooth {^' Sagmatorhina lathami,"
fig. 720), and, like the feet, rather yellow or orange than red. Plumage entirely blackish
Fio. 722. — Horn-billed Auklet, adult in sumiuer, uat. size. (.From Elliott.)
above, sooty-brown below, the feathers of helly and Hanks whitish at base; iris brown. Nest-
lings in down uniformly sooty, only paler Ix-lovv ; but tlie first feathers of the belly come out
white. Coasts and islands of North Pacific, S. iu winter ou the American side to Santa
Barbara Islands, southern California, and on the Asiatic side to Japan ; accidental on Atlantic
coast to Maine. General habits and economy of other Puffins ; nesting similar. Egg single,
rough, dead-white, but showing, besides frequent discolorations, obsolete shell-markings of
1068
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES — ALC^.
pale purplish-gray or brownish, or both; size 2.G5-2.85 X 1.92-2.00; broader and more
capacious than that of F. corniculata, though no longer. There is a loomery of this species as
far south as the Farallones, off San Francisco, Cal. Skins both of the Tufted and of the
Horned Puffin are much used by the Aleuts of Alaska for clothing, about 45 being sewn
together to make a garment called the parka.
Fio. 723. —Horn-billed Auklet, adult in winter, nat. size. (From Elliott.)
Subfamily PHALERIDIN>E : Auklets, Murreiets, and Black Guillemots.
See p. 1062 for essential characters of this subfamily, and analysis of its several genera.
The rather numerous species differ so much that the subfamily is best defined by exclusion of
the marked characters which distinguish the FratercuUnce, AlUncB, and Aleince. It becomes
susceptible of much better definition than it used to have, by disengaging the group from
association with
FratercuUnce and
Allince, and by in-
cluding in it the
genus Cepphus,
which has usually
been placed with
Uria in the Al-
cinee. The Pha-
leridince all belong
to Pacific and Po-
lar waters, except-
ing some species
of Cepphus. The
average size is small, only the Black Guillemots and the Rhinoceros Auklet being about as
large as a Pufiin, and some being among the smallest of all sea birds. These birds are noted
for the wide range of shapes of bill, and most of them have this organ variously appendaged
with deciduous elements, which are shed like the crests or plumes with which the head of
several species is adorned, and which, as in the case of the Puffins, are nuptial ornaments.
All the genera of this subfamily are well marked, and there is no difficulty in determining the
species, except in the genus Cepphus.
The name of this subfamily is correctly formed as above. The etymology of the word is
the Greek (paXapis, phalaris, in Ionic dialect (^aXjjpt'j, phaleris, which was a native name of the
European Coot, Fulica
atra, so called because
the bare frontal shield
suggested a bald head.
The noun is of the
third declension and
feminine gender in
grammar, and makes
its genitive case in
-i8os ; whence the stem
of the word is seen to
be vhalerid- (not ^^°' ^^^' ~ Hom-billed Auklet, young, nat. size. (From Elliott. )
phaler-), to which, adding -ince as the suffix denoting subfamily rank of the group^ we arrive
at the correct name Phaleridince.
ALCIDM — PHALEIUDINM: AUKLETS, ETC. 1069
CERATORHI'NA. (Gr. xepaj, Keparos, kcms, keratos, a horn ; pis, pivos, Jiris, hrinos, the
nose. The name of this genus was first Cerorhinca Bp. 1828, thus mangled beyond certain
recognition, for the second element in its malformation might have been pvy^os, hrugchos, beak.
But the author next wrote Ceratorrhina, in 1830 aud 1831, showing that he intended the ety-
mology I have given. This became Cerorhina Bkandt, 1837. Then came Ceratorhyncha
and Cerorhynca Bp. 1838. Later forms are Ceratorhyncha, Ceratorhina, Cerorhyncha, Cero-
rhincha, Cerorhyna, etc. I hold to the form given in the Key, 1884, aud later. A. 0. U.
uses the original abortion.) Ehinoceros Auklet. Eelated to Lunda and Fratercula; no
peculiarity of eyelids or inner claw; bill smooth ; base of upper mandible with a large upright
horn, and under mandible with an accessory horny piece lying between its rami ; this piece and
the horn deciduous, when base of upper mandible covered with a soft cere. Bill shorter than
liead, stout, deep at base, much compressed and rapidly tapering to acute decurved tip; sides
smooth ; culmen very convex ; gape gently curved ; gonys nearly straight, with angle at sym-
physis. Nostrils short, linear, subbasal, marginal, impervious, at base of the horn or cere.
Two series, postocular and maxillary, of lengthened, straight, stiffish, lance-acute, white feath-
ers on each side of head. Tail of 16 Crarely 18) feathers. General form of Fratercula and
Lunda. Size large for this subfamily. One species.
C. monocera'ta. (Gr. povos, monos, only, single; Kepas, keras, horn. Figs. 722, 723,724.)
Unicokn Auklet. Horn-hill Auklet. Adult (J 9 >i" summer: Bill orange ; culmen and
base of upper mandible dusky ; feet some yellowish color, tarsi behind and soles blackish ; claws
black. Iris amber. Sharp plumes of head white, about 1 .00 long. Entire upper parts dusky ;
a line of white along edge of forearm. Sides of head and neck, of body under wings, with
chin, throat, and fore-breast, clear grayish-ash, or bluish-gray ; under parts from breast pure
white, shading insensibly into color of sides and flanks. Inner webs of wing- and tail-feathers
grayish-brown, paler toward base; shafts of primaries dull whitish at base. Length 14.00-
1.5.50; extent 26.00; wing 7.25; tail 2.50; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.85; outer 1.70;
inner 1.40; chord of culmen without horn 1.00, with horn 1.40; gape 2.00; nostril to tip of
horn 0.75; total depth of bill, including horn, 1.25. In winter: Plumage similar; iris white;
no horn nor accessory piece under bill, these being shed ; place of horn occupied by a soft
ilark-colored basement membrane or cere Q^ Sagmatorhina suckleyi," fig. 723). Young: Bill
like that of adults in winter, lacking horn, but hardly more than half as large. Plumage
mostly dark; no white plumes on side of head; white of under parts overlaid and marbled
with dark-gray ends of the feathers ; black of upper parts brownish. The first spring. the horn
grows, the accessory piece develops, and the plumage clears up. Nestlings are covered with
smoky-brown down resembling those of Lunda cirrata both in size and color. Egg single,
colorless or nearly so, but more or less obscurely marked, as in Lunda and Fratercula ; size
2.70 X 1.80. Both coasts and islands of North Pacific to Lower California aud Japan; not
specially Arctic ; has bred as far S. as the Farallone Lslands.
CYCLORRHYN'CHUS. (Gr. kvkKos, kuklos, circle, and pvyxoi, hrugchos, beak. PuG-NOSED
AlKLET. Bill moderately large, much compressed, densely feathered at ba.se, but not to
nostrils, which are narrowly oval, overhung by a deciduous scale or shield. Profile of bill
oval; of u))per mandible narrowly oval; culmen gently convex, declinate, tomial edge more
convex, acclinate, meeting at an obtuse tip ; lower mandible extremely slender, falcate, re-
curved, with concave toinia, very convex gonys, and acute point. Frontal feathers embracing
culmen with a re-entrance, thence dropping |)erpendicularly to commissure ; those on lower
mandible not reaching (juite so far; iuicrramal space fully feathered. Wings ami tail as in
Simorhynchus ; tail 14-feathen'd ; tarsus shorter than middle toe, reticulate. As subgenus of
Simorhynchus, in previous editions of the Key, but I said, ]>. 806, tluit it ''migiit stand apart
as a genus," and as the A. (). U. committee has acted on this suggestion, 1 willingly accord it
full generic rank.
1070
S Y STEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — P YGOPODES — ALC.E.
Fio. 725. — Paroquet Auklet, nat. size,
H. W. Elliott.)
(Ad. nat. del.
C. psittac'ulus. (Lat. imttaculus, a little parrot. Fig. 725.) PAROQUET AuKLET.
Adult (^ 9 : lu samiiier witli a uasal saddle, moulted in one piece or several pieces in winter;
shape of bill uot materially altered, however,
the piece or pieces being small and flattish.
Bill vermilion or coral, usually horn-yellow at
tip and along edges, nasal scale darker. Iris
white. Mouth and soft base of tomia whitish.
Feet mostly black, but in part pale bluish or
yellowish. No curly crest on forehead, but a
series of long white filamentous plumes from
eye downward and backward. Entire upper
parts, with chin, throat, and flanks, sooty
brownish -black, grayer below than above;
other under parts white ; lining of wings dark.
When out of season, the white invades the
throat and chin, the sides of the former being mottled with dusky and white. Length 9.00
or more; wing 5.40-5.75; tail 1.55; tarsus ].00; middle toe alone 1.10; chord of culmen
or gonys 0.60; gape 1.00; depth of bill 0.45; width 0.30. Young: No white filaments on
head ; a white spot on lower eyelid ; upper parts as before ; under parts white, marbled and
mottled with dusky ends of the feathers. North Pacific, ranging S. to Sitka and the Kurile
Islands ; S. in winter to San Francisco Bay : common along the Aleutian chain, where it resorts
to cliffs and crags to breed, laying its single egg usually deep in cavities of the most inaccessible
rocks overhanging the sea ; it resembles a small narrow hen's egg, being white, variously
soiled and discolored, minutely granular and rough to the touch, 2.25-2.35 X 1-45-1.50.
SIMORHYN'CHUS. (Gr. ort/itds, simos, snub-nosed; pvyxos, hrugchos, beak.) Snub-
nosed AuKLETS. Starikis. Of moderate and very small size, and stocky shape. Head
crested or with peculiar feathers. Bill of indeterminate shape, differing with each species,
furnished with a varying number of deciduous horny elements. Nostrils entirely unfeathered.
Wings and tail ordinary ; tail 14-feathered. Feet small ; tarsus shorter than middle toe,
entirely reticulate; toes long, middle and outer of about equal lengths, claw of former
longest ; inner claw reaching base of middle ; all curved and compressed. Three very distinct
species — the queerest little Auks in the world. Each has been made type of a genus; and
their respective peculiarities are now considered to represent three subgenera — Simorhynchus
proper, Phaleris, and Ciceronia.
Analysis of Species.
A long frontal crestj curling over forward.
One series of white feathers on each side of head (Simorhynclius proper) cristaiellus
More than one series of white feathers on each side of head (Phaleris) pygmcBUS
Short white hair-like feathers over forehead ; no crest (Ciceronia) pusillus
(Subgenus Simorhynchus.)
S. cristatel'lus. (Lat. cristatelliis, dimin. of cristatus, crested. Figs. 726, 727, 728.)
Crested Auklet. Crested Stariki. Snub-nosed Auklet. Dusky Auklet. Bill
fundamentally small and simple, compressed-conic, with convex culmen and little sinuate
horizontal commissure ; but in breeding season developing several corneous appendages,
which make it singularly irregular, and modify even outline of feathers at base. These de-
ciduous accessory pieces are : a nasal plate, filling nasal fossa, separate from its fellow of
opposite side ; a subnasal strip prolonged on cutting edge of upper mandible backward from
nostrils ; a semicircular plate at base of upper mandible over angle of mouth ; a large shoe
alcidm — phaleridinjE: auklets, etc.
1071
encasing posterior part of under inaudible — the latter single, the other 3 pieces in pairs,
making 7 in all which are moulted; when dry, all these elements vermilion or coral-red, and
end of bill yellowish. (Before acquiring these _^^
outgrowths the young bird is tetraculus of au-
thors ; the adult in winter, after shedding them,
is dubius.) Adult ,^ 9 > i^ summer : Bill as
said in form, etc., in life crimson, with bluish
tip. A beautiful crest of 12-20 slender blackish
plumes springing from forehead, curling over
forward in arc of a circle to fall gracefully upon
bill ; at full length the plumes are about 2.00
long, not filamentous, but with well-formed webs,
and bundled or impacted together, owing to
oblique divergence of webs from shaft (iis in Lo-
jphortyx). One slender series of white filaments
behind each eye, drooping downward and back-
ward. Plumage otherwise sooty — more brown-
ish-black above, more brownish-gray below, but
belly not whitish, and no white on scapulars.
Feet bluish, with dark webs. Bill coral or
orange, with horn-colored tip ; inside of mouth
flesh-color. Aside from transformation of bill,
the young only difier in lacking crest and white
:filaments, but both are early acquired ; a white
spot below eye. Summer and winter plumages
are alike. Iris white, or with blackish outer and bluish inner ring ; in the young, brown.
Length 8.50-9.00; wing 5.25-5.50; tail 1.55; tarsus 0.90-1.00; middle toe and claw
1.35; chord of culnien 0.45. North Pacific, both coasts and islands, on Asiatic side to
Japan, and in Alaska to Kadiak. Nesting in every respect like C. psittaculus ; single egg
similar, smaller, 2-10 X 1-40.
(Subgenus Phaleris.)
S. (P.) pygmae'us. (Lat. pygmcBus, dwarf. Fiirs. 729, 730.) Pygmy Auklkt. Whis-
kered AUKLET. Flat-billkd Auklet. Bill small and simply conic-compressed, little
Fig. 726. — Crested Auklet, reduced. (Ad. nat. del.
H. W. Elliott )
Fio. 727. — Crested Auklet, in summer, nat. size.
Fio. 728. — Crested Auklet, in winter, nat. size.
longer than higli, resembling the young or winter bill of the preceding, having but one pair
of small accessory pieces, which fill nasal fossae and are doubtless shed in winter. Adult J 9 >
1072
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES — ALC.E.
Fig. T'29. — Whiskered Auklet, young, nat
size. (From Elliott.)
in summer : A very long curly crest of slender plumes curving over forward in arc of a circle
to droop upon the bill, dark-colored and of same general character as that of cristatellus, but of
fewer and more thready feathers. A maxillary series of slender filaments from commissure
of bill along side of jaw ; another series from base of
culmen to eye ; a very long postocular series adowu
side of neck ; all these white or yellowish-white.
General plumage as in the last, but belly whitish.
Bill (dry) orange-red, more salmon color or yellow-
ish at end, in life vermilion with horn-bluish tip.
Feet dark. Length about 8.00; wing 4.50; tail
1.25; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.55; outer
1.60; inner 1.10; chord of culmen 0.45; depth of
bill at base 0.30 ; gape 0.90 ; crest outstretched
1.50; longest white filaments on head 1.00. Young
{S. cassini Couks) : Bill very small and weak, much
compressed. No crest nor white plumes on head. Above blackish-cinereous, quite black on
head, wings, and tail ; under parts lighter and more grayish-plumbeous, bleaching on belly and
crissum. Bill reddish-dusky; tarsi behind and soles black; eye black and white. Nest-
lings in down sooty, nearly uniform, but paler below. North Pacific coasts and islands,
from Kamtschatka through the Aleutians to Unalashka. Figured in breeding plumage in
Turner's Cont. Alaska, 1886, p. 120, pi. 1.
{Subgenus Ciceronia.)
S. (C.) pusil'lus. (Lat. pusillus, puerile. Figs. 731, 732, 733.) Least Auklet. Minute
Auklet. Kxob-nosed Auklet. Adult $ '^ ,\n summer : Bill small and simple, but stout
for its length, scarcely higher than wide at base, rather obtuse at tip. A small deciduous knob
or tubercle at base of culmen. No crest ; but front, top, and sides of head more or less thickly
lined with delicate white thready feathers; a simi-
lar series, exceedingly fine, from eye along side of
hind head and nape. Excepting these filaments
and more or less white on scapulars and tips of
some secondaries, entire upper parts glossy black ;
region about under mandible, and a few feathers
along sides of body and flanks, blackish ; throat
white ; under parts white, more or less extensively
mottled or clouded with blackish, often uninter-
rupted on fore breast. Lining of wings white,
with dark feathers along the edge. Iris white.
Bill red ; knob and base of upper mandible dark.
Legs (dry) dark; front of tarsus and tops of toes
lighter. Length 6.50; wing 3.75; tail 1.25;
tarsus 0.70; middle toe and claw 1.00; chord of
culmen, including the node, 0.40 ; gape 0.60; height of bill at base 0.30, width scarcely less.
In winter: No knob; bill brownish; little white bristles of head retained but less developed;
white of under parts extensive, reaching far around sides of neck. Young : Like winter
adults, but with smaller bill and lacking white bristles of head and with more white on scap-
ulars. (Figured in Nelson's Cruise Corwin, 1883, colored plate of breeding plumage.) Young
in down like that of -S". pygmcBUS. This curious little bird, the smallest of Auks, and one
of the least of all water birds, inhabits the coasts and islands of the North Pacific, resorting
to favorite breeding places by millions, with C. psittaculus and S. cristatellus. The nesting is
Fig. 730. — Wiiiskered Auklet, adult, nat. size.
(From EUiott.)
ALCID^ — PHALERIDIN^: AUKLETS, ETC.
1073
similar, the single egg being laid in recesses of rocks over the water; size 1.55 X 1.12; color
white or whitish, unmarked, as in other species of this genus. The bird occurs S. to Japan
and Sitka, and has been recorded from Puget Sound.
PTYCHORHAM'PHUS. (Gr. irrvi, nrvxos, ptux, ptuchos, a fold ; pantos, hramphos, beak.)
Wrinkle-nosed Auklet. Size moderate ; form stout ; no crests nor any peculiar feathers
about head. Bill about § as long as head, stout, straight, little compressed, couic-acute;
Fig. 731. — Least Auklet, adult, uat. size.
Fig. 732. — Least Auklet, young, nat. size.
culmen little convex, broad at base, where in the dried state transversely coiTugated; sides
of upper mandible turgid, with inflected tomia ; of under, upright, grooved lengthwise ; gonys
straight or nearly so, very long. Nasal fossae large, shallow, covered with soft skin which
flares over the rather long, narrowly oval, sub-basal nostrils. Outline of frontal feathers
nearly transverse across culmen, thence retreating obliquely to commissure. Tarsus reticulate,
y^-.y
Fio. 733. —Group of Least Auklets. (Designed by H. W. Elliott.)
much shorter than middle toe witliout claw. Tail of 14 feathers. This genus has mucli the
aspect of Brachyrhamphus, with sui generis shape of bill.
P. aleu'ticus. (Of the Aleutian Islands.) Aleutian Auklet. Cas.sin's Auklet. Bill
black, the skinny part pale or yellowish ; feet blackish behind and below, bluish in front of
tarsus and on tops of toes. Iris white. A touch of white on lower eyelid. Upper parts
blackish-plumbeous; head, wings, and tail nearly black, this dark color, diluted to grayish-
68
1 0 74 SYS TEMA TIC S YiYOPSIS. —PYG OP ODES — AL CM.
plumbeous, extending arouud head, neck, and fore-breast, along sides of body, and on lining of
wings, fading to white on belly and crissum. No special states of bill or plumage known.
Length 8.00-9.50; extent 1(3.00-18.50; wing 4.75-5.25; tail 1.50-1.75; tarsus about 1.00;
middle toe and claw 1.40; outer 1.30; inner 1.10; culmen 0.75; gape 0.90; gonys 0.00;
depth of bill at base 0.40, width 0.30. Pacific coast of North America, Aleutians to Lower
California, breeding S. to the Farallones, and San Geronimo Island, lat. 30°; egg white,
1.80 Xl-35.
SYNTHLIBORHAM'PHUS. (Gr. <Tvi>e\il3co, sunthliho, I compress ; pdficpos, hramplws, beak.)
Nipper-nosed Murrelets. Of moderate size and stout form ; witli or without a crest. Bill
somewhat as in Brachyrhamphus, but stouter and deeper for its length ; greatly compressed
throughout, its depth at base about half the length of culmen ; culmen moderately convex ;
gonys ascending. Nostrils sub-basal, broadly oval or nearly circular ; nasal fossae small and
shallow, feathered to nostrils. Feathers extending to about opposite points on culmen and
keel, thence retreating rapidly. Secondaries very short, as in Braclujrhamphus, the longest not
reaching much more than half-way from carpal joint to point of closed wing. (This style of
wing is characteristic of the Murrelets, whicli " paddle" the air in a peculiar way.) Tail short,
nearly square, of 14 broadly rounded feathers. Tarsi much compressed, like bill; transversely
scutellate in front and on sides, reticulate behind ; about as long as middle toe without claw.
AVith the general character of Brachijrhamphns, this genus differs in the deeper, stouter bill,
and much compressed scutellate tarsi ; it includes two very stylish species of the North
Pacific, subgenerically difierent from each other. Egg whitish or buffy, heavily marked with
brown and gray, 2.40 X 1-55.
Analysis of Species.
Head closely feathered ; depth of bill more than half its length ; white of sides of crown not advancing before eyes ;
black of throat extensive. {Synthliborhamphus.) antiquus
Head crested ; depth of bill about half its length ; white of sides of crown advancing nearly to bill ; dark of throat
restricted. (Rhamphtsynthlipsis.) umizusume
(Subgenus Synthliborhamphus.)
S. anti'quus. (Lat. an^/3?<?<s, ancient ; i. e. gray-headed. Fig. 734.) Ancient Murrelet.
Gray-headed Murrelet. Black-throated Murrelet. Adult ^ 9 > in breeding
dress: Bill whitish or yellowish, its base and ridge black. Iris dark brown. Feet whitish or
yellowish, the tarsus behind and both surfaces of webs black. Head black, pure above, sooty
on chin and throat ; a conspicuous white stripe from over each
eye to side of nape, where sometimes connected by some white
feathers with its fellow, and spreading on sides and back of neck
into a set of sliarp white streaks ; trace of white on each eyelid.
Upper parts dark plumbeous, blackening on tail ; upper surface
of wing the same, the edging all along from elbow, and exposed
parts of primaries, blackish ; secondaries like coverts, or rather
Fig. 734. — Black-throated Mur- (barker: basal portion of inner webs and shafts of primaries
relet, nat. size. . . .
whitish ; under surfiice of wing white, mottled with dusky along
the edge. Sides of body under wings velvety-black ; these black feathers lengthening beliind,
and overlying the white flanks. Anteriorly this black extends in front of wings and continues
on to nape of neck, where it mixes with the white streaks above said. Sooty-black of throat
continuous with that of sides of head as far as auriculars, beyond which it narrows to a point
on throat, being separated from black of nape by a large white area — an extension to auricu-
lars of the white which is the color of the whole under parts, except as said. Length 9.50-
10.50; e.vtent 16.75-18.25; wing 5.50; tail 1.60; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.25;
outer 1.15; inner 1.00; culmen 0.60; gape 1.20; gonys 0.40; depth of bill at base 0.30, width
ALCWyE — PHALERIDIN^: AUKLETS, ETC. 1075
0.20. Winter: Upper parts darker, the plumbeous obscured by dusky, especially on win"-
and tail-coverts and rump. Forehead, crown, and nape sooty-black, not relieved by white
streaks, or only with traces of the latter ; eyelids sometimes largely white. No black on
throat, only some dusky mottling about base of bill; white of under parts extending on head
nearly to eyes, and far around on sides of nape, so that only a narrow median line is left dark.
Sides of body under wings merely dusky, not continuous over the flanks, where the feathers are
partly white, and scarcely advancing in front of wings. The seasonal plumages, or those de-
j)endent upon age, not fully traced ; but clarity of the ash, intensity of the black, and dis-
tinctness of the white striping, indicate the more perfect feathering, and conversely. North
Pacific, both Asiatic and American, S. in winter to Japan and the U. S. (Monterey Bay),
breeding from Sitka northward. Accidental once in Wisconsin. Eggs buflFy with small mark-
ings of brown and lavender- gray, 2.40 X 1-50. {Aha antiqua Gm. 1788. Uria senicula
Pall. 1811. Mergulus cirrocephalus ViG. 1839. Uria antiqua Aud. 18.39, folio pi. 402,
fig. 1 ; 1844, 8vo pi. 470, fig. 1 (not fig. 2 of these plates, which is Brachyrhamphua breviros-
tris). Brachyramphus (Synthliboramphus) antiquua Brandt, 18.37. B. hrachypterus Branot,
1837, as correctly given in original edition of Key, 1872, p. 344; but queried as distinct in
2d-4th eds. p. 814. Uria cana Kittlitz. 1858.
(Subgenus Rhamphosynthlip.si.s.)
S. (R.) umizu'sume. (Japanese name, of uncertain orthography and pronunciation, also
written wumizusume, wunnizusume, etc. Fig. 735.) Japanese Murkelet. Temminck's
MuRRELET. Bill more elongate and acute than in the type of genus, less compressed, not so
deep for its length ; yellow, with black ridge ; feet livid-bluish, with dusky webs ; iris dark
brown. A large crest, of a dozen (more or fewer) feathers springing from extreme forehead,
not recurved, but drooping backward over occiput. A conspicuous series of white feathers on
«ach side of head, from origin of crest over eye to
nape, where more or less confluent with those of
opposite side, and then dispersed in streaks over
sides of neck to shoulders. Rest of head, includ-
ing throat, sooty or ashy-blackish, this color ex-
tending as far as interscapulars, whence upper
parts more plumbeous, only darker on wings and
tail. Sides under wings plumbeous-black to flanks,
this color advancing in front of wings and continu-
.,, ", . , It IT.. ^"'- "35- — Japanese Muirelet, nat. size.
OU3 With that on sides oi neck and head. L<ining
f)f wintrs white, except some dark mottling along edge; bases of primaries and most of inner
webs white, shading through gray to dusky tips. Whole under parts white, except as said.
Length 10. 50-11. 0(J; extent 18.00-18.50; wing 5.50; tail 1.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and
claw 1.25; outer 1.20; inner 1.00; bill along culmen 1.00; gape 1.10; gonys 0.40; height or
width at base 0.25-0.30. Younger: No crest; bill obscured; little or no trace of white about
head, which is du.sky-plumbeous ; other upper parts similar, the back lighter; white of under
parts extending to bill and far around on sides of neck. There is much variation in different
specimens, the full significance of which remains to be determined; but the species is un-
mistakable. Japan. Questionably American; excluded from A. O. U. Check-List, 1895,
though given in 1886. (On this question, still open, see Pr. U. S. Nat. Mas. 1885, p. 524.)
BRACHYRIIAM'PHUS. (Gr. ^paxvt, brachus, short; pdfi(f>ot, hramphos, beak.) Peaked-
NoSEi* Mlrkekkls. Approaching (Jepphus in generic character. Bill small, slender, nmch
shorter than head, not longer than tarsus, compressed, very acute ; culmen gently curved, rictus
aud gonys straight, tomia of upper mandible inflecte<'. toward base, notched near tip. Nasal
1076 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES — ALC^.
fossae small and shallow, nearly filled with feathers reaching to the broadly oval nostrils. Wings
very narrow, falcate, pointed, with extremely short secondaries. Tail nearly square, of 12-14
obtuse feathers. Feet very small and short ; tarsus of variable length relatively to toes in the two
subgenera, entirely reticulate. Outer and middle toes of equal lengths ; claw of former smaller ;
inner toe short, its claw not reaching base of middle claw. Claws small, compressed, acute.
Containing several species of diminutive Murrelets, of plain coloration, none with plumes on
the head, all confined to the Pacific.
Analysis of Species.
Tarsus shorter than middle toe without claw. (Brachyrhamphus.)
Bill about as long as inner toe vjithout claw. Upper parts blackish and chestnut, lower blackish and white
(summer), or upper parts cinereous and white, lower white (winter) ; no white on secondaries or tail-feathers
marmoratus
Bill about § as long as inner toe without claw. Upper parts ashy, barred and spotted with dull yellowish ; under
parts whitish barred with dusky ; some white on secondaries and tail-feathers hrevirostris
Tarsus as long as middle toe without claw. (3Iicruria or Eudomychur a.)
Lining of wings white hypoleucus
Lining of wings dark craverii
{Subgenus Brachyramphus.)
B. marmora'tus. (Lat. marmoratus, marbled.) Marbled Murrelet. Wrangel's
MuRRELET. Townsend's Murrelet. Adult J* 9 > iu Summer : Bill black ; tarsi behind
and both surfaces of webs blackish ; tarsi in front and top of toes livid flesh-color, or dull
bluish-gray ; iris brown. Above, brownish-black, barred crosswise with chestnut-brown, or
bright rust-color, except on wings, which are uniform brownish-black ; primaries darker, their
inner webs gray toward the base. Lining of wings brownish-black. A few whitish feathers,
varied with chestnut and dusky, on scapulars, but no white tips of secondaries, and none on
tail-feathers. Entire under parts, including sides of head and neck, marbled with sooty
brownish-black and white, the feathers being white with dark ends. Adults in winter
(B. wrangeli) : No chestnut ; under parts immaculate white, excepting some dusky streaks
on the long feathers of sides and flanks. Upper parts dark cinereous ; centres of feathers,
especially of back and rump, blackish ; crown, wings, and tail almost black ; no white on any
tail-feathers ; greater wing-coverts narrowly edged with white ; scapulars almost entirely
white, forming two conspicuous patches. On lores, the white invades to level of eyes, and
extends into nasal fossae; it then dips, leaving the eyes in dark color; on nape it reaches
nearly across middle line ; on sides of rump it leaves a band of dark color about ] .00 wide.
Specimens are found in every stage intermediate between the two here described. Young, first
plumage, with bill only \ as long as head : Resembling winter adults in absence of chestnut.
Upper parts blackish, with only a shade of cinereous, therefore darker than in winter adults ;
white on scapulars present, but restricted, and interrupted with dusky. Under parts white,
but thickly marked with fine wavy dusky lines, most numerous across throat, largest on sides
and flanks, finest on lower breast; chin, middle of belly and crissum unmarked. Lining of
wings as before. Length 10.00 ; extent 18.00; wing 5.00; tail L 50; tarsus 0.70; middle toe
alone 1.00, its claw 0.20; outer toe and claw 1.15 ; inner 0.90; culmen 0.60-0.70; gape 1.25-'
1.35; gonys 0.45-0.55 ; height of bill at base 0.24, width 0.20. Coasts and islands of North
Pacific, on the American side ; S. in winter to southern California; breeds S. at least to Van-
couver, and apparently does not penetrate far north. Egg buff'y, ovate, variously marked with
brown, 2.14 X 1-42. {Uria townsendii Aud. 1839, folio pi. 430; 1844, 8vo pi. 475.)
Note. — B. peedix. Pallas' Murrelet. Partridge Murrelet. This is the closely related species of the Asiatic
side of the North Pacific. It differs from marmoratus in having the markings of the upper parts tawny or buff instead
of chestnut, and the bill longer, over 0.75. Cepphus perdiz Pall. Zoogr. R. A. ii, 1811, p. 351, pi. 80. Brachyramphus
perdix Stjn. Zeit. Ges. Om. iii, 1S8G, p 213, pi. 7 ; Ridgw. Man, 1887, p. 15. Not separated from the foregoing in former
editions of the Key. Not in A. O. U. Lists.
ALCID^ — PHALERIDIN.E: AUKLETS, ETC.
1077
B. breviros'tris. (Lat. short-billed; brevis, short; rostrum, beak.) Short-billed Mur-
RELET. Vigors' Murrelet. Kittlitz's Murrelet. Closely related to marmoratus :
belonging to same subgenus, having tarsus shorter than middle toe without claw. Bill hardly
•J as long as head. Adult (J 9 > i" summer : Above, cinereous of lighter and darker shades,
fully sjiotted and barred with dull yellowish, except on wings, which are plain dusky, with
whitish tips of median and greater coverts and inner secondaries ; no white on scapulars ; lat-
eral tail-feathers largely white. Below, white, extensively mottled and barred with dusky
and the buff or tawny yellowish of the upper parts, especially along sides and across breast.
Bill black ; feet light; eyes brown. Adults in winter: Differing precisely as £. marmoratus
does from summer plumage. Above, cinereous or plumbeous, nearly uniform, without any
buff markings, but darker on head, nmch white on scapulars and ends of inner secondaries,
forming conspicuous patches, and whitish tips of feathers of back, rump, and tail. Below, pure
white, with dark touches on sides and flanks, and a dark band extending on sides of fore breast
nearly to median line ; the white invading side of head to include eye, but leaving an isolated
dark spot about eye, and almost forming a collar around back of neck. Bill, eyes, and claws
black; feet pale bluish, darker behind. Length 9.00 or more ; wing averaging 5.40; culmen
0.45 or less ; depth of bill at base 0.25 or less ; tarsus O.GO-0.65 ; middle toe alone 0.85-0.95.
North Pacific, both sides, from Japan and Kamtschatka through the Aleutians to Unalashka ;
apparently not common, on North American side at any rate, and only lately become well
known : best figures, from originals of present description, in Nelson's Rep. Alaska, 1887,
p. 44, pi. 1 (summer plumage, late in May), and Turner's Cont. Alaska, 1886, p. 120, pi. 2
(winter plumage, Apr. 24). The bird is found with Ancient and Marbled Murrelets ; it lays
a single white egg in the herbage on ledges and cliffs. Uria brevirostris ViG. Zool. Journ. iv,
1828, p. 357, ascribed to Mexico ! Brachyramphus brevirostris Stej. Zeit. Ges. Orn. iii,
1886, p. 211; RiDGW. Man. 1887, p. 15. Uria antiqua Aud. 1839, folio pi. 402, fig. 2;
1844, 8vo pi. 470, fig. 2 (not fig. 1 of these plates, which is Synthliborhamphus antiquus).
Brachyramphus kittlitzii Brandt, 1837; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 24; Ridgw. Man.
1887, p. 15. Brachyrhamphus kittlitzi of the Key, 2d-4th eds. p. 813.
(Subgenus Micruria.)
B. hypoleu'cus. (Gr. vtto, hiipo, below ; XevKos, leukos, white.) White-bellied Murre-
let. Xantus' Murrelet. Adult ^ ? : Bill ^ the head, f tlie tarsus, very slender ;
tarsus equal to middle toe without claw.
Entire ui)per parts unvaried dark cine-
reous, slightly darker on head, extending
to include eyelids, and a little farther
down on nape; thence in a straight line
along middle of side of neck to shoulders,
and along sides of body in a strip nearly
an inch broad; elongated Hank-feathers
also of this color; other under parts pure
white, including lining of wings. Pri-
maries black, the greater jjart of their
shafts and inner webs whitish. Bill
black, base of lower mandible pale; feet
whitish -blue, black below. Length
10.00-10.50; extent 16.00-17..50 ; wing
4.75; tail 1.75; tarsus 0.95; middle to,^ without claw 0.95, its claw 0.20; outer toe and claw
1.10; inner 0.90; bill 0.80; gape 1.30; gonys 0.45; depth of bill at base 0.22; width 0.19.
Southern and Lower California, resident.
m-
Craveri's Murrelet, nat. size. (From Elliott.)
1078 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PYGOPODES — ALCjE.
B. crave'rii. (To F. Craveri. Fig. 736.) Craveri's Murrelet. Resembles the last;
differs markedly in having under surface of wings dark. Lower California, both sides,
from Cape St. Lucas, N. to Espiritu Santo and Natividad islands, resident; breeding con'
fined apparently to the Gulf. Egg 2.00 X 1.40, buff, heavily marked with dark brown.
CEPPH'US. (Gr. Ken(j)05, kepphos, a kind of sea-bird.) Black Guillemots. Bill much
shorter than head, about equal to tarsus, straight, rather stout, moderately compressed ; cul-
men at first straight, then decurved ; gape straight to near tip; gonys short, straight, ascend-
ing, about 5- as long as culmen. No nick or groove near tip of upper mandible; its tomial
edge scarcely inflected. Nasal fossse large and deep, partially filled with feathers which do not
entirely cover nostrils. Feathers salient in rounded outline on side of lower mandible. Tail
of 12-14 feathers, little rounded. Tarsus entirely reticulate, slightly shorter than middle toe
without claw. Claws compressed, arched, acute, the outer grooved on outer side, the middle
dilated on inner edge. No postocular furrow in plumage. Color black, usually with white on
head or wing ; bill black ; feet red ; in winter, plumage largely white. Eggs plural, colored.
Uria of former editions of the Key.
Analysis of Species (Adults in Summer).
Tail of 12 feathers. (Cepphvs proper.)
A large white mirror on wing above and below, entire ; no white about head. Circumpolar .... mandti
A large white mirror on wing above and below, former partly divided ; no white about head. Atlantic grylle
Tail of 14 feathers. {Pseuduria.)
A large white mirror on wing above, partly divided ; none below ; no white about head. Pacific . . columba
No white mirror on wing ; parts about eye and bill white. Pacific carba
C. mandt'i. (To Martin Wm. Mandt, in whose Inaugural Dissertation of 1822, p. 30, it was
dedicated to him by Lichtenstein.) Mandt's Guillemot. Glacial Guillemot. Sim-
ilar to the common Black Guillemot; but white mirror on upper side of wing entire, the
greater coverts being white to the very base or nearly so, and therefore not even making a
concealed black bar or wedge in the white field ; bill rather smaller. A circumpolar species,
S. on the Atlantic coast of North America in winter to Massachusetts, and on the Alaskan
coast to Norton Sound ; breeding range from Labrador and Hudson's Bay northward. Uria
mandtii Licht. as just said. Cepphus mandtii Bp. 1856; A. 0. U. 1886-95, No. 28. Uria
gryUe, in part, of all former editions of the Key, and perhaps only a subspecies of this.
C. grylle. (Swedish name of the bird in Gothland. Fig. 737.) Black Guillemot.
White Guillemot. White-v^inged Guillemot. Scapular Guillemot. Spotted
Greenland Dove. Sea-pigeon. Tysty. Geylle. Adult $ ^ ,'m full dress : Plumage
sooty-black with a tint of ''invisible" green;
wings and tail pure black ; former with a large
white mirror on both surfaces. Bill and claws
black ; mouth and feet carmine, vermilion or
coral red ; eyes brown. This faultless dress-
suit is worn only about two months. In Au-
gust, the wings and tail fade to gray ; the
body-color loses the green gloss ; the white
mirror is soiled with brown. When the quills
and tail-feathers have fallen, and new ones
Fig. 737. — Black Guillemot, nat. size. , ~ , ,, .
partly grown, progress or the moult gives a
new clean white mirror, smaller than in midsummer; head and neck all around, rump and
under parts, marbled with black and white, the bird looking as if dusted over with flour; back
black, the feathers mostly edged with white. Completion of the moult gives the following
winter plumage: Wings and tail blp.ck, the white mirror faultless; head and neck all around,
alcidje—phaleridin.E: auklets, etc.
1079
Fig. 738. — Pigeon Guillemot, nat. size.
rump aud under parts, white; back and mure or less of hind neck and head bhick, variegated
with wliite. Young in first plumage : Bill black; feet dusky reddish. Upper parts plumbeous
or sooty, little varied with white; under parts white, marbled, rayed, and waved with dusky;
incipient mirror spotty. Nestlings are covered with
sooty brownish-black down ; bill and feet brown-
ish-black. Perfectly white {lacteolus, niveus) and
entirely black {motzfeldi, unicolor) birds are rarely \^J
seen. In some cases, very old birds remain black
in winter. The mirror on the upper surface of
the wings is composed of the terminal half (more
or less) of the greater coverts, the rest dark ; of
the several next rows excepting their dark bases,
the white of these coverts noruially overlying and
concealing the dark basal portions of the greater
coverts, so that the oval mirror is usually unbroken ; the anterior border of the mirror is the
line through the union of white tips with dark bases of the row of lesser coverts about 5- an
inch from the fore-arm edge of the wing. When, as not seldom happens, the row of gi-eatest
coverts are dark beyond the extent of the next row, this dark uncovered portion shows as a
wedge partly splitting the mirror, as normally occurs in U. columba. Or, the greater row of
coverts may be entirely dark, when the mirror is unbroken, as before, but much smaller; or,
again, the middle row of coverts may be tipped with dark, making a break across the mirror,
but in a different method from that first described. Finally, the mirror may be only indicated
by isolated white feathers, or wholly wanting. Length, average, 13.00 ; extent, average,
22.50; wing G.00-6.25; tail about 2.00; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.75; bill 1.30;
gape 1.75; gonys 0.65; depth of bill at base 0.45, width 0.35. Europe and North Ameri-
can coasts and islands of the Nortli At-
lantic, very abundant; not authentic in
the North Pacific, where replaced by
columba ; not occurring in the Arctic
Ocean, where replaced by mandti ; in
North America breeding in southern
Greenland, Labrador, Magdalen islands,
and Newfoundland, and S. to islands
of Maine coast; S. in winter to the
Middle States. Gregarious; flying in
close flocks low over the water ; nesting
scattering in rifts of rock near the water; eggs 2-3, sea-green, greenish-white or white, spotted
and blotched most irregularly with blackish-brown, and with purplish shell-markings; size
2.25-2.50 X 1.50-1.60; shape nearly elliptical, not pyriform like those of Guillemots; laid in
June, July. Uria gnjlle, in part, of former editions of the Key, including C. maniJii. Cephus
gnjlle Hukiim. 1831. Ccpphua grylle Naum. 1844; A. 0. U. Lists, 1886-95, No. 27. Uria
unicolor Fabku, and U. motzfcldi Benicken, 1824, are believed to be a melanism of grylle:
but Cepphus motzfeldi Stej. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. vil, Aug. 5, 1884, p. 210; B. B. &. 11.
Water B. N. A. ii, Sept. 1884, p. 497 ; A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, 1886-95, No. 2. is com-
pared with C. cnrbo.
C. coliini'ba. (Lat. co/«Hi&rt, a pigeon. Fig. 738.) Pic.EOx GuiLi.i;M(iT. Bill stouter than
that of r/z-y/Zr, and more obtuse. No wliitc on under surface of wing. Wiiite mirror of upper
surface nearly split in two by an oblique dark line, caused by extension of dark bases of greater
coverts in increasing amount from within outward, till the outermost are scarcely tipped with
white ; consequently there is a darii wrdge between tlic wliite ends of greater and middle rows
Fia. 739. — Sooty Guillemot, nat. size.
1080 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES — ALCjE.
of coverts. Plumage and its changes otherwise as in grylle; general habits and nesting the
same ; eggs indistinguishable. Asiatic and American coasts and islands of the North Pacific,
S. to Japan and southern California.
Obs. — C. snow'i. (To Capt. H. J. Snow of Yokohama.) Snow's Guillemot. Described as like C. columba,
with black wings, only relieved by wliite tips of the larger coverts ; lining of wings smoky-gray ; no white about eyes ;
tail-feathers 14. Kurile Islands. St. Auk, April, 1897, p. 201.
C. car'bo. (Lat. carbo, a coal ; i. e. black. Fig. 739.) Sooty Guillemot. Spectacled
Guillemot. Like columba; larger, especially the bill. No white on either surface of wing.
A pair of white spectacles on eyes, and whitish about base of bill. General plumage and its
changes as in others of the genus ; bill and feet the same ; tail of 14 feathers. Length 14.00-
15.00; wing 7.75; tail 2. .50; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw 2.10; bill 1. .55-1.70 along cnl-
men, along gape 2.20, from feathers on side of lower mandible 1.50; depth at base 0.50; width
0.38. North Pacific in higher latitudes ; Sea of Okhotsk ; Bering Island ; Japan ; breeds on
the Kurile Islands, but is only hypothetically North American. Cep2)lms carbo Pall. 1811 ;
A. 0. U. Hypothetical List, No. 3. Uria carbo of former editions of the Key.
Subfamily ALLIN>E: Sea Doves.
The characters of this subfamily are coincident with those of its single genus Alle.
AL'LiE. (Swedish name of the bird.) Sea Doves. Size small; form squat and bunchy.
Bill very short, stout, and obtuse, as wide as high at base ; sides of both mandibles turgid,
edge of upper much inflected ; culmen very convex ; rictus ample, decurved at end ; gonys
straight, very short; mandibular rami correspondingly long, widely divaricated, the space be-
tween them extensively feathered ; nasal fosste short, wide, deep, partly feathered. Nostrils
sub-basal, sub-circular. Wings rather long for this family; tail much rounded, of 12 nar-
row pointed feathers. Feet small and weak ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw,
scarcely compressed, broadly scutellate in front, finely reticulate behind.
A. al'le. (The specific name duplicates the generic. Fig. 740.) Little Auk. Sea-dove.
Dovekey, Dovekee or Dovekie. Rotch, Rotche or Rotges. Alle. Adult $ 9) in
summer : Head, neck, and upper parts, glossy blue-black ; sides of head and neck with throat
and juguluui sooty brown; scapulars edged and secondaries tipped with wiiite, forming con-
spicuous patches ; touches of white about eyes. Under
parts from the chest pure white, some long feathers of
flanks rayed with black ; lining of wings dusky. Bill
black ; mouth yellow ; feet black behind and below, in
front and above flesh-colored; eyes brown. In winter:
White of under parts extending to bill, and nearly around
sides of neck. Young in winter : Like winter adults, but
^ „,„ upper parts duller; bill smaller; feet dusky greenish, the
Fig. 740. — Sea-dove, nat. size. \ -, o
scales obscured. Downy young: Smoky gray, paler
below. Length 8.50; extent 15.50; wing 4.75-5.25 ; tail 1.50; tarsus 0.80; middle toe and
claw 1.20; outer 1.15; inner 0.85; chord of culmen 0.50; gape 1.00; gonys 0.20; height or
width of bill at base 0.35. North Atlantic, both coasts, and Polar seas; in North America
S. in winter to the Middle States or beyond. Overtaken by storms at this season, this little
bird is not seldom blown inland — to Michigan, for instance. It is very abundant at its
breeding grounds in the far North, being one of the most boreal of birds. Egg single, 1.60-
1.85 X 1.10-1.25, pale greenish-blue, unmarked. (Mergulus alle of 1st and Alle nigricans of
2d-4th eds. of Key.)
alcid^e—alcinjE: murres and auks.
1081
Subfamily ALCIN/E: Murres or Guillemots, and Auks.
See p. 1062 for characters of this subfamily, which is now restricted to the several species
of Murres of the geuus Uria, and two species of Auks proper, representing the two genera
Alca and Plautus. All these birds are of the largest size in the family, readily recognized
among t)ther Alcida, and the tliree genera are strongly marked. The bill has no deciduous
elements, and the head no crests of any sort. The bill in Uria is siinjjly elongate, but is pe-
culiarly sulcate and cultrate in Alca and IHautus. Murres and Auks abound in North Atlantic
waters, in the same situations as the Puffins, and the two species of Murres are also numerously
represented by two subspecies in the North Pacific, where, however, Alca does not occur. The
student will observe that the name "guillemot" is common to the species of Uria, of the pres-
ent subfamily, and to those of Cepphus, of the subfamily Phaleridince. This is unfortunate,
but cannot be helped, and need occasion no c(»nfusi(ni, if it be noted that the species of Cepphus
are qualified as black Guillemots.
U'RIA. (Lat. from Gr. ovpla, ouria, a kind of diving bird.) Murres. Guillemots.
Egg-birds. Bill shorter than head, longer than tarsus, straight or slightly decnrved. much
l>y II. W. Elliott.)
com])ressed ; culmrn rciruiarly curved tliroughout ; rictus curved in most of its lengtli ; gonys
straight, or little curved, nearly as long as culmen ; upper mandible grooved near tip, its com-
missural edge greatly iuHectcd. Nasal fosste fully feathered ; nostrils covered. Feathers on
lower mandible retreating in straight obli<nie line from interramal space to rictus. Tail short,
rounded, with 111 bmad (not pointed) feathers, containctl over .'1 times in length of wintr- Tar-
sus compressed, much shorter than middle toe and claw; outer claw not grooved on outer face.
A furrow in ]>lumago behind eye. Colors dark above, white bel.>w. Egg single, pictured,
pyriform. Lniiirin of all former editions of the Key.
1082
SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES — ALCjE.
Analysis of Species and Subspecies.
Depth of bill opposite nostrils not one-third the lengtli of culmen.
Bill comparatively slender, not dilated along edge of upper mandible at base ; culmen, commissure, and gonys:
curved. Atlantic troile
Bill stouter, somewhat dilated along edges of upper mandible at base ; culmen, rictus, and gonys nearly straight.
Pacific troile californica
Depth of bill opposite nostrils more than one-third the length of culmen.
Bill very stout, thick, deep, much dilated along edges of upper mandible at base ; culmen, commissure, and gonys
curved. Atlantic lomvia
Bill less stout. Pacific ... lomvia arra
U. troi'le. (Nom. propr. of uHcertain reference. "Possibly a compliment to Troil, the Ice-
lander." Newton. Figs. 742, 743, 746.) Common or Foolish Guillemot, Guillem or
GwiLYM. Common Murre. Tinker or Tinkershire. Kiddaw or Skiddaw. Mar-
rock. WiLLOCK. ScuTTOCK. ScouT. Strany. Lavy, Frowl. (Several of these
Fig. 742. — Common Guillemot, or Murre, nearly
nat. size. (From Elliott.)
local British names shared with other Murres,
and with the Razor-billed Auk.) Adult $ 9 >
in summer : Head and neck all around rich dark
maroon brown, changing on upper parts into
dark slaty -brown, nearly uniform, but most
feathers of back and rump with slightly lighter,
more grayish -brown, edges. Secondaries nar-
rowly but distinctly tipped with white. Under parts from throat pure white ; sides and flanks
marked with dusky or slaty ; lining of wings varied with white and dusky. Bill black ; mouth
yellow ; eyes brown ; feet blackish. In some cases, not in most, a white " eye-glass," consist-
ing of a rim around eye and handle back of eye
in the furrow of the plumage (such birds, which
are of either sex, being the so-called Ringed
or Bridled Guillemot, U. ringvia). In winter:
White of under parts reaching bill, on sides of
head to level of commissure, farther around on
sides of neck, leaving only a narrow isthmus
of dark color ; the two colors shading without
distinct line of demarcation ; usually a spur of
dark color in the furrow behind eye. Young, first winter : Similar to adults at that season
but with less white on sides of head and slight dusky mottling on jugulum; bill shorter and
weaker, and, like the feet, in part light-colored. Fledglings dusky brownish, with white
breast and belly, and whitish about head and neck. Length 17.00; extent 80.00; wing
8.00; tail 2.25; tarsusl.40; middle toe and claw 2. 10; outer 2.00; inner 1.70; culmen 1.75;
gape 2.50; gonys 1.15; depth of bill at base 0.55; width 0.30. (The figures are aver-
ages of adults; total range of variation 15.00-18.00 in length, and other measurements to
Fia. 743. — Common Guillemot, nat. size.
ALCID.E — ALCIN^: MURRES AND AUKS.
1083
Fig. 744. — Califoruiau Guillemot, nat. size.
correspond.) European and American coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, to or beyond
hit. 80° N.; on the American side breeding from Gulf of St. Lawrence northward; in winter
S. to New England. Myriads of Murres congregate to breed on rocky islands, incubating
their single eggs as closely together as they can find standing-room on the shelves of the cliffs;
tlieir ranks serried on ledge after ledge, and clouds of birds whirling through the air. The
eggs, so numerous as to have commercial value, are notorious for their variability in coloration.
The size is great for that of the bird, averaging 3.25 X 2.00, running unusually from 3.00 to
3.50, with half as much variation in breadth. The ground color ranges from creamy to pure
white, then through earthy, grayish, bluish, or greenish-white to sea-green and every darker
shade of green. The
markings of the
creamy and white va-
rieties are generally
spots and blotches of
different shades of
brown, pretty uni-
formly dispersed, and
eggs t)f this type re-
semble those of the
Ilazor- billed Auk,
but may usually be
distinguished by
larger size (in length) and more pyriform shape. The green eggs are endlessly varied, in
pattern of ihe markings, but are normally more streaked in sharp angular zigzag lines, in-
extricably confused, reminding one of Cliinese literature. Lomvia troile of former editions
of the Key.
U. t. ealifor'nica. (Fig. 744.) Californian Murre or Guillemot. Farallone Bird.
Like the last. Bill somewhat longer, about 1.90; culmen, commissure, and gonys usually less
curved ; upju'r mandible somewhat dilated toward base along cutting edges, and less feath-
ered ; gonydeal angle prominent. The bill consequently approaches that of lomvia in width
and depth, but exaggerates the length and straightness of that of troile. Pacific coast of North
America, breeding from islands in Bering's Sea to southern California. Lomvia troile cali-
fornica of former editions of the Key.
U. lom'via. (Faroese name; Icelandic Zaw^jfOTa. Fig. 745.) Brunnich's Murre. Franks'
Guillemot. Thick-billed Guillemot. Similar to troile in plumage and its changes,
but pileum and nape darker and contrasting with
brown of throat and sides of head and neck.
Form very robust. Bill short, stout, wide, deep;
culmen curved throughout ; connnissure decurved
at end; gonys if anything concave in outline, the
angle very protuberant; cutting edges of upper
mandible dilated and denuded toward base, this
bare turgid space fiesh-colored in life, drying pale
yellowish. Length 18.00; extent 32.00; wing
8.50; tarsus L35; culmen 1.40, gape 2.20; gonys
O.fKt; depth of bill at angle 0.55, width at base of
Yoimg : Plumage rescmblin;; that of winter adults ;
Length hardly Iti.OO; extent about 2II.00 ;
Fio. 745. — Tliick-ljilled GiiiUcmot, nat. hizc.
nostrils 0.30, at angle of mouth 0.80.
smaller, with csiiecially smaller and thinner bill
wing 7.75 ; tail 2.00 ; culmen 1.20 ; gonys 0.63 ; depth of bill 0.42, width 0.27. North Atlantic
:\m\ Polar sca.«, on the shores and islands, in mvriads; on the American side of the Atlantic
1084
SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES — ALCM.
breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, S. in winter to the Middle States regularly,
and casually farther. Egg indistinguishable from that of troile. The numbers of Murres,
either of this or other species, observed anywhere in winter, bear no estimable proportion to
the millions that congregate in the breeding resorts, and their winter whereabouts is some-
thing of a mystery. Individuals of any species are liable to be blown inland or otherwise
beyond their range. Thus, a storm of Dec. 16, 1896, scattered a flight of Briinnich's Murres
over the U. S. from Michigan and Indiana to South Carolina; a few of these were captured
and recorded. (Auk, Apr^ 1897, pp. 197-199, 202, 203, 226, 228.) Lomvia arm svarbag of
2d-4th editions of the Key.
U. 1. ar'ra. (Russian name.) Pallas' Murre. Pacific Thick-billed Guillemot.
Tlie Ni)rtli Pacific farm, unrinestional)ly <if tlie "thick-billed" species, does not exhibit the ex-
treme of shortness and
stoutness of bill described
for Briinnich's Murre of
the Atlantic; culm en
about 1.67, depth oppo-
site nostrils hardly 0.67,
thus less than half length
(if culm en, instead of
about half; gape nearly
;iOO. Tomia of upper
mandible dilated and de-
nuded, of a glaucous
bluish color ; tip of bill
less deflexed, though
more so than in the Com-
mon Guillemot. This is
the great "egg-bird" of
the North Pacific ; on
St. George's, one of the
Prybilov grouji, for ex-
ample, the birds " go fly-
ing art)und the island in
great files and platoons,
always circling against or
quartering, on the wing,
at regular hours in the
morning and the even-
ing, making a dark gir-
dle of birds more than a
quarter of a mile broad
and thirty miles long,
whirling round and round the island, and forcing upon the most casual observer a lasting im-
pression." Lomvia arra of former editions of the Key.
AL'CA. (Lat. from Icelandic alka, Teutonic alk, an Auk.) Razor-billed Auk. Size,
form, and general aspect of the last genus. Bill shorter than head, densely feathered for
half its length, the feathers extending on upper mandible beyond middle of commissure, those
on lower somewhat farther. Bill greatly compressed, cultrate, sulcate, hooked ; culmen ridged,
regularly convex; commissure straight to the hook; gonys about straight. Nostrils linear,
marginal, densely feathered. Tarsi scutellate in front. Tail short, pointed, of 12 stiiBsh, acute
Fig. 7-tlj. — Murres.
ALCID.E — ALCm.'E: MURRES AXD AUKS.
1085
feathers. Wings normal, effective for tiight. Bicolor. Egg single, colored. One species.
Utamania of former editions of the Key.
A. tor'da. (Name of the bird lord or tordmule.) Kazor-billed Auk. Tinker. Adult
$9 ,m summer : Bill and feet black, former with a white line occupying the length of middle
sulcus on both mandibles; mouth yellow; eye hazel-brown or bluish. A strict, sunken line
Kio. 747. — Great Auk. (From " Sport with Gun and Rod." The Century Co., N. T.)
of white from eyr- to base of culuicn. llra.l and neck all around and iipptT partt; black, glo.'^sy
and intense on latter, lustreless opaque brownisli-black on sides and Front of former. Tips of
secondaries and entire under parts from neck, including lining of wings, wliite. In winter :
White reacliing bill, and invading sides of head and neck ; the sharp white line so conspicuous
ill sumnur obliterated: dark parts duller. Youni,' : Similar to adults in winter: smaller:
1086 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PYGOPODES-ALC.E.
duller ; bill smaller, unformed, ungrooved, aud lacking any white line. Nestlings clothed with
sooty down overlaid with rufous, jjaler or whitish on head, neck, and below. Length of adults
about 18.00; extent 27.00; wing 7.75; tail 3.50, graduated 1.25 ; tarsus 1.25; middle or outer
toe and claw 2.00, inner 1.40 ; chord of culmen 1.30, arc J .50 ; gape 2.25 ; gonys 0.75 ; greatest
depth of bill 0.90. This Auk abounds on the North Atlantic, both coasts, and parts of the
Polar seas. On our coast, it breeds in great numbers in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, about New-
foundland and Labrador, and strays S. in winter to the Middle States, like other Alcidce, and
casually to North Carolina. A very few still occur in summer at Grand Manan. Eggs usu-
ally laid in caverns and fissures of rocks along precipitous shore-lines, often with those of
Murres, Sea-pigeons, and Puffins; about 3.00 X scant 2.00, white with creamy or milky-
bluish tint, never green like those of Murres, spotted and blotched, but not fantastically traced
over, with different shades of umber-brown ; less pointed ; laid in June and July. Utamania
tarda of former editions of the Key.
PLAU'TUS. (Lat. flat-footed.) His Grace, The Auk, who lost the use of his wings, aud
perished off the face of the earth in consequence.
P. impen'nis. (Lat. impennis, wingless. Fig. 747.) The Great Auk, or Garefowl.
Largest of the family: length about 30.00; wing 6.00; tail 3.00, of 14 feathers; bill along
gape 4.25; chord of culmen 3.15; greatest depth of upper mandible 1.00, of lower 0.67;
greatest width of bill 0.67; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and claw 3.25; outer 3.00; inner
2.25. A great white oval spot between eye and bill. Hood and mantle dark; under parts
white, extending in a point on the throat ; ends of secondaries white. Bill black, with white
grooves; feet black; iris hazel-brown. Special interest attaches to this bird, which is now
extinct, largely through human agency. It formerly inhabited the North American coast from
Massachusetts northward, as attested by earlier observers, and by the plentiful occurrence of
its bones in shell-heaps; also Greenland, Iceland, and the northwest shores of Europe from the
British islands nearly to the Arctic Circle. On our shores it was apparently last alive at Funk
Island off the south coast of Newfoundland ; in Iceland, its living history has been brought down
to 1844. For some years it vcas currently, but prematurely, reported extinct. Mr. R. Deane
has recorded (Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 368) that a specimen was " found dead in the vicinity of
St. Augustine, Labrador, in November, 1870; " this one, though in poor condition, being sold
for $200, and sent to Europe. But there appears to be some question respecting the character,
date, and disposition of tliis alleged individual; and it seems very improbable that the species
lived down to 1870. I know of only four specimens in this country, — in the Smithsonian
Institution, in the Philadelphia Academy, the Cambridge Museum, and Vassar College,
Poughkeepsie (the latter the original of Audubon's figures). There is an egg in each of the
first two mentioned collections. In pattern of coloration the egg is like that of the Razor-
billed Auk, though it is of course much larger, measuring about 5.00 X 3.00. About 70 skins
appear to be preserved in various museums, with as many eggs, some 6 more or less complete
skeletons, and other bones representing perhaps 100 individuals.
Part IV.
SYSTEIHATIC SYNOPSIS
Oh- THE
FOSSIL BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA,
There is at present no satisfactory evidence tliat Birds existed in North America before
the Jurassic period ; the footprints in the sandstone of the Connecticut Valley attributed to
Birds having probably all been made by Dinosaurian Reptiles (p. 62). A number of Creta-
ceous Birds have been known for some years, as given in the original edition of this work
(1872) ; but it is only since 1881 that this class of vertebrates has been traced back to the
Jurassic by the discovery of Laopteryx jjriscus on a geologic horizon nearly that of the famous
Arch(Eopteryx.
The Tertiary Birds of North America belong to genera identical with, or nearly related
to, those now living. The case is otherwise with the earlier forms from the Cretaceous and
the Jurassic. Most of these are " Odontornithes," or Birds with teeth ; having the teeth im-
planted either in grooves (Odontolcce) , or in sockets {Odontotormce), as illustrated by the genera
Hesperornis and Ichthyornis respectively.
In the original edition of the Key these Cretaceous types were ranged with those from the
Tertiary, their characters not having been fully worked out at that time. They have since
become well known, through Professor Marsh's restorations and illustrations (Odontornithes,
4to, Washington and New Haven, 1880).
It is deemed advisable to present the Fossil Birds of North America under the three cate-
gories of Tertiary, Cretaceous, and Jurassic forms ; the first-named being ranged under the
several orders to which they are supposed to belong, as described in this work ; the re-
mainder, with few exceptions, being Odontornithes, which are most conveniently catalogued
alphabetically.
A* — Tertiary Hirds,
CAHINATjE (p. 244).
PASSERES (p. 244).
PAL^OSPIZA BELLA.
FaUcospiza bella Allen, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr, iv. No. 2, May 3, 1878, pp. 443-
445, pi. 1, tigs. 1, 2. — Am. Journ. Sci. xv, May, 1878, p. 381. — Amer. Nat. xv, Mar. 1881,
p. 253. — CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 822. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 345.
1088 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS.
Based upon some beautifully preserved remains, from the insect-bearing shales of Floris-
sant, Colorado, now deposited in the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History. They
consist of the greater part of the skeleton, including all tlie bones of the wings and legs ex-
cepting the femurs, but unfortunately lacking the bill. The impression of the feathers of the
wings and tail are remarkably distinct, showing not only the general shape of these parts, but
the shafts and barbs of the feathers themselves. The bones are all in situ, "and indicate be-
yond question a high ornithic type, probably referable to the oscine division of the Passeres.
The lack of the bill renders it impossible to assign the s]iecies to any particular family, but the
fossil on the whole gives the impression of Fringilline affinities." The approximate length of
the specimen is seven inches.
SCOLECOPHAGUS AFFINIS.
Scolecophagus affinis Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 418. pi. xv, fig.
10. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 345.
A Grackle from the Pliocene of Oregon.
CORVUS ANNECTENS.
Corvus annectens Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 419, pi. xv, figs. 14,
15, 16. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 345.
A Crow from the Pliocene of Oregon.
PICARI-ffi (p. 537).
UINTORNIS LUCARIS.
Uintornis lucaris Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 259. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 347. —Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 822. —A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 345.
This bird was about as large as a Robin, and apparently related to the Woodpeckers. The
only known remains are from the Lower Tertiary formation of Wyoming Territory. They are
preserved in the Museum of Yale College.
RAPTORES (p. 617).
AQUILA PLIOGRYPS.
Aquila iMogryps Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 416, pi. xvii, fig. 33. —
A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 344.
An Eagle from the Pliocene of Oregon.
AQUILA SODALIS.
Aquila sodalis Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 417. — A. 0. U. Check-
List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 344.
Another Eagle from the same formation, supposed to be distinct from the foregoing.
AQUILA DANANA.
Aquila danana Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. ii, Aug. 1871, p. 125. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 347. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 822. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 344.
This species was nearly as large as the Golden Eagle (A. ehrysaetus). The only known
remains were found in the Pliocene of Nebraska, and are preserved in the Yale Museum.
BUBO LEPTOSTEUS.
Bilbo leptosteus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. ii, Aug. 1871, p. 126. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 347. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 822. —A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 344.
A species about two-thirds as large as the Great Horned Owl (B. virginianus) . The
remains were discovered in the Lower Tertiary beds of Wyoming, and are now in the Yale
Museum.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 1089
PAL^OBORUS UMBROSUS.
Cathartes umbrosus Cope, Proc. Phila. Acad, xxvi, 1874, p. 151. — Ann. Rep. Chief of
Eugrs. U. S. A. 1874, p. 606.
Vulttir umbrosus Cope, Proc. Phila. Acad, xxvii, 1875, p. 271. — Ann. Rep. Chief of
Engrs. U. S. A. 1875, p. 993. —Rep. Surv. W. 100th Merid. iv, pt. ii, p. 287, pi. Ixvii, figs.
10-18, pi. Ixviii, figs. 1-19.
Palceoborus umbrosus Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 822. — A. O. U. Check-List, 2d ed.
1895, p. 344.
From the Pliocene of New Mexico; remains found in the sands north of Pojuaque, repre-
senting a rapacious bird in size intermediate between the Golden Eagle and the Turkey Vul-
ture; referred at first to the genus Cathartes, afterward provisionally to the genus Vultur. As
the description and figures clearly indicate a bird generically distinct from Cathartes, and as
the improbability of the occurrence of a true Vidtur in North America is extreme, this species
was made the type of a new genus, Palceoborus, in the second edition of the Key.
PAL^OTETRIX GILLI.
PalfBotetrix (jilli Siiu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 415, pi. xvii, fig. 37. —
A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 343.
From the Pliocene of Oregon.
PEDIOC^TES LUCASI.
Pedioccetes lucasi Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 414, pi. xvii, fig. 30. —
A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 343.
A Grouse from the Pliocene of Oregon, supposed to be closely related to the common
Sharjj-tailed Grouse.
PEDIOC^TES NANUS.
Pediocxtes nanus Suu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 414, pi. xvii,
figs. 36, 37. — A. O. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 343.
From the same geographical locality and geological horizon as the last.
GALLING (p. 719).
MELEAGRIS ANTIQUUS.
Melearjris atitiquus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. ii, Aug. 1871, p. 126. — CouES, Key, 1872,
p. 347. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 823. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 343.
This species was nearly as large as the Wild Turkey (J/, gallopavo). The remains repre-
senting it were found in the Miocene of Colorado, and are preserved in the Yale Museum.
MELEAGRIS ALTUS.
Mckagris altus Marsh, Proc. Phila. Acad. Mar. 1870, p. 11. — Amer. Nat. iv, July, 1870,
p. 317. — Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 260. — Coues, Key, 1872, p. 348. — Coues, Key,
2d ed. 1884, p. 823. —A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 344.
Meleagris superbus Cope, Syu. Ext. Batrach. etc. p. 239.
"Represented by portions of three skeletons, of different ages, which belonged to bird.s
about the size of the Wild Turkey, although proportionally much taller. The tibiaj and tarso-
metatarsal bones were, in fact, so elongated as to resemblf? those of wading birds." From the
Post-pliocene of New Jersey. The remains are mostly in the Museum of Yale College.
MELEAGRIS CELER.
Meleagris celer ^L\ksh, Am. Journ. Sci. Oct. 1872, p. 26L — Coues, Key, 1872, p. 348.
— Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 823. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 344.
A species much smaller than the foregoing, but with legs of slender proportions. Also
from the Post-pliocene of New Jersey, and preserved in tiic Yale Museum.
69
1090 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS.
LIMICOLiE (p. 762).
CHARADRIUS SHEPPARDIANUS.
Charadrius sheppardianus Cope, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr, vi, No. 1, Feb. 11, 1881,
pp. 83-85. — Amer. Nat. xv, Mar. 1881, p. 253. — CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 823. —
A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d od. 1895, p. 343.
HERODIONES (p. 863).
ARDEA PALOCCIDENTALIS.
Ardea paloccidentalis Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 411, pi. xvii,
fig. 31. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 341.
A Heron from the Plioceue of Orearonus.
PALUDICOLiE (p. 844).
GRUS HAYDENI.
Gnis haydeni Marsh, Am. Jouru. Sci. xlix, March, 1870, p. 214. — CouES, Key, 1872,
p. 348. — CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 823. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 342.
A- species about as large as the Sandhill Crane {G. canadensis). From the Pliocene of
Nebraska. Remains preserved in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy.
GRUS PROAVUS.
Grus proavus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 261. — Coues, Key, 1872, p. 348.
— CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 823. —A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 342.
This species was nearly as large as a Sandhill Crane. The remains representing it were
found in the Post-pliocene of New Jersey, and are now in the Yale Museum.
ALETORNIS NOBILIS.
Aletornis nohilis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 256. — CoUES, Key, 1872,
p. 348. — CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 823. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 342.
Nearly as large as the preceding species. Found in the Eocene deposits of Wyoming, and
now in the Museum of Yale College.
ALETORNIS PERNIX.
Aletornis pernix Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct. 1872, p. 256. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 348. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. .342.
About half the size of the above, and from the same locality. Also in the Yale Museum.
ALETORNIS VENUSTUS.
Aletornis venustus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 257 Coues, Key,
1872, p. 348. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895,
p. 342.
A smaller species, about as large as a Curlew (Numenius). From the same locality, and
likewise in the Yale Museum.
ALETORNIS GRACILIS.
Aletornis gracilis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 258. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 348. —Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824. - A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 342.
A bird about the size of a Woodcock (Philohela minor). From the same formation and
locality, and now preserved in the Museum of Yale College.
ALETORNIS BELLUS.
Aletornis hellus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 258. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 349. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824. — A. O. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 343.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 1091
A still smaller species, probably belonging to a different genus. From the same locality,
and also iu the Yale iMuseum.
FULICA 3IINOK.
FhUcu minor Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 412, pi. xvii, fig. 32. —
A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 342.
A Coot from the Pliocene of Oregon.
ODONTOGLOSS-SI (p. 887).
PHCENICOPTERUS COPEI.
Fh(£)iicoptenis copci SilU. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 410, pi. xv, figs. 41-
43, pi. xvii, figs. 28, 29, 38. — A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 341.
A Flamingo from the Pliocene of Oregon.
ANSERES (p. 890).
CYGNUS PALOREGOMJS.
Ci/[inus jxiioi'i'nouns Cori:, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr, iv, No. 2, May 3, 1878, p. 388.
Represented by numerous bones, especially by foin- metatarsals, two of which are uearly
perfect, indicating a species very near those now existing, but apparently distinct. From the
Pliocene of Oregon. Remains in Professor Cope's Collection.
BRANTA HYPSIBATUS.
Anser hi/psibatiis Cope, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr, iv, No. 2, May 3, 1878, p. 387.
Bernicla hypsihates CouES, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824.
Branta hypsihates CouES, A. 0. U. Check-List, 1st ed. 1885, p. 3G4.
Branta hypsibatus A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 341.
Based upon a metatarsal bone lacking the hypotarsus, indicating a Goose nearly related to
Branta canadensis, but probably larger or with longer legs. From the Pliocene of Oregon.
Ivi-niaiu.-* in Profc.-^sor Cope's Collection.
BRANTA PROPINQUA.
Branta propinqua Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 407, pi. xv. tii,^. 17. —
A. 0. U. Check-List, 2d ed. 1895, p. 341.
From the Pliocene of Oregon.
AXSER CONDONI.
Anser condoni Shu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. xi, 1892, p. 400. — A. 0. U. Check-
List, 2ded. 1895, p. 341.
From tlie Pliocene of Oregon.
STEGANOPODES fp. 951).
SILA LOXOSTYLA.
Snla lo.iostyla Cope, Trans. Amer. Pliilos. Soc. xiv, Dec. 1870, p. 236. — CouES. Ki'v,
1-^7J. ]). .349. — CouE.s, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824. — CouES, A. 0. U. Check-List. 1st ed.
ISHI, p. iny.i
A Gannet, not so large as the common living species (S. hassana), from tlie Miocene of
North Carolina. The remains are ]U'e.served in Professor Cope's CoUectiiui.
PIIALACROCORAX IDAHENSIS.
Graculus idahensis Maush. Am. Journ. Sci. xlix. Marcli, IS70, p. 21(). — (Oi ks. Key,
IS72, p. .349.
I'halacrocorax idahensis CoUKS. Key, 2d ed. 1884. p. 824. — CoiKS. .V. ( >. 1'. Clieck-
List, 1st ed. 188<>. p. 3tJ3.
1092 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS.
A typical Cormorant, rather smaller tlian P. earbo. From the Pliocene of Idaho. Most
of the known remains are deposited in the Yale Museum.
PHALACROCOKAX MACROPUS.
Graculus macropus Cope, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr, iv, No. 2, May 8, 1878, p. 386.
Phalacrocorax macropus Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 824.
Phalacrocorax microjms, by error. Coues, A. 0. U. Check-List, 1st ed. 1886, p. 364.
From the Pliocene of Oregon, in which it appears to have been numerous ; represented by
various bones, those upon which the species is based being three nearly perfect metatarsals in
the collection of Professor Cope, indicating a bird somewhat larger than the living Phalacro-
corax dilophus, and agreeing closely in size with Ph. idahensis.
TUBINARES (p. 1021).
PUFFINUS CONRADI.
Puffinus conradii Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xlix. Mar. 1872, p. 212. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 3.50. — Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 825. — Coues, A. 0. U. Check-List, 1st ed. 1886,
p. 363.
A Shearwater about the size of P. cinereus. From the Miocene of Maryland, and now
preserved in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy.
PYGOPODES (p. 1046).
URIA ANTIQUA.
Catarractes antiquus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xlix, Mar. 1870, p. 213. — CouES, Key,
1872, p. 350.
Lomvia antiqua Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 825.
Uria antiqua Coues, A. 0. U. Check-List, 1st ed. 1886, p. 363.
A Guillemot rather larger than the Common Murre (U. troile). From the Miocene of
North Carolina. Deposited in the Philadelphia Academy.
URIA AFFINIS.
Catarractes affinis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 259. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 350.
Lomvia affinis Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 825.
Uria affinis Coues, A. O. U. Check-List, 1st ed. 1886, p. 363. »
A species about as large as the preceding, and nearly related. From the Post-pliocene of
Maine. The original specimen is in the Philadelphia Academy.
BATITM (p, 244).
GASTORNIS GIGANTEUS.
Diatryma gigantea Cope, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1876, p. 11. —Rep. Surv. W. 100th Merid.
iv, pt. ii, 1877, pp. 69-71, pi. xxxii, figs. 23-25.
Gastornis giganteus Coues, Key, 2d ed. 1884, p. 825.
From the Eocene of New Mexico, of the Wahsatch epoch; based upon a tar so -metatarsal
bone lacking a part of the shaft and the external condyle. The species was of great size, the
proximal end of the bone being nearly twice the diameter of that of the Ostrich. " Its discovery
introduced this group of Birds [Batitce] to the known faunse of North America, and demon-
strates that this continent has not been destitute of the gigantic forms of birds now confined to
the southern hemisphere fixunte " (Cope). The proximal end of the bone is described as re-
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 1093
sembling the same part in the Ostriches (Struthionidce) and Moas (Dinornithida;) ; while the
distal end, as far as that is preserved, is similar to that of Gastornis of the corresponding hori-
zon in France.
BARORNIS REGENS.
Barornis regens Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xlviii, 1894, p. 344.
From the Eocene of the vicinity of Squantum, New Jersey.
H. — Cretaceous Jiirds,
The following synopsis is based upon that given in the appendix of Marsh's great work
already cited (" Odontornithes "). The ten genera and twenty-three species presented are
supposed to be referable to one or the other of the two types exemplified by Ichthyornis and
Hesperornis respectively; but, as many of them are still known only by remains so fragmen-
tary that it is impossible to say whether they are Odontotorrmc or Odontolcce, an alphabetical
arrangement of the genera is followed.
Most of the known remains of Cretaceous birds of North America have been discovered
on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, in beds of middle Cretaceous age which have
been termed by Marsh " Pteranodon beds," from the genus of toothless Pterodactyles found in
them. These Western Cretaceous birds were all found in Kansas, excepting some from cor-
responding strata in Texas. The Eastern Cretaceous forms from the green-sand of New
Jersey, all of which are distinct from the western ones, are from a higher horizon, representing
a division of the upper Cretaceous. No jaws or teeth of these birds having been found, it is
impossible to say as yet whether or not they are odontornithic All the deposits of Cretaceous
age in North America, in which birds have been found, are marine, and the species appear to
have all been aquatic.
APATORMS CELER.
Ichthyornis celer Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v, Jan. 1873, p. 74.
Apatornis celer Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v, Feb. 1873, p. 162. — Id. ibid, v, Mar. 1873,
p. 230. — Id. ibid, x, Nov. 1875, p. 404. — Id. Am. Nat. ix, Dec. 1875, p. 620. — Id. Geol.
Mag. iii, Feb. 1876, p. 50. — Woodav. Pop. Sci. Rev. Oct. 1875, p. 349. — Marsh, Odont.
1880, p. 192, pis. xxviii-xxxiii.
A bird about the size of a Pigeon, from the middle Cretaceous of western Kansas ; related
to Ichthyornis. The two known specimens are preserved in the Yale Museum.
BAPTORNIS ADVENUS.
Buptornis adveniis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xiv, July, 1877, p. 8G. — Id. Journ. de
Zool. vi, 1877, p. 387. — Id. Odont. 1880, p. 192, figs. 37-39.
Based upon a nearly perfect tarso-metatarsal, closely resembling the same part oi Hesper-
ornis, and indicating an aquatic bird about as large as a Loon. From western Kansas, in the
same Cretaceous beds with Odontornithes and Pteranodontia. The type, and a second speci-
men referred to the same species, are preserved in the Museum at Yale College.
CIMOLOPTERYX RARUS.
Ciniiilopfrry.r rnrns .Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xliv, 1892, p. 175, pi. iii, fig. 2.
Fri)iii till' Laramie beds nf NN'yuiniug.
CIMOLOPTERYX RETUSUS.
Cimoloptery.v retusus >L\rsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xliv, 1892, p. 175.
Frcim tlic Laramie bods of Wyoming.
COMORMS ALTITS.
Coniornis altus >L\rsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xiv, 1893. p. 82.
From the Cretaceous of the Judith River basin, in Mimtana.
1094 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS.
GRACULAVUS VELOX.
Graculavus velox Marsh, Ain. Journ. Sci. iii, May, 1872, p. 363. — Id. ibid, v, Mar.
1873, p. 229. — Id. Odont. 1880, p. 194. — Coues, Key, 1872, p. 349.
A bird about two-thirds as large as a Cormorant. The remains were found in the green-
sand of the middle marl bed, or upper Cretaceous, near Hornerstown, New Jersey, and are all
preserved in the Museum of Yale College.
GRACULAVUS PU3IILUS.
Graculavus pumiliis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iii. May, 1872, p. 364. — Id. ihid. v, Mar.
1873, p. 229. — Id. Odont. 1880, p. 195. — Coues, Key, 1872, p. 350.
A smaller species than the foregoing, from the same formation and locality. Remains
also in the Yale Museum.
Note. Several western species, provisionally referred to the genus Graculavus, have
since been identified with Ichthyornis, which see.
HESPERORNIS REGALIS. (See p. 63, fig. 15.)
Hesperornis regalis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iii, Jan. 1872, p. 56. — Id. ibid, iii. May,
1872, p. 360. — Id. ibid, x, Nov. 1875, p. 403. — Id. ibid, xiv, July, 1877, p. 85, pi. v. —
Id. Am. Nat. ix, Dec. 1875, p. 625. — Id. Geol. Mag. iii, Feb. 1876, p. 49, pi. ii. — Id.
Odont. 1880, pp. 1-117, p. 195, pis. i-xx. — Coues, Key, 1872, p. 195. — Woodw. Pop. Sci.
Rev. Oct. 1875, p. 337. — Seeley, Journ. Geol. Soc. xxxii, 1876, p. 510. — Huxl. Pop.
Sci. Monthly, x, 1876, pp. 215-218. — YoGT, Revue Scient. xvii, 1879, p. 247. — Dana, Man.
Geol. 1880, pi. iv.
Reference to p. 244, antea, will show the essential characters of Odontolcce, of which the
present species is a type. Hesperornis may be tersely characterized as a gigantic diver, some
six feet in length from the point of the bill to the end of the toes, standing over three feet high
in the position represented in the above-cited figure. "While the general configuration of the
skeleton may be likened to that of a Loon, the conformation of the sternum is ratite, and the
wings are rudimentary or abortive, only a remnant of a humerus being left ; other struthious
characters are noted in various parts of the skeleton ; the jaws are long and furnished with
sharp recurved teeth implanted in grooves, but the vertebrae are heteroccelous, or saddle-shaped,
and the coccyx is short, as in ordinary birds ; most of these characters separating this odontol-
cons type sharply from both Odontotortme and SaururcB. Comparison of the three Mesozoic
genera, Hesperornis, Ichthyornis, and Archccopteryx, shows greater diversity from one another
than that existing among all known birds of later geologic and of the present epoch.
The first remains of this now famous species were found by Professor Marsh in November,
1870, in the yellow chalk of the Pteranodon beds, near the Smoky Hill River in Kansas. The
type specimen was found in July, 1871, on the south bank of the same river, about twenty
miles east of Fort Wallace, imbedded in gray calcareous shale. Many other remains have
also been collected, representing in all some 40 different individuals, all from the same geologic
horizon in western Kansas, and most of them near the locality of the original ones. They are
all preserved in the Museum of Yale College.
HESPERORNIS CRASSIPES.
Lestornis crassipes Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xi, June, 1876, p. 509.
Hesperornis crassipes Marsh, Odont. 1880, p. 196, figs. 40 a-d, pis. vii, xvii.
Based upon a nearly complete skeleton from the yellow chalk of western Kansas, indi.
eating a bird considerably larger than H. regalis, and one that may prove to be generically
distinct. Deposited in the Yale Museum.
HESPERORNIS GRACILIS.
Hesperornis gracilis Marsh, Am. Journ, Sci. xi, June, 1876, \). 510. — Id. Odont. 1880,
pp. 99, 197.
A third species, from the same horizon and locality, represented by two specimens, one ot
them a nearly complete skeleton. Deposited in the Yale Museum.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 1095
ICHTHYOKNIS DISPAK,
Ichthyornis dispar Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Oct. 1872, p. 344. — Id. ibid. \, Feb.
1873, p. IGl. — Id. ibid. Mar. 187.3, p. 230. — Couks, Key, 1872, p. 350. — Owen, Journ.
Geol. Soc. Loud, xxxix, 1873, p. 520. —Wood w. Pop. Sci. Eev. Oct. 1875, p. 348. — Marsh,
Am. Nat. ix, Dec. 1875, p. 625. —Id. Geol. Mag. iii, 1876, p. 49. — Huxl. Pop. Sci. Monthly,
X, 1876, pp. 215-218. — Marsh, Journ. de Zool. iv, 1875, p. 494, pi, xv; vi, 1877, p. 385.—
Id. Odont. 1880, pp. 1 19-183, 197, pis. xxi-xxvi.
This remarkable bird, forming a type of the group Odontotormfe (p. 243), with general
characters of the skeleton like those of ordinary birds, yet with socketed teeth and biconcave
vertebrae, was discovered in 1872 near the Solomon River in northwestern Kansas, in the Pte-
ranodon beds of the middle Cretaceous. It was about as large as a Pigeon. The remains
of about nine individuals, all from tlie same region, are preserved in the Museum at Yale
College.
ICHTHYORNIS AGILIS.
Graculavus ugilis Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v. Mar. 1873, p. 230.
Ichthyornis agilis Marsh, Odont. 1880, p. 197.
From the same horizon in western Kansas, on Butte Creek, a tributary of the Smoky
Hill River, where discovered in October, 1872. The remains are preserved in the Yale College
Museum.
ICHTHYORNIS ANCEPS.
Graculavus anceps Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iii, May, 1872, p. .364. — Couks, Key,
1872, p. 3.j0. — Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v. Mar. 1873, p. 229. — Id. Odont. 1880, pp.
124, 198.
Resembling I. dispar, but with slenderer jaws and more teeth. The right lower jaw of
the type specimen of I. dispar shows twenty-one distinct sockets. Discovered in November,
1870, in the gray shale of the middle Cretaceous, on the north fork of the Smoky Hill River in
western Kansas, where other specimens have since been found. All are preserved at Yale.
ICHTHYORNIS LENTUS.
Graculavus lentus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xiv. Sept. 1877, p. 253.
Ichthyornis lentus Marsh, Odont. 1880, p. 198.
Based upon part of a tarso-metatarsus from near Fort McKinney, Texas, in beds of middle
Cretaceous age. Deposited in the Yale Museum.
ICHTHYORNIS TENER.
Ichthyornis tener Marsh, Odont. 1880, p. 198, pi. xxx, fig. 8.
From the Pteranodon beds of the middle Cretaceous, Wallace County, Kansas ; two speci-
mens, secured in 1876, and now pre.served at the Yale College Museum.
ICHTHYORNIS VALIDUS.
Ichthyornis ralidus .Marsh, Odont. 1880, j). 198, \)\. x.kx, figs. 11-14.
Discovered in 1877, in the yellow chalk of the middle Cretaceous, near Solomon River, in
northwestern Kansas. The known specimens are deposited in the Museum of Yale College.
ICHTHYORNIS VICTOR. (See p. ()4, fig. 16.)
Ichthyornis victor Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xi, June, 1876, p. 511. — Id. Odont. 1880,
p. 199. pis. xxvii-xxxiv. — Dana, Man. Geol. 1880, pp. 466-468, pi. v.
A species of the genus rather larger than a Pigeon, of which more than forty specimens
have been found in various localities in Kansas, all apparently from the same geological horizon
in till' middh' Cretaceous. These are preserved in tlie Museum of Yale College.
LAORNIS EDVARDSIANUS.
Lnornis edvardsianus Marsh, Proc. Phila. Acad. Jan. 1870, p. 5. — Id. Am. Journ. Sci.
xlix. Mar. 1870, p. 206. — Id. ibid, v, Mar. 187.3, p. 230. - A. Miln'K-Edw. Roch. Ossem.
Foss. ii, 1871, p. 540. — CouES, Key, 1872, p. 350. — Marsh, Odont. 1880, p. 199.
1096 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS.
This species was nearly as large as a Swan. The remains by which it is represented were
found in the middle marl bed. of upper Cretaceous age, at Birmingham, New Jersey, and are
now in the Museum of Yale College.
PAL^OTRINGA LITORALIS.
Palceotringa Uttoralis Marsh, Proc. Phila. Acad. Jan. 1870, p. 5. — Id. Am. Journ.
Sci. xlix, Mar. 1870, p. 208. —A. Milne-Edw. Rech. Ossem. Foss. ii, 1871, p. 540. —
CoUES, Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v. Mar. 1873, p. 229. — Id. Odont.
1880, p. 199.
A bird about as large as a Curlew. The remains representing it were discovered in the
green-sand of the upper Cretaceous, near Hornerstown, New Jersey, and are preserved in the
collection at Yale College.
PAL^OTRINGA VAGANS.
Palceotringa vagans Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. iii, May, 1872, p. 365. — Coues, Key, 1872,
p. 349. — Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v, Mar. 1873, p. 229.
From the same formation and locality as the last ; of smaller size, being intermediate be-
tween the other two species of the genus. The specimens upon which this species is based are
preserved in the Yale College Museum.
PAL^OTRINGA VETUS.
Scolopax Morton, Syn. Organic Remains of the Cret. U. S. 1834, p. 32. — Harlan,
Med. and Phys. Res. 1835, p. 280.
Palceotringa vetus Marsh, Proc. Phila. Acad. Jan. 1870, p. 5. — Id. Am. Journ. Sci.
xlix. Mar. 1870, p. 209. — A. Milne-Edw. Rech. Ossem. Foss. ii, 1871, p. 540. — Coues,
Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v. Mar. 1873, p. 229. — Id. Odont. 1880,
p. 200.
The first fossil bird of North America appears to have been noted by Dr. Morton in 1834,
as that of a Snipe-like species. The specimen, consisting of a femur imperfect at the upper
extremity, was presented by S. W. Conrad to Dr. Harlan, who remarks that "the bone
appears to be perfectly mineralized." It was found near Arneytown, New Jersey, in the lower
marl bed of the Cretaceous formation. This same specimen (which meanwhile had been gen-
erally regarded as of a recent species, notwithstanding its condition and the position in which
it had been found) furni.shed Professor Marsh the basis of liis Palceotringa vetus, a smaller
species than either of tlio others of this genus. The known remains are in the Philadelphia
Academy.
TELMATORNIS PRISCUS.
Telmatornis priscus Marsh, Proc. Phila. Acad. Jan. 1870, p. 5. — Id. Am. Journ. Sci.
xhx, Mar. 1870, p. 210. — A. Milne-Edw. Rech. Ossem. Foss. ii, 1871, p. 541. — Coues,
Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v, Mar. 1873, p. 229. — Id. Oc'out. 1880,
p. 200.
A species about as large as the King Rail (Ballus elegans) ; from the middle marl bed of
the upper Cretaceous formation. The remains were found near Hornerstown, New Jersey, and
are preserved in the Museum of Yale College.
TELMATORNIS AFFINIS.
Telmatornis affinis Marsh, Proc Phila. Acad. Jan. 1870, p. 5. — Id. Am. Journ. Sci.
xUx, Mar. 1870, p. 211. — A. Milne-Edw. Rech. Ossem. Foss. ii. 1871, p. 541. — Coues,
Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. v. Mar. 1873, p. 229. — Id. Odont. 1880,
p. 201.
The known remains are in the Yale Museum.
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 109i
C. — Jurassic Birds,
The single representative of birds at present known from this formation is odontornithic.
LAOPTERYX PRISCUS.
Laopteryx priscus Marsh, Am. Journ. Sci. xxi, Apr. 1881, p. 341.
From the upper Jurassic beds of Wyoming. The known remains are deposited in the
Museum of Yale College.
The interest attaching to this fossil induces me to transcribe the original description: —
" The type specimen of the present species is the posterior portion of the skull, which
indicates a bird rather larger than a Blue Heron {Ardea Herodias). The braincase is so
broken that its inner surface is disclosed, and in other respects the skull is distorted, but it
shows characteristic features. The bones of the skull are pneumatic. The occipital condyle
is sessile, hemispherical in form, flattened and slightly grooved above. There is no trace of a
posterior groove. The foramen magnum is nearly circular, and small in proportion to the con-
dyle. Its plane coincides with tliat of tlie occiput, which is slightly inclined forward. The
bones around the foramen are firmly co-ossified, but the supra-occipital has separated some-
what from the squamosals and parietals. Other sutures are more or less open. On each side
of the condyle, and somewhat below its lower margin, there is a deep, rounded cavity, perfo-
rated by a pneumatic foramen.
" The cavity for the reception of the head of the quadrate is oval in outline, and its longer
axis, if continued backward, would touch the outer margin of the occipital condyle. This
cavity indicates that the quadrate had an undivided head. The braincase was comparatively
small, but the hemispheres were well developed. They were separated above by a sharp
mesial crest of bone. A low ridge divided the hemis])heres from the optic lobes, which were
prominent.
" The following measurements indicate the size of the specimen : —
Width of skull across occiput (approximate) ... 24 mm.
Transverse diameter of occipital condyle 5 '•
Vertical diameter 4 "
Width of foramen magnum 5 "
Height G >•
Distance from occipital condyle to top of supra-occipital 11 '•
" In its main features, the present specimen resembles the skull of the HatitcE, more than
that of any existing birds. Other parts of the skeleton will doubtless show still stronger rep-
tilian characters.
" In the matrix attached to this skull, a single tooth was found, which most resembles the
teeth of birds, especially those of Ichthyornis. It is probable that Laopteryx possessed teeth,
and also biconcave vertebrae.
" The specimen here described, and others apparently of the same species, were found iu
tlic up])('r .Jurassic of Wyoming Territory, iu the horizon of the Atlantosaurus beds."
INDEX.
Note. — (1) Scientific names of birds consisting of two or three terms are entered but once, under the genus; as,
Turdus musMinus. (2) But Temacular names of two terms are entered twice ; as, Wood thrush, and Thrush, wood.
(3) Anatomical and other technical terms are fully indexed as occurring in Part II., where they are defined and ex-
plained; but not as occurring in Parts III. and IV., where tliey are simply used in describing birds. (4) Names of
birds, both scientific and vernacular, are fully indexed as occurring in Parts III. and IV., but usually not as incidentally
occurring in Parts I. and II. in illustration of the zoological and anatomical cliaracters there noted. (5) Names merely
appearing in the text, not as headings, are untnlly not indexed ; many such, however, will be found, especially such aa
are not elsewhere formally treated. (C) Synonyms, both scientific and vernacular, are indexed. (7) Matters of field-
work and taxidermy treated in Part I. are fully indexed by one or more leading words ; as. Insect pests, and Pests, insect.
(8) Names of persons mentioned or of authors quoted are not indexed. (9) The whole work is so fully indexed that the
Index will serve as a glossary of the terminology of ornithology. (10) All the figures refer to pages.
Abdomen 99
Abducent nerves 183
Abduction of winfj 114
Abert's towhee 402
Acadian
tivcatcher 528
owl 6:38
sharp-tailed finch 413
Acanthis 389
brewsteri 391
hornemanni 390
exilipes 391
linaria 389
holboelli 390
rostrafa 390
Acanthisitta 276
Accentor
aquatic 333
golden-crowned 333
Accessory
bone of shoulder 112
metatarsal 126
Accidents from the gun 19
Accipiter 658
cooperi 659
nisus 200, 659
Accipitres 648
Accipitrimn 657
Accommodation of eye 184
Acetabulum 125, 154
Acicular 106
Acromial process 152
Acromion 152
Acromyodi 246
Acromyodian 211, 245
Acro[iodiuin 130
Acrolarsiiim 130
Actitis 834
macularia 835
Acfochelidon 1005
Actodromus 813
acumiiiuta 817
bairdi M14
cooperi 816
Actodromas
damascensis 814
fuscicollis 816
maculata 815
minutilla 813
Acuminate, 106
Acutirostral 106
Adak ptarmigan 748
Adams' diver 1050
Adduction of wing 114
Adrenals 46, 222
./Echmophorus 1053
olarki 1054
occidentalis 1054
yEgialeus 775
.Egiaiites 773
dubia 778
hiaticula 777
nieloda 779
circumcincta 780
mongola, 782
nivosa, 780
semipalmata 775
vocifera 774
wilsonia, 781
yEgialitis 777
yEgithognathism 178
yEgithognathoiis skull 178
jEjiyornis maximus 64, 227
Aiironautcs 557
saxatilis 557
iEsalon 670
yEthyla 924
amcricana 925
vaiiisneria 927
Ai'-tOMKirpha; 617
^Ex 910
sponsa 910
Afferent function of nerves 180
After-shaft 85
Apamis, 846
Age, recognition of a bird's 46
Ageia'inip 465
AgcJicus 468
Agelaeus
gubernator californicus 470
phttniceus 468
bryanti 469
sonoriensis 469
tricolor 470
Aiken's
junco 430
screech owl 634
Air-bone 174
Air-cells 206
Air-gun 3
Ajaja 808
ajaja 868
Alaskan
bald eagle 698
chickadee 273
jay 501
longspur 398
(liiic grosbeak 378
three-toed wiiii(l[)ecker 590
winter wren 298
Ala spuria 115
Alauda 508
arvensis 508
Alaudida- 69, 298, 503
Albatross
black 1026
black-footed 1024
eve brow 1026
lavsan 1024
short-tailed 1024
sooty 102G
wandering 1023
vellow-noscd 1025
Albatrosses 1022, 1(I23
culminating 1025
A lea 1084
torda 1085
Ak\T 1059
Alccdinid.'i' 571
Alcodininip 572
Alcedo 572
AlcidiB 1059
1100
INDEX.
Alcinaj 1081
Alcohol, use of 21
Alcyone 133, 134
Alder flycatcher 529
Alectorides 844
Alectoromorphne 177, 720
Alectoropodes 721
Aletornis
bellus 1090
gracilis 1090
iiobilis 1090
pernix 1090
venustus 1090
Aleutian
auklet 1073
leucosticte 388
sandpiper 819
song sparrow 422
tern 1014
Alewife-bird 807
Alexander humming-bird 548
Alice's thrush 256
Aliethmoid 159
Alimentary canal 215
Alinasal 159
Aliseptal 159
Alisphenoid 164
Alle 1080
alle 1080
Allen humming-bird 550
Allen's
rosy finch 387
willow ptarmigan 745
Allied robin 250
Allinffi 1080
All saints sparrow 408
Altrices 82
Aluco 622
pratincola 623
Aluconidai 621
Alula 112, 114
Alwargrim plover 771
Amazili hummers 553
Ambiens 199
American
avocet 790
barn owl 623
barn swallow 352
bar-tailed godwit 825
bittern 884
black scoter 942
black-tailed godwit 827
black tern 1018
brown pelican 958
col in 753
continental gvrfalcon 666
coot 862
crow 488
dabchick 1058
dabchicks 1058
darter 969
demiegrets 878
dipper 930, 1058
dukelet 633
dunlin 820
eider duck 939
flvcatchers 510
garrot 928
golden-eye 928
goldfinches 392
goosander 948
goshawk 661
grand duke 630
green sandpiper 833
green-winged teal 918
hawfinches 376
American
hawk owl 642
herring gull 983
jabiru^870
kestrel 674
lanner falcon 667
least tern 1015
linnet 391
long-eared owl 624
magpie 493
marsh hawk 652
mealy red-poll 391
merganser 948
merlin 673
mew gull 991
morillon 928
night heron 882
night-jars 564
nutcrackers 490
orioles 474
osprey 699
oyster-catcher 788
partridge 753
peregrine falcon 669
phalarope 794
pochard 925
quail 753
quails 752
raven 485
red cross-bill 385
flamingo 883
red-head 925
red-necked grebe 1055
redstart 342
robin 249
rough-legged buzzard 690
sherdrake^948
shrike 371
siskin 391
snipe 806
spoonbills 868
starlings 463
stint 813
swan 895
velvet scoter 943
vultures 700
warblers 304
whimbrel 843
whistler 928
white-fronted goose 898
white pelican 957
wigeon 917
windhover 674
woodcock 803
wood owl 628
stork 869
thrushes 252
Amizilis 553
cerviniventris chalconota 553
tzacatl 553
Ammodramus 408, 412
caudacutus 412
coturniculus henslowi 410
occidentalis 411
lecontei 411
savannarum passerinus 409
perpallidus 410
maritimus 413
lisheri 414
macgillivrayi 413
peninsuhe 414
sennetti 414
nelsoni 412
subvirgatus 413
nigrescens 415
Ammunition 4
Amotus 134
Ampelidie 357
Ampelinae 358
Ampelis 358
cedrorum 359
garrulus 359
Amphicoelous vertebrae 144
Amphimorphae 807
Amphispiza 427
belli 428
cinerea 429
navadensis 429
bilineata 427
deserticola 428
Ampullae 195
Anabel's bluebird 258
Analogy 67, 68
Anarhvnchus frontalis 767
Anas 913
auduboni 914
boscas 914
breweri 914
fulvigula 915
maculosa 915
glocitans 915
maxima 915
obscura 915
Anastomus 869
Anatidie 890
trachea of 50
Anatinae 908
Anatomical structure 139
Anatomy 139
Anchylosis 140
Ancient murrelet 1074
Ancon 112
Ancylochilus 821
ferrugineus 821
Angeiologv 201
Angle, frontal 109
Angle of the
jaw 103
mandible 173
mouth 111
wing 115
Anglican tern 1002
Angular bone 172
Angulus oris 111
Anhimidae 845
Anhinga 969
anhinga 969
Anhingas 968
Anhingidae 968
Ani 604
groove-billed 604
Animalia 81
Animation 180
Anis 604
Ankle joint 126
Ankylosis 140
Anna humming-bird 549
Annex junco 432
Anoeaj 1000
Anomalogonatous birds 201
Anorthura 297
alascensis 298
hiemalis 297
pacificus 297
troglodytes 297
Anous 1019'
stolidus 1019
Anser 897
albifrons 898
gambeli 898
condoni 1091
fabalis 898
INDEX.
1101
Anser
fabalis 898
hypsibates lOlU
Anseranas melanoleuca 897
Anseres 890, 1091
Anserina' 896
Anserine birds 887
proper 890
Ant-eating woodjiecker 595
Anteorbital region 102
Anthony's
green heron 881
towhee 461
vireo 368
Anthracite buzzard 694
Anthrenus scrofulari* 55
Anthus 302
cervinus 303
neocorys spraguei 303
pensilvanicus 303
pratensis 302
spinoletta 302
Antine 110
Antihrachium 112, 113
Antiliean tern 1015
Antitrochaiiter 154
Antrorse 110
Antrostonius 564
carolinensis 565
vociferus 566
niacromystax 567
Aorta 203
Apatornis celer 1093
Apheiocoma 497
califoriiica 498
hypoleuca 499
obscura 499
cyanea 497
cyaiiotis 498
insularis 498
sieberi arizona^ 499
woodhoiisei 498
Aphriza 784
virgata 784
Aphrizida' 783
Aphrizina; 784
Apistiskeesh 905
Ai)lomadi> falcon 676
Apophyses 140
Appendicular skeleton 140
Apteria 90
Aptosciiroinatism 92
Aquatic accentor 333
A(|ueous humor 185, 188
Aquila 695
chrvsai-'tiis 695
danana 1088
pliogrvps 1088
sodalis 1088
Arachnoid 182
Aramida' 849
Aramus 849
gigantcus 849
Arboreal pigeons 709
Arch
pectoral 151
pelvic 153
post-oral 158
pre-oral 158
scapular 151
visceral 158
Archa'optcryx litliographica 62, ((3
Archetypes 75
Archetvpic clinracters 75
ArchilMiteo 689
fcrrugiueus 692
Archibuteo
lagopus sancti-johannis 690
Archsaurian 118
Arctic
american saw-whet owl 637
bluebird 258
chipper 434
gull 978
jiiger 980
loon 1050
tern 1012
towhee 458
Arctick bird 978, 980
Arctonetta 935
Ardea 874
cinerea 875
herodias 153. 875
occidentalis 876
[laloccidentalis 1090
wardi 875
wuerdeinanni 876
Ardeida? 871
Anieinie 873
Ardetta 885
exilis 885
neoxena 886
Arenaria 785
interpres 785
melanocephala 786
Arenarina- 785
AridiP 616
Aristonetta 927
Arizona
acorn woodpecker 595
beardless flycatcher 534
bob white 755
cardinal 456
chipping sparrow 436
crested flycatcher, 520
goldfinch 394
hooded oriole 478
jay 499
junco 433
pyrrhuloxia 453
quail 759
summer finch 424
thrasher 287
whippoorwill 567
woodpecker 585
Arkansas
goldlinch 394
tyrant flycatcher 515
Arm-bone 112
Arquatella 817
couesi 819
maritima 818
litilocnemis 819
Arremonops 402
ruti virgata 463
Arsenic 26, 57
Arsenical soap 26
Artemisia sparrow 429
Arterial svsteni 201
Arteries 203
Articular bone of jaw 173
Articulation of bones 140
Artllicial "Keys" 233, 237
Arytenoids 210
Ash-c<dored sandpiper 622
Asli-tliroated
crested flycatcher 520
flycatchers 518
Ashv"
■fork-tftiled petrel 1043
heron 875
Asiatic gidden j)li)ver 772
Asio 624
accipitrinus 625
otus 624
wilsonianus 142, 624
Assemblyman 943
Astragalinus 392
hiwrencii 393
psaltria 394
arizona^ 394
mexicanus 394
tristis 393
pallidus 393
salicamans 393
Astragalus 126
Astur661
atricapillus 661
striatulus 662
Asturina 693
plagiata 693
Asyndesmus 597
torquatus 597
Atkhan ptarmigan 747
Atlantic
gray-winged gull 985
sooty shearwater, 1037
Atlas 145
Atmosteon 174
Atthis 551
morcomi 551
Attic
hummers 551
rock ptarmigan 749
Attwater's prairie hen 741
Attypic characters 76
Audition 190
Auditory
meatus 102
nerve, 183, 193
Audubon's
caracara 677
heron 876
oriole 478
shearwater 1035
thrush 254
warbler 324
woodpecker 586
Auk
great 1086
labrador 1064
little 1080
puflin 1064
razor-billed 1085
Auk let
aleutian 1073
cassin's 1073
crested 1070
duskv 1070
flat-lnlled 1071
horn-bill 1009
kn(.l)-noscd 1072
least 1072
minute 1072
paroquet 1070
l)ug-nos.d 1069
pygmy 1071
rhinoceros 1069
snul)-no-;ed 1070
unicorn 1069
whiskered 1071
wrinkle-nosed 1073
Auklets 1068
snub-nosed 1070
Auks 1059. lOSI
Aural region 102
Auricles of heart 202
.Auricular region 102
1102
INDEX.
Auriculars 102
Auriparus 275
flaviceps 275
lamprocephalus 275
Auris 102
Autumnal tree duck 907
Aves {see. also Birds) 243
definition of the class 61
aerefe 81
aquatics 81
terrestres 81
Avian
foot, modifications of 135
sternum 149
Avocet, american 790
Avocets 789, 790
Axial skeleton 140, 141
Axilla 117
Axillars 117
Axis 145
Ayres' woodpecker 600
Azure
bluebird 257
warbler 323
Bachman's
oyster-catcher 789
summer finch 423
warbler 312
Badger-bird 825
Baguari collared 870
Bahaman
honey creeper 346
red-wing 469
swallow 354
Baird's
bluebird 258
cormorant 967
flycatcher 531
rosy finch 388
sandpiper 814
snowbird 434
sparrow 403
woodpecker 596
wren 295
Baking birdskins 57
Bald-crown 917
Bald eagle 696
Bald-head 917
Bald-headed brant 899
Bald-pate 917, 944
Ball-face 917
Balaniceps rex 871
Balsenicipitida; 871
Baltimore oriole 475
Band-tailed buzzard 686
Bank swallow 355
Baptornis advenus 1093
Barbicels of feathers 85
Barbs of feathers 85, 118
Barbules of feathers 85
Barker 828
Barn
owls 621, 622
swallows 352
Barnacle geese 902
Barnicle 902
Barornis regens 1093
Barred owl 628
florida 629
western 629
Barren-ground sparrow 404
Barrow's golden-eye 929
Bartramia 837
longicauda 837
Bartramian sandpiper 837
Bartram's tattler 837
Basal phalanges 133
Basibranchial 173
Basihyal 173
Basileutenis 345
belli 346
culicivorus 345
Basilinna 554
leucotis 554
xantusi 554
Basioccipital 162
Basipterygoid processes 165, 169
Basis cranii 155
Basisphenoid 164
Basisphenoidal rostrum 164
Basitemporal 161, 162
Basket-bird 476
Bastard
baltimore 476
broad-bill 924
quills 115
wing 112, 115
Batchelder's woodpecker 587
Batter-scoot 946
Bay
coot 944
goose 904
ibis 865
Bay-breasted warbler 326
Bay-winged
bunting 401
longspur 400
summer finch 427
Beach plovers 773
Beach-robin 822
Beak of birds 105
Beaked
parrots 617
sparrow 407
Beardless flycatcher 533
Beards 104 '
Beautiful bunting 451
Becard
greater 535
rose-throated 535
white-bellied 535
xantus' 535
Becards 535
billed 535
Beckham's cardinal 453
Bee-bird 513
Bee-martin 513
Beetle-head 770
Belding's
jay 499
marsh sparrow 407
rail 856
yellow-throat 338
Bellbird 253
Bell's
finch 428
flycatching warbler 346
greenlet 369
Bell-tongue coot 943
Belly 101
Belted kingfisher 573
Bend of the wing 115
Bendire's thrasher 287
Benzine 57
Berlandier's wren 294
Bernicla hvpsibates 1091
Bernicle 90"2
Bessy kick-up 333
Bewick's
swan 896
wren 295
Bicarotidinae
abnormales 204
normales 203
Bicknell's thrush 256
Bicolor blackbird 470
Big
black-head 923
blue darter 659
curlew 841
gray goose 904
headed snipe 803
kill-cu 831
vellow-legged plover 831
Bile 221
Bill of birds 105
Bill-hook 52
Billed becards 535
Bills classified 106
Bill-willie 829
Binomial nomenclature 78
Biogen 198
Biogenation 198
Biology 65
Birch partridge 741
Bird-of-paradise, texan 512
Bird of Washington 696
Birds
anatomy of 133
carrj'ing home safe 18
classification of 80
class of 61
contour of 96
cretaceous 1093
definition of 60
exterior parts of 81, 92
fossil 1087
geologic succession of 62
handling bleeding 17
how many of a kind wanted 12
how to approach 15
how to find 10
how to mount 40
how to skin and stuff 28
Jurassic 1097
killing wounded 16
recovering 16
structure of 59
synopsis of n. american 243
tertiary 1087
topography of 96, 100
Birds and reptiles 60
of prey 617
Birdskins
baking 57
how to make 28
instruments for making 25
Bischoif's song sparrow 422
Bishop plover 785
Bittern
american 884
corv's least 886
florida dwarf 886
least 885
Bitterns 883
dwarf 885
Biziura lobata 921
Black
albatross 1026
brant 903
breast 770, 771
clapper 854
darter 969
duck 915
ducks 913
eagle 695
fork-tailed petrel 1043
INDEX,
1103
Black
grouse 732
guillemot 1078
guillemots 10G8, 1078
gvrfalcoii G67
hag 1037
hawk 689
leucosticte 387
mallard 915
merlin 673
oj'ster-catcher 789
pewit flycatcher 522
phocbe 522
quail 761
red-tail 685
scoter 942
sea coot 942
skimmer 1020
snow-bird 430
tern 1017
terns 1017
vulture 705
warrior 682
white-wing 943
white-winged tern 1018
witch 604
Black-and-white
coot, 939
creeper 307
spotted woodpeckers 532
Black-and-yellow
oriole 478
warbler 327
Black-backed three-toed wood-
pecker 589
Black-bellied
darter 969
plover 770
sandpiper 820
tree duck 907
Black-billed
cuckoo 608
logcock 581
magpie 493
Blackbird 468
bicolor 470
brewer's 480
brown-headed 466
marsh 468
prairie 470
red-and-buff shouldered marsh
468
red - and - white shouldered
marsh 470
red-shouldered marsh 470
red-winged 468
marsh 468
savanna 604
skunk 465
swamp 468
thrush 480
tricolor 470
white-winged 445
vellow-hradcd 470
Blackbirds. <tc. 461!
crow 481. 482. 483
marsh 465, 468
thrush 480
vcllow-iieaded 482
Black-breasted
longspur 400
sandpiper 819
woodpecker 592
Blackburnian warbler 325
Black-fiipped
gnut-catcher 266
Black-capped
greenlet 369
petrel 1039
titmouse 270
Black-chinned
hummingbird 548
sparrow 437
Black-crested titmouse 269
Black-crowned night heron 882
Black-eared cuckoo 610
Black-faced
grass quit 452
sage sparrow 427
Black-footed albatross 1024
Black-head
ring-billed 924
ring-necked 924
Black-headed
ducks 922
goldfinch 392
goose 904
gull 995
jay 496
oriole 478
song grosbeak 448
turnstone 786
Black-heads 922
Black-heart 820
Black-jack 924
Black-masked warbler 337
Black-neck 923
Black-necked stilt 792
I'.lack-poll warbler 326
Black-shouldered
kite 656
longspur 399
Black-tail 827
Black-tailed gnat-catcher 266
Black-throated
blue warbler 322
bunting 446
diver 1050
pacific 1050
finch 427
gray warbler 322
green warbler 319
murrelet 1074
waxwing 359
Black-toed gull 978
Black-vented shearwater 1036
Black-whiskered greenlet 363
Black-winged redbird 348
Bladder 223
Bladder-scoot 946
Blade-bone 149
Blanding's finch 462
Hlasipus 984. 991
Blastoderm 231
Blastodermic membrane 231
Blastula 231
Blastulation 231
Blather-scoot 946
l{latherskitc 946
Bleached vdlow-winged sparrow
410
Bleating duck 916
Blind snipe 803
Bloo.l 202
corpuscles 202
stains 37
Blondy-sided warbler 327
Blossom-billed coot 944
Blow-gun 3
Blowing eggs 51
Blow-pipe 51
Blue brant 399
Blue
crane 875
crow 491
golden-winged warbler 312
goose 899
grosbeak 449
grouse 734
hawk 652
hen hawk 661
jav 494
pe'ter 862
quail 761
snow goose 899
wavey 899
yellow-backed warbler 308
Blue-and-white herons 880
Blue-bill 923, 946
marsh 924
Bluebird
anabel's 253
arctic 258
azure 257
baird's 258
chestnut-backed 258
eastern 257
mexican 258
rocky mountain 258
san pedro 258
townsend's western 258
western 258
Bluebirds 256, 257
Blue-eared jay 498
Blue-eyed yellow warbler 319
Blue-faced booby 954
Blue-footed booby 955
Blue-fronted jay 496
Blue-gray gnat-catcher 265
Blue-green swallows 354
Blue-headed
grackle 480
greenlet 365
quail dove 719
saw-bill 571
tanager 347
yellow-rump warbler 327
Blue-stocking 790
Blue-throat, red-spotted 259
Blue-throiited
hummingbird 547
redstart 259
Blue-throats 258
Blue-wing 919
Blue-wing shoveller 911
Blue-winged
goose 899
teal 919
teals 919
vcllow warbler 311
Boat-billed heron 371
Boatswain 978
birds 972
Boat-tailed
crow blackbird 482
grackle 482
Bobolink 465
Bob white
arizona 755
masked 755
Boh whites 753
HoddaerJ's woodpecker 586
Body projjcr 98
topography of 96
Bog-bird 804
Bog-bull 884
Bog-sucker 804
Bohemian waxwing 359
1104
INDEX.
Bonaparte's
rosy gull 996
sandpiper 816
sylvan flycatcher 341
Bonasa 741
umbellus 741
sabinei 743
umbelloides 742
Bone
structure of 140
tissue 155
Bone-breaker 1028
Bones
of the hind limb 124
of the wing 111
Bonnet martyr 878
Bonxil 976
Bony basis of the tail 120
Boobies 953
Booby 946, 953
blue-faced .954
blue-footed 955
brewster's 955
brown 955
catesley's 955
common 955
coot 946
goss' 955
gould's 954
green-footed 955
neboux's 955
red-footed 954
sunderall's 954
yellow-footed 955
Book-keeping, ornithological 22
Booted tarsus 130, 131
Botaurinae 656, 663, 883
Botaurus 883
lentiginosus 884
Bottlenose 1064
Bow-billed thrasher 286
Bower-birds 230
Box coot 944
Boy's tern 1008
Brachial plexus 183
Brachium 112
Brachyotus 624
Brachyrhamphus 1075
brevirostris 1077
craverii 1078
hypoleucus 1077
marmoratus 1076
Bracket 948
Brain of birds 181, 182
Brandt's
cormorant 965
rosv linch 388
Brant 902, 903
bald-headed 899
black 903
blue 899
Canada 904
coot 943
geese 902
goose 903
gray 898
harlequin 898
pied 898
prairie 898
sea 943
speckled 898
white 900
white-headed bald 899
Branta 902
bernicla glaucogastra 903
canadensis 904, 1091
Branta
canadensis hutchinsi 905
minima 905
occidentalis 904
hypsibates 1091
hypsibatus 11)91
leucopsis 902
nigricans 903
propinqua 1091
Brant-bird 785, 820
Brant snipe 785, 820
Brasher's flycatching warbler 345
Brass
cowbird 468
crow blackbird 483
Brass-back 771
Brass-eyed whistler 928
Brazen cowbird 467
Breakhorn 948
Breast 101
Breast-bone 149
Breech-loader 2
Brent 903
goose 903
Brewer's
blackbird 480
.'sparrow 437
Brewster's
booby 955
cupido 739
junco 431
linnet 391
pewee 526
quail 761
Bridal ducks 910
Bride 910
Bridge phcebe 522
Bridled
dove 718
tern 1017
titmouse 269
Bright-headed titmouse 275
Bristle-bellied
curlew 842
woodpeckers 597
Bristle-tail 946
Broad-bill 923. 946
bastard 924
red-headed 925
Broad-billed coot 942
dipper 946
Broad-tailed humming-bird 550
Broad-winged buzzard 688
Broady 911
Bronchial syrinx 211
Bronchiales 211
Broncho-tracheal sj'rinx 211
Broncho-tracheales 211
Bronzed
cowbird 468
grackle 483
Brotherly-love greenlet 364
Brown
boobv 955
coot 942, 944
crane 848
creeper 279
diving teal 946
gvrfalcon 666
jav 492
lark 303
marlin 825
owls 626
snipe 808
thrush 285
towhee 460
Brown-back 808, 815
Brown-backed oyster-catcher 788
Brown-capped leucosticte 387
Brown-headed
blackbird 466
cactus wren 291
nuthatch 278
woodpecker 592
Brownie 815
Brown's song sparrow 420
Briinnich's murre 1083
Br^-ant's
cactus wren 291
marsh sparrow 407
Bubo 629
leptosteus 1088
virginianus 630
arcticus 631
pacificus 631
saturatus 6'31
Buboninae 623
Bucerotidfe 218, 446
Budytes 301
flavus leucostriatus 301
Buflfflvcatchers 643
Buflf-bireast 822
Buff-breasted
merganser 948
sandpiper 838
sheldrake 948
Buffalo-bird 466
Buffalo-headed duck 930
Buffle-head 930
Buffon's jaeger 980
Bugs 55
to destroy 57
Bulla ossea 50
Bull-bat 568
Bull coot 943
Bullfinch
cardinal 453
cardinals 453
cassin's 379
Bullfinches 379
pine 377
purple 382
Bull-head 771, 928
plover 770
Bull-headed flycatcher 516
Bull-neik 927,^946
Bullock's oriole 476
Bulweria 1040
bulweri 1040
Bulwer's petrel 1040
Bumble-bee coot 946
Bunting {see Finch)
bay-winged 401
beautiful 451
black-throated 446
lark 445
le conte's 411
niexican blue 452
painted 450
silk 446
snow 395
towhee 456
townsend's 447
tree 434
varied 450
Buntings {se.e Finches)
lark 445
towhee 456
Buntv 924
Burion 383
Burrough's turkey vulture 704
Burrowing owl 647
INDEX.
1105
Burrowing owls G46
Bush-bird 457
Bush-quails 571
Bush sparrow 436
Bush-tit
californian 274
grinda's 274
least 273
lloyd's black-eared 275
plumbeous 274
santa rita 274
Bush-tits 273
Bustard 904
gular pouoh of 216
Butcher-bird 270
Buteo 679
abbreviatus 680
albocaudatus sennetti 680
borealis 682
calurus 685
krideri 685
lucasanus 685
brachvurus 689
buteo 681
cooperi 681
hariani 682
latissiinus 688
lineatus 685
alleni686
elegans 686
swainsoni 686
Buteola 689
BuleoniniP 678
Butorides 881
viresceiis 881
authonvi 881
frazari'881
Butter-back 930
Butter-ball 930, 946
Butter-bill 942
Butter-bird 465
Butterboat-billed coot 944
Butter-bowl 946
Butter-box 930
Butter-bump 884
Butter duck 911, 930, 946
Butter-nose 942
Buzzard
american rough-legged 690
anthracite 694
band-tailed 686
broad-winged 688
common american 686
european 681
cooper's 681
ferruginous rough-legged 692
florida red-shouldered 686
fuliginous 689
grav star 693
harlan's 682
harris's 679
red-shouhlered 685
red-tailed 682
sennett's 680
short-tailed 689
swainson's 686
turkey 703
western red-shouldered 686
white-tailed 680
Buzzards 678
anthracite 694
carrion 679
hare-footed 690
star 693
turkey 702
Cabanis' woodpecker 586
Cabinets 56
Cabot's tern 1008
Cacatuin.B 613
Cackling goose 905
Cactus wren
brown-headed 291
brvant's 291
St." lucas 291
Cactus wrens 291
Caducous parts of bill 108
CiFca or caecum 220
Cahow, Smith's 1035
Cairina 909
inoschata 909
Cairn's black-throated blue war-
bler 323
Calamospiza 445
melanocorys 445
Calamus 84
Calari 932
Calaveras warbler 314
Calcaneum 125
Calcar 120, 139
Calcarius 396
alascensis 398
lappoiiicus 398
ornatus 399
pictus, 399
Calico-back 785
Calico-bird 785
Calico-jacket 785
Calidris 824
arenaria 824
California
canary 393
clapper rail 854
condor 701
gnome owl 643
gull 989
jay 498
partridge 758
pine grosbeak 378
pygmy owl 643
sage sparrow 428
screech owl 634
shrike 372
squirrel hawk 692
thrasher 288
towhee 461
Californian
black-necked grebe 1057
brown pelican 959
bush-tit 274
creeper 280
murre 1083
purple finch 382
Caliologv 233
Callicheiidon 354
cyaneoviridis 354
Calliope humming-bird 552
Callipepla 760
squamata 761
castanogastris 761
Callothrus 467
robustus 468
CalijL'iias nicobarica 708
Calothorax 552
lucifer 552
Caly[ite 548
anna- 540
cost a' 549
Calyx of ovisac 227
Cani|) robber 500
Campephilus 579
princii>alis 579
70
Camphor 57
Camptolivmus 934
labradorius 934
Can 927
Canachites 732
canadensis 732
labradorius 733
franklini 733
Canada
brant 904
goose 904
grouse 732
jay 500
nuthatch 277
sparrow 434
Canadian
flycatching warbler 341
or Hudsonian owl 642
pine grosbeak 378
Canarv
california 393
tar-weed 394
wild 319, 393
Candlestick plover 830
('^anebrake warblers 310
Cane-gun 3
Caiion towhee 460
Cafion wren
dotted 293
speckled 293
texan 293
Caiion wrens 293
Canthus of eye 102, 186
Cantores 210
Canvas-back 927
Caparoch 642
Cape may warbler 317
Cape pigeon 1031
Capereaillie 736
Capitulum of rib 149
( 'a[iriniulgid;e 561
Caprimulgina' 562
Caps for gun 4
Capsules, supra-renal 46
Caracara
audubon's 677
guadalupe 678
Caracaras 677
Carau 849
Cardellina 344
rubrifrons 344
Cardinal
arizona 456
beckham's 453
bullfinch 453
fiery-red 456
florida 456
gray-tailed 456
grosbeak 454
peninsula 454
red-bird 455
St. lucas 456
superb 456
texas 454
Cardinal is 454
cardinalis 455
canicaudus 456
tloridanus 456
igneus 456
supcrbus 456
Carduelis 394
carduelis 394
Care of a collection 54
Cariamida' 845
Caribbean clapper rail 853
Carina- 108
1106
INDEX.
Carinatae 244, 1087
Carinate
birds 244
parrots 614
sternum 149
Carmine fl^xatching warbler 345
Carmine flycatching warblers 345
Carolina
chickadee 271
conure 616
crake 856
dove 714
nuthatch 277
parroquet 616
rail 856
snowbird 431
waxwing 359
wren 294
Carolina wrens 294
Carotid
arteries 203
canal 165
Carpal
angle 115
bones 112, 114
Carpodacus 381
amplius 383
cassini 382
mcgregori 384
mexicanus dementis 383
frontalis 383
ruberrimus 383
purpureus 381
californicus 382
Carpophaga 708
Carpus 112, 114
Carrion
bird 500
buzzards 679
crow 704
Carrion-crows 704
Cartilage 140
Cartridges 2
Caruncles 103
Caruncul!el08
Casarca 909
casarca 909
Cases for storage 56
Caspian tern 1004
Cassidix 479
Cassin's
auklet 1073
bullfinch 379
goose 905
greenlet 366
jay 492
purple finch 382
summer finch 425
tyrant flycatcher 515
Casuarius 176
Catarractes
afhnis 1092
antiquus 1092
Cat-bird 284
Catesby's
boobv 955
tropic bird 972
Catharista 704
urubu 705
Cathartes 702
aura 703
burrovianus 704
umbrosus 1089
Cathartida; 700
Cathartides 617, 700
CathartintE 701
Catharus 248
Catherpes 293
mexicanus albifrons 293
conspersus 293
punctulatus 293
Cat owl 630
Caudal vertebra^ 147
Cayenne tern 1005
Caziques 547
Cecomorphffi 176
Cedar
partridge 732
waxwing 359
Cedar-bird 359
Centre of gravity 96
Centrocercus 735
urophasianus 113, 736
Centrum of vertebrse 143
Centurus 593
aurifrons 594
carolinus 593
uropygialis 594
Ceophlceus 580
pileatus 581
abieticola 581
Cepphus 1078
carbo 1080
columba 1079
grvlle 1078
mandti 1078
Ceral 107
Cerato-bronchial 173
Cerato-hval 173
Ceratorhina 1069
uionocerata 1069
Cere 107
Cerebellum 181
Cerebral vesicles 181
Cerebro-spinal system 180
Cerebrum 181
Cereopsis novie-hollandite 897
Cerros island wren 296
Certhia 279
britannica 279
familiaris albescens 280
americana 280
niontana 280
occidentalis 280
fusca 279
rufa 279
Certhiid* 278
Certhiinte 279
Cerulean warbler 323
Cervical
region 98, 101
ribs 144
vertebraj 98, 144
Cervix 98
Ceryle 572
alcyon 573
americana septentrionalis 574
torquata 573
Cevx 132, 133
Chachalaca 721
Cluctura 559
pelagica 559
vauxi 560
Cha^turinre 559
Chaiazw 228
Chalaziferous membrane 228
Chalk-line 881
Chamsea 266
fasciata 267
henshawi 267
Chama;id« 266
Chanuethlypis 338
Chaparral cock 605
Chapman's night-hawk 570
Characters
anatomical 70
archetvpic 75
attypic 75
embryological 70
etypic 75
prototypic 75
seasonal 70
teleotypic 75
valuation of 73
zoological 70
Charadriidffi 767
Charadriinte 767
Charadriomorphae 177, 762
Charadrius 771
apricarius 773
dominicus 771
f ulvus 772
sheppardianus 1090
Charitonetta 930
Charlatan 338
Chat
long-tailed 339
yellow-breasted 338
Chats 338
Chatterers 357
Chattering plover 774
Chaulelasmus 915
streperus 916
Chebec 530
" Checkerboard " 587
Checkered
petrel 1031
snipe 785
Cheek 103
Chelonia 62
Chen 898
ccerulescens 899
hvperboreus 900
nivalis 900
rossi 901
Chenalopex ajgj'ptiaca 897
Chenomorphffi 887
Chenopsis atrata 894
Cherry-bird 359
Chestnut-backed titmouse 272
Chestnut-bellied scaled partridge
761
Chestnut-collared longspur 399
Chestnut-fronted titmouse 269
Chestnut-headed warbler 319
Chestnut-sided warbler 327
Chettusia 767
Chevalier 836
Chewink 457
Chiasm of optic nerv^es 182
Chickadee 267, 270
Carolina 271
Columbian 272
gambel's 271
kovvac 272
long-tailed 270
mexican 271
mountain 271
plumbeous 271
western 271
Chicken
hawk 659, 661, 685
plover 785
Chicken-billed rail 856
Chicken-bird 785
Chickling 785
Chimney swallow 559
swift 559
INDEX.
1107
Chip-bird 435
winter 434
Chipper
arctic 434
Chipping sparrow 435
arizona 436
Chipping sparrows 434
Chippy 435
Chlamydodera maculata 230
Chloroc^ryle 574
Cholornis 132, 133
Chondestes 441
grammacus 441
strigatus 442
Chordeiles 508
acutipennis texensis 570
virginianus 568
cbapmani 570
henryi 570
sennetti 569
Choroid membrane 188
Chow-chow 610
Chroicocepluilus 994
atricilla 995
franklini 995
minutus 998
philadelpliia 995
Chrysotina> 616
Chuck-will's-widow 565
Chuckatuck 785
Chuckle-head 770
Churca 605
Chyme 218
Cicatricle of egg 227
Ciceronia 1072
Ciconiie 868
Ciconiid:u 869
Ciconiinse 870
Ciliary
ganglion 184
ligament 189
muscle 189
processes 189
Cimolopteryx rarus 1093
retusus 1093
Cincinnati warbler 312
Cinclida- 260
Cinclus 260
mexicanus 260
Cinereous
shearwater 1033
snow-bird 433
Cinerous song sparrow 422
Cinnamon teal 920
Circe
hummers 554
humming-bird 554
Circime 651
Circle of willis 204
Circulatory system 201
Circumorbital region 102
Circus 652
liudsonius 652
Cistothorus 299
stellaris 299
Clakis 902
Clamatores 509
Clangula 928
albeola 930
clangula americana 928
islandica 112, 125, 2U8, 929
Clape 599
Clapper
black 854
cnnnnon 853
marsh 853
Clapper
rail 853
scott's 854
Clark's
crow 490
grebe 1054
nutcracker 490
Class 72, 73
of birds 61
Classes of birds' bills 106
Classification
machinery of 77
morphological 66, 68
of birds 59, 80
of n. am. birds 237
principles and practice of 65
Clatter goose 903
Clavicles 153
Clavicular process 152
Claws
of foot 138
of wing 114, 120
Clay-colored sparrow 437
Cleavage
cavity 231
cell 2'30
Clefts, visceral 158
Cleido-trachealis 208
Cliff swallow 354
Climacteris 278
Clinoid walls 159
Clipper stormy petrels 1046
Clivicola 355
riparia 355
Cloaca 220
Clodhopper 466
Cloud swifts 559
Clown 338
Clucking-hen 849
Cnemial process 125
Cobb 986
Coccotliraustes 376
Coccygeal vertebr* 120, 147
Coccyges 602
Coccyx 120
Coccyzina; 607
Coccyzus 607
aniericanus 610
occidentalis, 610
erythrophthalmus 608
minor 610
mavnardi 610
Cochlea 157; 194
Cock
chaparral 605
of the plains 736
sage 736
Cockawee 932
Coddv-m.iddv 992
('aca22()
Ctt'cum 220
Cadigena 547
clemenciic 547
Coereba 346
Coerebida' 346
( 'oflin-carrier 986
Coluiatl 552
Colaptes 59S
aiirato-mexicanus 119, 600
auratus 599
luteus 600
ayrcsi 600
clirysoidcs 601
bninuescens 602
hybridus 600
mexicanus 600
Colaptes
mexicanus saturatior 601
rutipileus 601
Colin
american 753
common 753
niaryland 753
ridgway's 755
Virginian 753
Colins 753
Colinus 753
ridgwayi 755
virginianus 753
floridanus 754
texanus 755
Collar-bones 153
Collared
baguari 870
kingfisher 573
wood[)ecker 597
Collecting
birds 1
nest and eggs 50
Collecting-chest 27
Collection, care of a 54
Collector, to be a good 9
Collectorship, hygiene of 19
CoUocalia 230, 557
Collum 101
Colorado turkey 869
Colors of feathers 88
Columbia 709
fasciata 710
vioscie 710
flavirostris 710
leucocephala 711
livia 709
oenas 709
squamosa 711
Columbffi 705
Columbian
chickadee 272
downy woodpecker 588
hairy woodpecker 586
Columbidre 709
Columbigallina 715
passerina pallescens 716
terrestris 716
Columbin;e 709
(yolumbine
birds 705
petrels 1040
Columella auris 191
Colymbus 1054
auritus 1056
dominicus 1058
holboelli 1055
nigricoUis californicus 1057
Combatant 836
Combs 103
Commissural
line 111
point 111
Commissure 111
Common
atiantic shearwater 1034
liiMihy 955
brown crane 848
caracara t)77
clapper 853
colin 753
cormorant 91)3
cow-l)ird 466
crow l)lackl)ird 482
ducks 913
ouropean buzzard 681
1108
INDEX.
Common
fulmar 1028
gallinule 860
gaiinet 954
heron of europe 875
kittiwake 992
loon 1048
marlin 825
murre 1082
partridge 753
pheasant 725
piimated grouse 739
plover 771
pool-snipe 830
puffin 1064
quail 753
of Europe 751
rail 356
red-poll 389
savannah sparrow 406
sharp-tailed grouse 737
skua 976
snipe 806
stormv petrel 1041
tern 1010
turkey vulture 703
wavey 900
wild duck 914
goose 904
turkey 728
yellow-legs 832
Common american
buzzard 686
crow 488
gull 990
shrike 371
Complicate tail 124
Complications in skinning 34
Compressed tarsus 131
Compsohalirus 965
Compsothlypis 307
americana 308
usne» 308
nigrilora 308
Conditions of environment 71
Condor, californian 701
Condors 701
Condyles
occipital 162
of femur 125
of humerus 113
Coniornis
altus 1093
Conirostral 106
Conjunctiva 185, 187
Conjuncto-carotidiua' 204
Conjuring duck 930
Connecticut warbler 335
Consciousness 180
Conspecies 78
Contopus 523
boreal is 524
pertinax pallidiventris 524
richardsoni 526
peninsula; 526
virens 525
Contour of a bird 97
Contour-feathers 87
Contractor tracheie 208
Conures 616
Conurina; 616
Conurus 616
carolinensis 616
Cooper's
buzzard 681
hawk 659
Cooper's
sandpiper 816
tanager 349
Coot
american 862
bay 944
bell-tongue 943
black and white 939
blossom-billed 944
box 944
brant 943
broad-billed 942
brown 942, 944
bull 943
butterboat-billed 944
european 863
grav 942, 944
hollow-billed 942, 944
horsehead 944
ivory-billed 862
patch-polled 944
pied-winged 943
pumpkin-blossom 942
sea 943, 944
smutty 942
speckle-billed 944
spectacle 944
uncle sam 943
white-billed 862
Coot-foot phalaropes 796
Coot-footed tringa 795
Coots 861
sea 942
Copper-bill 942
Copperhead 928
Copper-nose 942
Copper pheasant 726
Copper-tailed trogon 575
Coracise 560
Coracian birds 560
Coracoid bone 112, 152
Coracomorphse 178
Cormorant
baird's 967
bnuidt's 965
common 963
double-crested 963
farallone 965
florida 964
mexican 965
pallas' 966
pelagic 967
pencilled 965
red-faced 966
resplendent 967
spectacled 960
townsend's 965
tufted 965
violet-green 967
white-crested 964
Cormorants 959
Corn crake 859
Corn-field duck 907
Cornea 185, 188
Corneous covering of bill 107
Cornua of hyoid 173
Corona 102
Coronoid process 172
Corpora bigemina 181
Corpus
callosum 182
striatum 181
Correcammo 605
Corrosive sublimate 57
Corvid* 484
Corvinw 485
Corvus 485
american us 488
pascuus 488
annectens 1088
caurinus 489
corax principalis 487
sinuatus 485
cryptoleucus 487
frugilegus 212
ossifragus 490
Corv's
'least bittern 886
shearwater 1034
Coscoroba anatoides 894
Costa hummingbird 549
Costal process of sternum 149, 150
Costiferous part of sternum 151
Cotingidse 534
Cotton, use of 26
Coturniculus
manimbe 365
perpallidus 366
Coturnix 751
coturnix 751
Couch's flycatcher 515
Coues'
flycatcher 524
sandpiper 819
Coulon-chaud 785
Coulterneb 1064
Courlan greater 849
Courlans 846, 849
Courliri 849
Coursers, night 563
Covering of bill 107
Coverts
tail 121
wing 115, 116
Cow blackbird 466
Cowbird
brass 468
brazen 467
bronzed 468
common 466
dwarf 467
red-eyed 468
Cowbirds 466
Cow-bunting 466
Cow-frog 911
Cow-snipe 815
Cow-troopial 466
Cowheen 932
Cowpen-bird 466
Cozcacoauhtl 701
Cracidffi 721
Cracinae 721
Crake
Carolina 856
european spotted 856
farallone black 859
little b'ack 858
skire 785
yellow 858
Crakes 851, 856
Crane
blue 875
common brown 848
little brown 848
northern brown 848
sandhill 848
southern brown 848
white 848
whooping 848
Cranes, etc 846, 847
Cranial bones proper 166
nerves 181, 182
IXDEX.
1109
Crape warbler 336
Cravat goose 904
Craveri's murrelet 1078
Creagrus 1000
furcata 1000
Creaker 815
Credock 785
Creek
coot 946
duck 916
Creeper
bahaman honey 346
black-and-white 307
brown 279
californian 280
honey 346
mexican 280
pine 332
rockv mountain 280
Creepers"278, 346
Creeping
warbler varied 307
warblers 307
Crescent swallow 354
Crested
auklet 1070
blue jays 494
grebe 1055
green plover 769
redbird 455
stariki 1070
titmice 269
Crested tlvcatcher
ash-throated 520
great 518
lawrence's 521
Crested flycatchers 518
Crestless blue javs 497
Crests of birds 104
Cretaceous birds 61, 62, 63, 1093
Crex, 859
crex 859
Crimson linch 381
Crimson-billed tern 1012
Crimson-fronted (inch 383
Crimson-tieaded tanager 349
Crissal
sootv tern 1016
thrasher 289
towhee 461
Crissum 101
Crista 104
Crocker 903
Crooked-billed
marlin 843
snii)e 820
Crop of birds 218
Cross-bill
american red 385
mexican 386
white-winged 385
Cross-bills 384
Crotaphyte depression 163
Crotophiiga 604
ani 604
sulcirostris 604
Crotophagina; 604
Crow
i)luc 492
carrion 704
dark's 490
commnii american 488
floriila 4HS
north western fish 489
soiitliPiistern fish 490
Crow blackbird 482. 483
Crow blackbird
boat-tailed 482
brass 483
common 482
fan-tailed 482
florida 483
purple 482
western 483
Crow blackbirds 481
Crow-bill 862
Crow-duck 8G2
Crown of the head 102
Crown sparrow
ganibel's 439
golden 440
hooded 440
intermediate 439
white-browed 439
white-throated 438
Crown sparrows 437
Crowned tlv-catching warblers 345
Crows 4S4,"485
blue 491
carrion 704
Crura cerebri 181
Crural 125
feathers 129
Crus 125, 131
Crying-bird 849
Crystalline lens 189
Cuban
cliff swallow 355
martin 357
sparrow hawk 676
Cub-head 928
Cubit 113
Cuckold 466
Cuckoo
black-billed 608
black-eared 610
ground 605
kamschatkan or Siberian 611
mangrove 610
maynard's mangrove 611
old world tree 611
telephone 611
western vellow-billed 610
vellow-bllled 610
Cuckoos 602
ground 605
Cuculidic 602
Cuculiform birds 602
Cucuiinaj 607
Cuculus 611
canorus telephonus 611
Culmen 109
Culminating albatrosses 1025
Culminicorn 108
Cultrate 106
Cultrirostral 106
Cuncifornie 112, 113
Cupidonia cupido 129
Cupidonias 739
Cupola 194
Cur 928
Curassows 721
Curlew
big 841
bristle-bollied 342
eskimo 843
hen 841
liudsonian 843
jack 842
l(>nL;-l>illed 841
otahiti 842
pied-winged 829
Curlew
pj'gmy 821
Spanish 866
spike-billed 825
stone 829
Curlew sandpipers 821
Curlews 839
Cursorial foot i35, 136
Cursoriina; 767
Curve-billed thrasher 286
Cut-water 1020
Cyanecula 258
suecica 259
Cyanocephalus 491
cyanocephalus 492
Cyanocitta
cristata 494
flornicola 495
stelleri 495
annectens 496
frontalis 496
macrolopha 496
Cyanospiza 450
ani(t'iia 451
ciris 450
c\-anea 451
parellina 452
versicolor 450
pulchra 451
Cyclorrhynchus 1069
psittaculus 1070
r'ycKiiis 362
( 'ygiiiua' 893
(.'ygnopsis cygnoides 897
Cygnus 894
buccinator 895
coIunit)ianus 895
nigricollis 894
olor 893
paloregonus 1091
Cypseli 555
Cypseliformes 560
Cypseloides 558
niger borealis 558
Cyrtonyx 761
montezumae 761
Cvrtopelecanus 957
Cytula 230
Dabciiick 1053
american 1058
Dabchicks, american 1058
l)acelonin;i; 572
Datila 912
acuta 912
Daker-hen 859
Dakota
grasshopper sparrow 411
song sparrow 419
Damascene sandpiper 814
Daniier 1031
I >aiicer's method 51
Dapti.in 1030
capensis 1031
Daptrius 677
Dark-bo<lieil shearwater 1037
Darling, everybody's 418
Darter
american 969
big blue 659
black 969
black-bellied 969
little blue 6"iS
while-bellied 969
Darters 9tiS
Darwinian logic 60
1110
INDEX.
Daub duck 946
Dav owl 642
Deaf duck 946
Deciduous condition of bill 108
Decomposition 39
Degrees of likeness 71
Demiegrets, american 878
Demoiselle 878
egrets 878
Dendragapus 734
obscurus 734
fuliginosus 735
richardsoni 735
Dendrocygna 906
autumnalis 907
fulva 906
Dendrceca 315
adelaidse 316
aestiva 319
rubiginosa 319
sonorana 319
auduboni 324
aureola 319
blackburniB 324
br3'anti castaneiceps 319
capitalis 316
castanea 326
chrysoparia 321
ccerulescens 322
cairnsi 323
coronata 324
hooveri 324
discolor 328
dominica 330
albilora 330
eoa 316
gracife 328
kirtlandi 330
maculosa 327
nigrescens 322
occidentalis 320
palmarum 331
hypochrj'sea 332
pennsylvanica 327
perissoglossa tigrina 317
petechia 316
peucedramus olivaceus 318
pharetra 316
pitvophila 316
rafa 323
striata 326
townsendi 321
vigors! 332
virens 319
Dentary bone 172
Denticulate 107
Dentirostral 106
Derby flycatcher 516
Dermestes lardarius 55
Dertrotheca 108
Desert
black-throated finch 428
horned lark 507
song sparrow 419
sparrow hawk 675
summer finch 426
thrasher 289
Design, evidences of 77
Desmamoeba 198
Desmognathism 177, 178
Desmognathous skull 177
Determination of sex 45
Development
of feathers 82
of skull 157
Devil downhead 277
Diablotin 1039
Diabolic petrels 1038
Diaphragm 199
Diapophyses 143
Diatryma gigantea 1092
Dicholophus 150
Dichroic egrets 880
Dichromanassa 880
rufa 880
Dickey 946
Didactvle birds 132
Didi 706
Didunculus strigirostris 706
Didus ineptus 65, 706
Diedapper 1085
Digestive system 215
Digiti.132
Digits
of foot 127, 134
of wing 112
Dilophalicus 963
Dinkey 946
Dinornithes 64
Dinosaurs 63, 1037
Dioniedea 1023
albatrus 1024
exulans 1023
immutabilis 1024
nigripes 1024
Dioniedeias 1022
Dipper 930, 1058
american 260
Dippers 260
Dip-tail diver 946
Directions for using the keys 233
Discogastrula 231
Distal phalanges 133
Distichous arrangement 120
Diurnal birds of prey 648
Diver
adams' 1050
black-throated 1050
great northern 1048
imber 1048
lawrence's black-throated 1050
red-throated 1051
Diving birds 1046
Dixhuit 769
Dodo 65, 706
Dogs 9
Dolichonyx 465
oryzivorus 465
Domestic
duck 914
pigeon 709
turkey 727
Dorsal vertebrtB 145
Dorso-lumbar vertebrae 146
Dorsum 99
Dotted caiion wren 293
Double-crested cormorant 963
Double-forked tail 123
Double-rounded tail 123
Double snipe 805
Dough-bird 843
Dove
blue-headed quail 719
bridled 718
Carolina 714
ground 716
inca 716
key west 718
mexican ground 716
mountain 718
mourning 714
ruddy 718
Dove
scaled 716
sea 1080
singing 715
true 709
turtle 714
white-fronted 713
white-winged 715
wild 714 ■
zenaida 715
Dovekie 1080
Doves 709
dwarf 715
ground 712
love 715
lustre 718
pin-tail 714
pin-wing 712
quail 719
shell 716
white-wing 715
Dowitch 815
Dowitcher 808
western 808
white-tailed 808
Down-feathers 86
Downv woodpecker 587
Draco' 81
Dresser's eider 939
Drills for eggs 51
Driver 808
Droma?ognathas 69, 176
Drompeognathism 174
Dronuiiognathous skull 175, 176
Droma'us 176
Drum of ear 191
Drumming
grouse 741
partridge 741
pheasant 741
Drumstick 125
Dryobates 582
arizonae 585
borealis 582
nuttalli 583
pubescens 587
gairdneri 588
homorus 587
scalaris bairdi 583
lucasanus 583
villosus.585
auduboni 586
harrisi 586
hyloscopus 586
leucomelas 586
monticola 586
Ducal tern 1008
Duck
american eider 939
black 915
blackhead 923
bleating 916
buffalo-headed 930
buflle-head 930
butter 930, 946
canvasback 927
common wild 914
conjuring 930
corn-field 907
creek 916
crow 862
daub 946
deaf 946
domestic 914
dumpling 946
dusky 915
INDEX.
1111
Duck
eider 710, 712, 938
english 914
fan-crested 949
fishing 948, 949
flock 923
florida duskv 915
fool 946
french 914
golden-eve 928
gray 912", 914, 916
greater scaup 923
harlequin 933
heavy-tailed 946
isles of shoals 939
labrador 934
lesser scaup 923
little black and white 930
brown 930
fishing 949
long-tail 931
mottled 915
mountain 933
musk 909
mussel 923
northern cider 938
painted 933
pheasant 912
pied 934
grav 912
pin-tail 912
raft 923
red-liead 925
red-headed raft 925
ring-neck 924
rock 933
round-crested 949
rudder 945
ruddv 946
sea 939
shoveller 911
sleepy 946
smoking 917
squam 939
stock 914
summer 910
St. domingo 947
surf 944
swallow-tailed 931
texas duskv 915
tree 949
velvet 943
wheat 917
whistle 928
white-winged surf 944
wild 914
winter 912
wood 910, 949
Duck hawk 669
Duckinniailard 914
Ducks 890
black 913
blackhead 922
bridal 910
connnon 913
eider 938
fisiiing 948
long-tailiMJ 931
musk 909
pintail 912
river 9(18
rudder 945
8ca 920
singing 931
spnonhiil 911
stock 913
Ducks
surf 942
tree 906
Duck-snipe 829
Dukelets 631
Dumpling duck 946
Dun-bird' 946
Dun diver 946, 948
Dunghunter 978
Dunlin
american 820
european 820
sandpipers 820
Duodenum 219
Dura mater 182
Duskv
auklet 1070
duck 915
horned owl 631
lark 508
grouse 734
kinglet 263
orange-crowned warbler 315
poor-will 568
seaside sparrow 415
Dusky-tailed humming-bird 553
Dwarf
bitterns 885
cowbird 467
doves 715
hermit thrush 254
screech owl 636
Dynamamccba; 221, 224, 225
Dvsporus 954
Dytes 1056
Eaglf,
alaskan bald 698
bald 696
black 695
golden 695
liamv 695
hawk 692
kanitschatkan sea 698
mountain 695
owls 629
ring-tailed 695
sea 696
white-headed sea 696
white-shouldered sea 698
white-tailed sea 696
Eagles 649, 678
fishing 696
golden 695
harpy 695
sea 69fi
Ear of birds 97, 190
Eared
grebe, american 1057
owls 623
shearwater 1036
Eastern
bluebird 257
fcix Sparrow 442
hermit thrush 254
house wren 296
olive-back 255
snow-bird 430
Eaves swallow 354
Ecdvsis 89
Ectoderm 232
Elctopistes 711
migrntorius 711
Efferent nerves 180
Egg 222
anatomy of 222
Egg-bird 1016
Egg-birds 1081
Egg-drills 51
Egg-laying 229
Egg-pod 228
Eggs
collecting 50
labelling 53
preparing 51
shapes of 229
Egg-shell 229
reinforcing 53
Egg-tooth 111
Egret
great white 876
little white 878
louisiana 878
peale's 880
reddish 880
Egrets
demoiselle 878
dichroic 880
Egyptian tern 1002
Eider
american 939
dresser's 939
green land 938
king 941
pacific 940
spectacled 936
steller's 936
Eiders 937
t^hcodochon 89
Elanoides 653
forticatus 657
Elanus 656
glaucus 656
Elbow-joint 112. 114
Elegant tern 1007
Elf owls 645
Elliott's sandpiper 819
Emargination ofremiges 118
Ember-goose 1048
Emberiza liortulana 466
Embrvological characters 70
Embrvologv 222, 230
Embryos 222, 223
extracting 52
Emperor goose 901
Empidias 522
Enipidonax 526
cineritius 531
dillicilis 531
flaviventris 530
fulvifrons 532
pygnuvus 532
hammondi 531
insulicola 531
minimus 530
trailli 529
alnorum 529
virescens 528
wrighti 532
Encephalon 181
Endoderm 232
cells 231
Endolvmph 196
Endoskeleton 140
Endvsis 89
English
duck 914
pheasant 725
siiijie 806
Engyptila 712
fulviventris brnchyptern T13
Environment, conditions of 72, 77
1112
INDEX.
Eocene birds 64
Epapophysis cerebri 181
Epiblast 233
Epibranchial 173
Epicleidium 153
Epidermic structures 82
Epididymis 223
Epigastrium 101
Epiglottis 210, 216
Epignathous bills 105
Epiotic 163, 193
Epiphyses 140
Epipleural processes 148
P-pipubic bone 155
Epitrichium 82
Equestrian sandpiper 836
Equilibration 196
Equivalence of groups 72, 73
Ereunetes 810
pusillus 810
occidentalis 811
Ergaticus 345
ruber 345
Erionetta 941
Erismatura 945
jamaicensis 946
Ermine owl 639
Erne 696
Esacus 767
Eskimo
curlew 843
goose 905
Ethmoid 166
Etypic characters 75
Euetheia 453
bicolor 453
canora 453
Eugenes 546
fulgens 546
Euphonia 347
elegantissiraa 347
Eupodotis australis 218
Eupsittaci 614
European
bean goose 898
black-tailed godwit 827
coot 863
cuckoo 603
curlew 840
dunlin 820
golden plover 773
goldfinch 394
great white egret 876
green sandpiper 833
greenshank 831
green-winged teal 918
hawk owl 640
herring gull 988
kestrel 674
land-rail 859
lesser ring plover 778
little white egret 878
merlin 674
mew gull 990
ovster-catcher 788
redshank 830
ring plover 777
snipe 805
spoonbill 867
spotted crake 856
tree sparrow 380
velvet scoter 943
whimbrel 842
white-fronted goose 898
wigeon 916
wild swan 896
European
windhover 674
woodcock 804
Eurynorhynchus 811
pvgm«us 812
Eustachian tube 164, 191, 216
Evening grosbeak 376
Everglade kite 654
Evermann's rock ptarmigan 749
Everybody's darling 418
Evidences of design 77
Evolution, theory of, 60, 62, 66
Exanthemops 901
Exoccipital 162
Exoccetus 81
Exoskeletal structures 81
Exoskeleton 140
Extension and flexion of wing 112,
115
Extensor muscles 205
" Extent" 24
Exterior of a bird 81, 97
Extinct birds 64
Eye 97, 184, 185
Eyebrow albatross 1026
Eves, glass 44
Eye-water 38
Facial
bones 167
nerve 183, 193
Falcate bill 107
Falco 663
sesalon 670
columbarius 670
suckleyi 673
dominicensis 676
fuscicoerulescens 676
islandicus 664
mexicanus 667
peregrinus anatum 669
pealei 670
regulus 674
richardsoni 673
rusticolus 665
gyrfalco 666
obsoletus 667
sparverius 674
deserticolus 675
peninsuiaris 675
tinnunculus 674
Falcon
american peregi'ine 669
lanner 667
aplomado 676
femoral 676
peale's peregrine 670
peregrine 669
prairie 667
rusty-crowned 674
Falconidie 649
Falconinse 662
Falcons 649, 962
Fall snipe 820
Fallopian nerviduct 192
False cere 108
Family 71, 72, 73
Fan-crested duck 949
Fan-tailed crow blackbird 482
Farallone
bird 1083
black crake 859
cormorant 965
Fasceddar 978
Fascia' 198
Fat, fatness 37
Fat-bird 815
Fatigue and hunger 20
Fauces 216
Feathered tracts 86
Feather-leg sandpipers 817
Feathers 81, 82, 84, 85, 88, 115
Feet of birds 124
Females, full suites of 14
Femoral falcon 676
Femoro-caudal 201
Femur 125
Fenestra
ovalis 159, 160, 191
rotunda 191
Ferruginous
buzzard 692
finch 442
mocking-bird 285
owl 643
pygmy owl 644
sandpiper 821
Fibula 125
Fibulare 125
Field
lark 472
marlin 827
naturalist's duties 21
ornithologv 1
plover 77i; 837
sparrow 436
work 9
Field-bird 771
Fiery-red cardinal 456
Fighting sandpipers 836
Filoplumaceous feathers 86
Filoplumes 86
Finch
acadian sharp-tailed 413
alien's rosy 387
arizona summer 424
bachman's summer 423
baird's rosy 388
bav-winged summer 427
bell's 428
black-throated 427
blanding's 462
brandt's rosy 388
californian purple 382
cassin's purple 382
summer 425
crimson 381
crimson-fronted 383
desert black-throated 428
summer 426
ferruginous 442
fisher's seaside 414
florida sea-side 415
summer 423
foxy 442
grass 401
green 463
guadaloupe house 384
house 383
indigo 451
lazuli 451
macgillivray's 413
mcgregor's house 384
mexican summer 424
nelson's sharp-tailed 412
Oregon grass 402
painted 450
paraline painted 452
peninsular painted 451
pine 391
purple 381
painted 450
INDEX.
1113
Finch
red- breasted 383
ridgway's rosy 387
rufous-crowned summer 425
St. lucas 383
sanclemente house 383
scott's seaside 414
seaside 413
sennett's seaside 414
sharpe's pygmy 452
sharp-tailed 412
swainson's rosy 387
texan seaside 4l4
western grass 402
Finches 373
painted 450
pygmy 452
rosy 386
summer 422
Fiiichlet, slmrpe's 452
Finchlets 452
Finger bones 114
Fire-bird 475
Firebrand 325
Fire-crowned flycatchers 533
Fire-tail 342
Fischerias 936
Fish
crow 489, 490
hawks 6!J8
Fisher's petrel 1040
seaside tinch 414
Fishing
duck 948
ducks 948
eagles 696
Fissirostral 106
Fixtures 25, 27
Fizzv 942
Flag' of hawks 129
Flamingo, nnierican red 888
Flamingoes 888
Flammulated owl 636
Flanks 100
Flaps of toes 137
Flat-billed
auklet 1071
phalarope 797
Flexion of wing 112, 115
Flexor
digitorum perforatus 201
longus hallucis 199
muscles 115
Flicker 599
gila 601
guadalupe 601
hybrid 600
mexican 600
northern 600
northwestern 601
vellow-and- red-shafted 600
Fliclcers 598
Flight-feathers 81, 115, 117
goose 905
Flocculus 182
Flock «luck 923
Flocking fowl 923
Floresi's hummingbird 549
Florida 661
barred owl (i29
blucjay 495
burrowing owl 648
carilinal 4.j(!
clapper rail 854
cdTuIca 880
cormorant 964
Florida
crow 488
blackbird 483
duskv duck 915
dwarf bittern 886
galliuule 800
jay 497
meadow-lark 472
night-hawk 570
quail 754
red-shouldered buzzard 686
screech owl 634
seaside tinch 415
summer finch 423
whitebreasted nuthatch 277
wild turkey 729
wren 294
vellow-throat 338
Flusterer 862
FlycatcliL-r
aca<lian 528
alder 529
arizona beardless 534
crested 520
arkansas tyrant 515
ash-throated crested 520
beardless 533
black pewit 522
bonaparte's svlvan 341
bull-headed 516
cassin's tyrant 515
couch's tyrant 515
coues' 524
derbv 516
dirtv little 531
forked-tailed 512
fulvous 532
giraud's 517
gray little 532
great crested 518
green-crested 528
hammond's 531
island 531
large-billed crested 520
lawrence's crested 521
least 530
little buff 532
buff-breasted 532
western 529
mexican crested 519
nutting's crested 521
olivaceous crested 521
olive-sided 524
pewit 522
pileolated sylvan 341
ridgway's 534
saint lucas 531
sav's pewit 522
selbv's sylvan 340
small green-crested 528
sulphur-bellied striped 517
swallow-tailed 512
tcxan 517
texas beardless 516
train's 529
vermilion 533
western wood pewee 526
yellow-bellied 531
Wilson's sylvan 341
Wright's 532
yellow-bellied 530
Flycatcliers
anicrican 510
ash-throated 518
beardless 533
crested 518
Flycatchers
derby 516
fire-crowned 533
inquisitive 516
king 513
little olivaceous 526
pewit 521
rufous-tailed 518
striped 517
swallow-tailed 512
true tyrant 510
wood pewee 523
Flycutching thrush
townsend's 259
Flycatching thrushes 259
Flycatching warbler
Canadian 341
hooded 340
red-fronted 344
Flycatching warblers 340
rose 344
Fly-snapper, shining 360
Fly-snappers 360
Flv-up-tlie-creek 881
Follicle, feather 82
Fontanelles of sternum 150
Fool
duck 946
quail 761
Foolish guillemot 1082
Foot 124
integument of 130
nioditications of 135
plumage of 128
Foramen
lacerum 166
magnum 162
of monro 181
ovale of heart 202
of skull 162
Forbush's song sparrow 417
Forceps 25, 52
Forearm 112
Fork -tail petrels 1042
grav 1(144
honiby's 1044
Fork-tailed
tlvcatcher 512
gull 999
stormy petrels 1042
Forms
generalized 76
specialized 76
Formulation of knowledge 77
Fornix 182
Forster's tern 1009
Fossa, nasal 109
Fossil birds 62. 1037
cretaceous 1093
Jurassic 1097
tertiary 1087
P'our-loed jtlover 779
Fowls 719, 721
])igeon-toed 720
true 721
Fox sparrow
eastern 442
slale-colored 443
townsend's 443
Fox sparrows 442
Fox-tail 442
Foxy tinch 442
Franklin's
rosy gull 996
spruce grc>use 734
Frank's guillemot 1083
1114
INDEX.
Fratercula 1062
arctica 1064
fflacialis 1066
corniculata 1063
Fraterculinae 1062
Frazar's
green heron 881
oj-ster-catcher 789
Freckled sandpiper 822
Fregata 971
aquila 971
Fregatidffi 969
Fregetta 1045
grallaria 1046
French
duck 914
mocking-bird 285
Fresh-water marsh hen 854
Frigate 971
palmerston 971
stormy petrels 1045
Frigates 969
Fringe-footed phalaropes 793
Fringillidffi 373
Frontal
angle 109
antiffi 110
bone 162
Frontlets 104
Fronto-facial hinge 162
Frost-bird 771
Frosted poor-will 568
Frowl 1082
Fulgent hummers 546
Fulica 862
americana 862
atra 863
minor 1091
Fulicin* 861
Fuliginous buzzard 689
Fuligula 922
afKnis 923
collaris 924
marila 923
Fuligulinffi 920
Fulmar 1028
common 1028
giant 1028
gull 1029
lesser atlantic 1029
pacific 1029
rodgers' 1029
slender-billed 1030
Fulmar shearwaters 1031
Fulmarinw 1027
Fulmars 1027
Fulmarus 1028
glacialis 1028
glupischa 1029
minor 1029
rodgersi 1029
Fulvous
fl3'catcher 532
tree duck 906
Furcate tail 123
Furculum 112, 153
Fute 843
Gadfly petrels 1038
Gadwall 916
Gairdner's woodpecker 588
Galeoscoptes 283
carolinensis 284
Gall-bladder 221
Gallinaceous birds 719
Gallinae, 719, 1089
Gallinago 805
delicata 806
gallinago 806
major 805
Gallinuia 860
galeata 860
Gallinule
common 860
florida 860
Gallinules 850, 859
sultana 861
Gallinulina- 851, 859
Gallo-columbine series 719
Gambel's
crown sparrow 439
partridge 759
Gambets 830
Gambetta 836
Gamin 379
Ganglia
of brain 181
of nerves 180
Gannet
common 954
white 954
Gannets 953
Gape 111
Gardenian heron 882
Garefowi 1086
Garganevs 919
Garrot 928
american 928
Garrots 928
Garrulin.-E 492
Garzetta 878
candidissima 878
nivea 878
Gastornis
giganteus 1092
parisiensis 64
Gastraum 99, 101
Gastrula 231
Gastrulation 231
Gavia 1048
adamsi 1050
arcticus 1050
imber 1048
lumme 1051
pacificus 1050
Gaviie 1047
Gavid* 1047
Geant 65
Geraldine 253
Geranomorpha; 177
Germinal
spot 226
vesicle 226
Germination 230
Germ-velk 230
Geese 890, 896
barnacle 902
brant 902
gray 897
land 897
painted 901
snow 898
Gelochelidon 1002
nilotica 1002
Gemitores 706
Gena 103
Geiu'ia 72, 73
General ornitholog3' 59
Generalized forms 76
Generative organs 221
Genetic relations 77
Genio-hyoid 217
Genital glands 221
Genus 71, 72, 73
Geococcyx 605
californianus 605
Geologic succession 62
Geopelia 709
Geothlypis 334, 336
beldingi 338
opornis agilis 334
formosa 335
poliocephala ralphi 338
tolmiei 336
trichas 337
ignota 338
occidentalis 337
Geothypia Philadelphia 336
Geotr3'gon 718
cbrysia 718
montana 718
Geylle 1078
Giant fulmar 1028
Gibbons 107
Gigerium 219
Gila
flicker 601
woodpecker 594
Gilded
woodpecker 601
woodpeckers 598
Ginglymiis 127
Giraud's
flycatcher 517
horned lark 507
Gizzard 218
Glabrirostres 563
Glacial
guillemot 1078
puffin 1066
Gland, oil
Glass eyes 44
Glaucidium 643
gnoma 643
californicum 643
hoskinsi 644
phalujnoides 644
Glaucous gull 984
Glaucous-winged gull 985
Glenoid
cavity 152
process 152
Glosso-hyal bone 173
Glosso-pliaryngeal nerve 183
Glossy
ibis 865
ibises 865
Glottis 210, 216
Glupisch 1029
Gnat-catcher
black-capped 266
black-tailed 266
blue-gray 265
plumbeous 265
Gnat-catchers 264
Gnathidium 109
Gnathotheca 108
Gnome owl 643
californian 643
Gnome owls 643
Goatsuckers 561
true 562
Godwit
american bar-tailed 825
black-tailed 827
european black-tailed 828
great marble 825
hudsonian 827
INDEX.
1115
Godwit
pacific bar-tailed 826
red-breasted 827
Godwits 825
Goirgle-nose 04-4
Golden
crown sparrow 440
eagle 695
eagles 695
plover 771
plovers 771
robin 475
swamp warblers 309
Golden warbler 31il
chestnut-headed 319
Golden-cheeked warbler 321
Golden-crested kinglet 262
Golden-crowned
accentor 333
thrush 333
wag-tail warbler 333
Golden-eye 928
american 928
Golden-winged woodpecker 599
Goldfinch
american 392
arizona 394
arkansaw 394
black-headed 392
european 394
lawrence's 393
mexican 394
western american 393
willow 393
Goldfinches 392
american 392
old-world 394
Gold-tits 275
Gonj' 1024
Gonys 109, 172
Goosander 948
american 948
red-breasted 949
Goose
american white-fronted 898
barnacle 902
bay 904
biggrav 904
black brant 903
black-headed 904
blue 899
snow 899
blue-winged 899
brant 903
brent 903
cackling 905
Canada 904
cassin's 905
clatter 903
common wild 904
cravat 904
emperor 901
eskimo 905
european bean 898
white-fronted 898
fiight 905
great IT snow 900
horra 903
hutciiins' 905
larger white-cheeked 904
laughing S98
least Canada 905
snow 901
lesser Canada 905
snow 900
little wild 905
Goose
marsh 905
mud 905
painted 901
prairie 905
red 900
reef 904
rode 903
ross' 901
small grav 905
white-headed 899
winter 905
yellow-legged 898
Goose-bird 827
(jorget hummers 547
Gorglets 104
Goshawk
american OGl
mexican 693
western 662
Goshawks 661
Goss' Ixioby 955
Gould's boobv 954
Goura 708
Gourdhead 869
Graafian follicle 226
Grace's warbler 328
Grackle
blue-headed 480
boat tailed 482
bronzed 483
green 483
purple 482
red-tailed 482
rustv 480
texas 482
Grackles 479
rusty 480
Graculavus
agilis 1095
anceps 1095
lentus 1095
pumilus 1094
vi'lox 1094
Graculus
idahensis 1091
macropus 1092
Gradation of tail 123
Grallatores altinares 864
Grallatorial
anseres 887
foot 135. 136
Granatellus 305
Grand
dukes 629
fou 954
Grant's tropic bird 972
(Jranulation of podotheca 131
Grass
quit 453
plover S:!7
sparrows 401
Grass-bird 815
(irass linch 401
western 402
(irasshopjier sparrow 408
henslow's 410
le conte's 411
Grasshop|>er sparrows 408
(irass-snipe 815
(iravity, centre of 96
( j ra V
"brant 898
coot 942
coot-footed Iringa 797
crowned leucosticte 387
Grav
"duck 912, 916
fork-tailed petrel 1044
geese 897
greenlet 366
grouse 734
gyrfalcon 666
ja}' 502
jays 500
kingbird 514
little flvcatcher 532
mallard 914
owl 033
owls 626
phalarope 797
plover 770
ruffed grouse 742
sage sparrow 429
shrikes 370
snipe 808
song sparrow 419
star buzzard 693
towhee 462
white- wing 943
widgeon 916
Gray -back 808, 822. 923
greater 809
Gray-cheeked thrush 255
Gray-headed
"murrelet 1074
snowbird 433
Gray's tanager 350
Gray-tailed cardinal 456
Gray-winged gull 9S5
Grease bird 500
Great
auk 1086
black-backed gull 986
blue heron 865
Carolina wren 294
crested flycatcher 518
egret herons 876
grav owl 636
■ owls 636
guinea woodpecker 585
herons 874
horned owl 630
marbled godwit 825
northern diver 1048
shrike 370
red-breasted rail 854
rufous-bellied kingfisher 573
skua 976
white egret 876
heron 876
Greater
courlan 849
coverts 1 16
grav-back 809
longbeak 809
red-poll 390
scaup duck 923
shearwater 1034
snipe 805
snow goose 900
telltale 831
vellow-legs 831
"vellow-shanks 831
yellowshins 831
Great-footed hawk 669
Great-head 928
Grebe
american eared 1057
red-necked 1055
eulifornian black-necked 1057
dark's 1054
1116
INDEX.
Grebe
crested 1055
holboell's 1055
horned 1056
pied-billed 1058
St. domingo 1058
sclavonian 1056
western 1054
white-winged 1058
Grebes 1051, 1054
spear-bill 1053
thick-billed 1058
Green
black-capped flvcatching war-
bler 341
finch 463
grackle 483
heron 881
ibis 865
jays 500
pheasant 725
plover 771
sandpiper 833
Green-back 771
Green-backed humming-bird 550
Green-crested flycatcher 528
Green-footed boobv 955
Green-head 771, 914, 923
Green-headed wigeon 917
Greenland
eider 938
gyrfaicon 664
mealy red-poll 390
ptarmigan 747
Greenlet
bell's 368
black-capped 369
black-whiskered 363
blue-headed 365
brotheily love 364
cassin's 366
gray 366
button's 367
key west 367
least 368
mountain solitary 366
obscure 368
plumbeous 366
red-eyed 363
solitary 365
Stephens' 367
yellow-green 364
yellow-throated 365
warbling 364
western warbling 365
white-e5'ed 367
Greenlets 361
Greenshank, european 831
Greenshanks 831
Green-tailed towhee 462
Green-wing 918
Green-winged teals 918
Grinda's bush-tit 274
Grisled sandpiper 822
Groove-billed ani 604
Grosbeak
alaskan pine 378
black-headed 448
blue 449
California pine 378
Canadian pine 377
cardinal 454
evening 376
kadiac pine 379
rocky mountain pine 378
rose-breasted 448
Grosbeak
western blue 450
evening 377
Grosbeaks
blue 449
cardinal 454
song 447
Ground
cuckoos 605
doves 712, 716
robin 457
sparrows 402
thrush 285
warblers 334
Groups
taxonomic equivalence of 72
zoological 72
Grouse 730
black 732
blue 734
Canada 732
common pinnated 739
sharp-tailed 737
drumming 741
dusky 734
franklin's spruce 734
grav 734
- ruffed 742
labrador spruce 733
northern sharp-tailed 737
Oregon ruffed 743
pale pinnated 741
pine 734
pinnated 739
of martha's vineyard 739
pin-necked 739
pin-tailed 736
prairie sharp-tailed 738
red ruffed 743
richardson's duskv 735
ruffed 741
sage 735
sharp-tailed 737
shoulder-knot 741
snow, 743
sooty 735
spike-tailed 737
spine-tail 735
spotted 732
sprig-tailed 737
spruce 732
tippet 741
tree 732
white 737, 744
willow 744
wood 732
Grues 846
Gruidie 847
Gruiformes 846
Grus 847
americana 209, 848
canadensis 203, 848
haydeni 1090
proavus 1090
Grypaniform 107
Guadalupe
caracara 678
flicker 601
house finch 383
petrel 1043
rock wren 292
snowbird 434
towhee 460
wren 296
Guan, texan 721
Guans 721
Guara 866
alva 866
rubra 867
Guillemot
black 1078
californian 1083
common 1082
foolish 1082
frank' s 1083
glacial 1078
raandt's 1078
pacific thick-billed 1084
pigeon 1079
scapular 1078
sooty 1080
spectacled 1080
thick-billed 1083
white 1078
white-winged 1078
Guillemots 1068, 1078, 1081
black 1068, 1078
Guiraca 449
coerulea 449
eurhyncha 450
Guiras 604
Gula 101
Gular 101
pouch 216
Gull
american herring 988
mew 991
atlantic gray-winged 985
arctic 978
black-toed 978
black-headed 995
bonaparte's ros}- 996
californian 989
common american 990
european herring 988
mew 990
fork-tailed 999
franklin's rosy 996
glaucous 984
glaucous-winged 985
gray-winged 985
great black-backed 986
heermann's 991
ice 984, 994
ivorv 994
kittfwake 992
kumlien's 985
laughing 995
least 998
little 998
neboux's 1000
nelson's 986
pacific gray-winged 986
point-barrow glaucous 984
reinhardt's 988
ring-billed 990
ross' 998
rosy 998
sabine's 999
Siberian 988
slaty-backed 987
snow 994
swallow -tailed 1000
vega 989
wedge-tailed 998
western herring 987
white-headed 991
white-winged 985
Gull-billed tern 1002
terns 1002
Gull fulmar 1029
Gulls 973, 982, 983
INDEX.
1117
Gulls
fork-tailed 999
hooded 994
ice 994
rosy 994
skua 975
swallow-tniled 1000
three-toed 992
wedge-tail 998
Guns 1, 5, 6, 7
(iustation 197
(Jutter-snipe 807
Guttur 101
Gvgis Candida 1002
Gypa'tus barbatus 649 - ^.
Gj'pagus 701
papa 701
Gyparchus papa 700
Gypoijeraiiides (!17
Gypof^erauus ser[)('iitarius 017
Gypohierax anj^oleiisis 649
Gyps fulvus 706
Gypsum 27
Gyratites 706
Gyrfalcon
anierican continental 666
black 667
brown 666
gray 666
greenland 664
iceland, 664, 666
labrador (167
norwegian 666
white 664
Gvrfalcons 664
H^MAL
arch 141
spine 142
Ilu'mapophyses 142
Htpmatanuvba cnientata 202
Hajmatic system 201
Ila-matopodida' 787
HaeniMtopus 787
i)achmani 789
frazari 789
ostrilegus 788
palliatus 788
ILvmatothermal 202
Ihi'mophila 425
carpal is 427
riiliceps eremreca 426
scotti 426
sororia 426
Ilaffherr 1028
Hag 10;i4
black I().'i7
Hagdoii 1084
llair-bird 4.i')
llairy-liea.l 949
Hairy woodpecker 585
Haley ones 570
Ilalcvoiiifonn birds 570
Hall-wcbbcd fool 137
Haliat'tus 6116
albicilla 690
leucoceplialus 696
aiascanus 698
Hallux 134
Halocyiiteiia 1041
micni'iiitna 11)41
Haldiic^ of cgtr 228
llaniiiiock-bird 475
Haniiiioiid's flycatcher 531
llaiiiulate bill' 107
Hamuli 84
Hanging-l)ird 475
Hang-nest 475
Harderian eland, 185. 187
Hard-headed broad-bill 946
Hare-footed buzzards 690
Hareld, loiiir-tailed 931
Harfang 039
Harlan 912
Harlan's buzzard 682
Harlequin
brant 898
duck 933
quail 761
Harpagornis 65
Harporhynelius 284
bendirei 286
cinereus 287
mearnsi 288
crissalis 287
curvirostris 286
palmeri 286
lecontei 288
arenieola 289
longirostris sennetti 285
redivivus 288
pasandenensis 288
rufus 285
Harpy eagle 695
Harriers 651
Harris's
buzzard 679
sparrow 440
woodpecker 586
Haunch bones 154
Havelda 931
hiemnlis 931
Havi-lds 931
Havell's tern 1009
Haversian canals 140
Hawaiian petrel 1043
Hawlinches, anierican 376
Hawk
american marsh 652
black (;89
blue (;52
hen 661
California scjuirrel 692
chicken 659, 661, 685
cooper's 659
Cuban sparrow 676
desert si)arrow 675
duck t!69
eagle 692
tish 698
great-footed 669
ben 682. 685
little l)lack 689
marsh 652
mexican black 694
mos(iuito 568
mouse 652
pallas' pigeon 674
pige<in 653, 070
red-belhed 686
ricliardson's pigeon 663
.M. lucas sparriiw (i75
sharp-shinned 658
snail 654
snake 057
sparrow 074
.suckley's pigeon 073
winter 685
zone-tnilcd 686
Hawk owl 040
american 642
Hawk owl
european 640
Hawks 649, 057
lish 098
sharp-shinned 658
Hawk's-eve 771
llav-bird'815
Head of birds 97. 102
Hearing, sense of 190
Heart 202
Heath-cock, rufl'ed 741
Heath hen 739
Heavenly hummers 547
Heavy-tailed duck 946
Heel 120
Heermann's
gull 991
song sparrow 420
Heleodytes 290
brunneicapellus 291
affinis 291
brvanti 291
Helinaia 310
swainsoni 310
Heliornithida' 846
Hell-diver 1059
Helmet
hummers 548
quail 758
Helmintherus 309
vermivorus 309
Helminthophila 31,0
bachmani 312
celata 314
lutescens 314
sordida 315
chrysoptera 312
cincinnatiensis 312
lawrencii 312
leucobronchialis 312
luciiv 313
peregrina 315
pinns 311
rubricapilla 313
gutturalis 314
Virginia- 313
Helodromas 833
ochropus 833
solitarius 833
cinnamomeus 833
Hemiglottides 864
Hemipodii 719
Hemispheres of brain 181
Hemlock warbler 325
Hen
attwater's prairie 741
curlew 841
hawk 682, 685
heath 739
Indian 884
les.ser prairie 741
pine 734
pr;iirie 739
sage 730
Hen-bill 862
Heniconetta 935
sfelleri 936
Henry's junco 433
Hens
marsh 854
prairie 739
Henshaw's wren-tit 2C7
Henslow's grasshoi'per sparrow 410
Hepatic lannger 349
Hepburn's leucosticte 383
Heredity 6tJ
1118
INDEX.
Hermit
thrush 254
warbler 321
Herodiie 864
Herod ias 876
alba 877
egretta 876
Herodii 870
Herodiones 863, 1090
Heron
american night 882
anthony's green 881
ash}' 875
audubon's 876
black-crowned night 882
common of europe 875
frazar's green 881
gardenian 882
great blue 875
egret 876
white 876
green 881
Johanna 875
little blue 880
white 880
night 882
red-shouldered 875
series 870
snowy 878
ward's 875
white 876
wiirdemann's 876
yellow-crowned night 883
Herons 871
and their allies 863
blue and white 880
great 874
egret 876
green 881
small blue and white 880
small egret 878
night 881
thick-bill night 882
true 873
Heronshaw 875
Herpetotheres 649
Herring gull 988
american 988
european 988
Hesperian-bird 402
Hesperiocichla
mnstelina 25o
luvvia 251
Hesperiphona vespertina montana
377
Hesperocichla 250
Hesperophona 370
vespertina 376
Hesperornis 63
crassipes 1094
gracilis 1094
regalis 63, 1094
Heteractitis 839
incana 839
Heterocoelous vertebrae 144
Heterodactvli 574
Hiator 867'
Hickory-head 946
Hierofalco 664
High-holder 599
High-hole 599
" High," in scale of organization 76
Highland plover 837
Hill-bird 837
Himantopus 791
mexicanus 792
Hind
limb 124
toe 134
Hip-joint 124
HirundinidiB 350
Hirundo 351
erythrogastra 351
Histrionicus 932
histrionicus 933
Hoarv-headed j'ellow-throat 338
Hobbies 663
Holboll's
grebe 1055
red-poll 390
Hollow-billed coot 942, 944
Hollow-head 770
Holoblastic eggs 226
Holorhinal 171
Holothecal podotheca 131
Homalogonatous birds 201
Homeyer's quake-tail 301
Homology 67, 68
Honey creeper, bahaman 346
Honev creepers 346
Honker 904
Hooded
crown sparrow 440
tlycatching warbler 340
merganser 949
oriole 477
quail 755
sheldrake 949
Hoodlum 379
Hooklets of feathers 85
Hooks, for eggs 52
Hookumpake 804
Hoot owl 628. 629, 630
Hoover's j-ellow-rump 324
Hoplopterus 765
Horn-bill auklet 1069
Horn-pie 769
Hornby's petrel 1044
Horned
grebe 1056
lark 505
larks 504
owl 631
puffin 1063
wavy 901
Horns of hyoid bone 173
Horny integument of foot 129
Horra goose 983
Horse-foot snipe 785, 822
Horsehead coot 944
Horsemen 830
Hoskins' pygmy owl 644
House
finch 383
sparrow 344
wren 296
pacific 297
Hudson ian
curlew 843
godwit 827
titmouse 272
Humero-scapulare 151
Humerus 112
Humility 829
Hummer
sponge 548
Hummers
amazili 553
attic 551
circe 554
fulgent 546
gorget 547
Hummers
heavenl}' 547
helmet 548
lightning 549
lucifer 552
queen 554
starry 552
Hummingbird
alexander 548
alien 550
anna 549
black-chinned 548
blue-throated 547
broad-tailed 550
calliope 552
circe 554
costa 549
dusky-tailed 553
floresi's 549
green-backed 550
rufous 550
lucifer 552
morcom's 551
nootka 550
red -backed rufous 550
refulgent 546
rieffer's 553
rivoli 546
ruby-throated 547
rufous-bellied 553
violet-throated 548
xantus 554
Hummingbirds 543
Hunger and fatigue 20
Hurricane bird 971
Huschke's process 195
Hussar 468
Ilutchins' goose 905
Ilutton's greenlet 367
Hyacinths 861
Hvaloid membrane 190
Hybrid
flicker 600
snow-bird 431
Hydranassa 878
tricolor ruficollis 878
Hydrochelidon 1017
leucoptera 1018
nigra surinamensis 1018
Hvgiene of collectorship 19
Hylocichla 79, 252
aliciiB 255
bicknelli 256
aonalaschkw 254
auduboni 254
pallasi 254
fuscescens 253
salicicola 254
mustelina 253
ustulata 255
cedica 255
swainsoni 255
Hylophilus 361
Hvmenolsmus malacorhynchus 921
Hyoid bone 159, 173
Hypapophysis 143
cerebri 181
Hyperborean phalarope 795
Hvph antes 475
Hypoblast 233
Hypochondria 100
Hypocleidium 152, 153
Hypoglossal nerve 183
Hypognathous bill 105
Hvporhachis 84
Hvpositta 276
INDEX.
1119
Iache 554
latirostris 554
Ibides 8G4
IbididK 864
Ibis
bay S65
glossy 865
green 865
ord's 865
scarlet 867
series 864
white 866
white-faced glossy 865
wood 869
Ibises 864
glossv 865
scarlet 866
white 866
wood 869
Ibvcter 677
Ice gulls 994
Iceland gj-rfalcon 664, 666
Ichthvo|)si<la 60
Ichthyoniis 63, 64, 69, 76
agilis ]095
anceps 1095
celer 1093
dispar 1095
lentus 1095
tener 1095
valid us 1095
victor 1095
Icteria 338
virens 338
longicauda 339
Icteridiv 463
Icteriua- 474
Icterus 474
auduboui 478
buUocki 476
cucuUatus 477
nelsoiii 478
galbula 475
icterus 476
parisorum 478
spurius 476
atHiiis 477
Ictinia 654
niississippiensis 655
-id:i' (sutlix) 78
Ideal [ilan of vertci)ra 141
Ilium 154, 219
Imber diver 1048
Imperial tern 1004
Ini[>leinents for collecting 1
- ilia- (su(Hx) 78
Inca dove 716
Incubation 232
Incumbent hallux 134
Indian hen 884
Indigo painteil (inch 451
Indigo-bird 451
Inferior uncuicorn 108
Int'raniaxillary 105
Infr.i-iirbiial region 102
Infuiidil>ulinii
of ear 194
of oviduct 227
Ingluvie^21S
Innominate bone 154
Inr|uisitive flycatchers 510
Insect pests 55
Insessores 244
InsesHorial foot 135
Insistent hallux 134
In-trunients 25
Instruments
for eggs 51
Insular red-shafted woodpecker 601
Integument of foot 129
Interclavicle 153
Intermaxillary bone 105, 170
Intermediate crown sparrow 439
Intermedium 126
Internasal plate 157
Internodes of foot 127
Interorbital septum 159
Interramal space 103, 109
InterraiTiicorn 108
Interscapulare 100
Intestine 219
lonornis 861
martin ica 861
Ipswich sparrow 404
Iris of eye 189
Iris swallows 353
Irish snipe 790
Iron-head 928
Ischiac artery 205
Ischium 154
Islanrl
flycatcher 531
shrike 372
Isles of shoals duck 939
Isomeres 235
Isotomes 205
Isthmus of oviduct 228
Ivory gull 994
Ivorv-billed
coot 862
woodpecker 580
Ivory-bills 579
lynx torquilla 110
Jabiru 870
american 870
Jai^ana
mexican 766
sjjinosa 766
Ja<?!\nas 765
Jacanidffi 765
Jack 843
curlew 842
Jackdaw 482
Jack-snipe 815
Jaeger
arctic 980
buffon's 980
long-tailed 980
parasitic 978
pomatorhine 977
richardson's 978
Jaegers 973, 976
Jan ran gent 954
Japan pheasant 725
Jajjaner-e murrelet 1075
Jaw-bone 172
Jaws of birds 105
Jay
alaskan 501
arizona 499
belding's 499
black-headed 496
blue 494
blue-eared 498
blue-fronted 496
brown 493
California 498
Canada 500
cassin's 492
llorida 497
Jay
florida blue 495
gray 502
labrador 501
long-crested 496
maximilian's 492
mountain 495
obscure 502
Oregon 502
pine 495
pinon 492
rio grande 500
rockj' mountain 501
san pedro 499
santa cruz 498
scrub 497
sierra 496
smutty-nosed 501
steller's 495
white-headed 501
woodhouse's 498
xantus' 499
Jays 484, 492
brown 492
crested blue 494
crestless blue 497
gray 500
green 500
Jejunun) 219
.Trrfuk'on, see Gvrfalcon
.low-liird 604
Jingler 928
Jinnv 785
Johalki 1024
Johanna heron 875
Joim Connolly 932
John down 1028
Joree-grasel 457
Jugal
■^ bar 168
bone 168
Jugulum 101
Junco 429
aikeni 430
aiken's 430
annectens 432
annex 432
arizona 433
bairdi 434
brewster's 431
canlceps 433
henry's 433
hiemalis 430
carolinensis 431
coiniectens 431
orcgonus 431
pinosus 432
thurberi 432
insularis 434
mearn's 433
pliaonotus dorsalis 433
pallialus 433
ridgwayi 433
slate-colored 430
thurber's 432
townsendi 433
woodhouse's 433
Jurassic birds 61. ti2, 1097
Kadiac pine grosbeak 378
song sparrow 422
Kalding's fork-tailed petnd 1042
Kamst'liatkan or Siberian cuckoo 611
sea eagle 698
Keel-tailed grackle 482
1120
INDEX.
Kelinky 616
Kennicott's
screech owl 634
warbler 261
Kentish tern 1008
Kentucky warbler 335
Kestrel
american 674
european 674
Kestrels 674
Kewink 529
Kev
" to the families 237
to the orders 236
Kej' west
' dove 718
greenlet 367
Kevs
' artificial 233
directions for using 233
Kiddan 1082
Kidneys 223
Kiebitz 769
Kieneria 460
Kiewiet 769
Kildee 774
Kildeer plover 774
King
eider 941
flycatchers 513
rail 854
vulture 701
vultures 701
King-bird 513
gray 514
western 515
Kingfisher
belted 470
collared 573
great rufous-bellied 573
" ringed " 573
fexan green 574
Kingfishers 571
belted 573
piscivorous 572
Kinglet
dusky 263
golden-crested 262
ruby-crowned 261
western golden-crested 264
Kinglets, 261
Kirtland's
owl 638
warbler 330
Kitchenmiddens 64
Kite
black-shouldered 656
everglade 054
mississippi 655
swallow-tailed 657
white-tailed 656
Kite-tail 912
Kites 653
lead 654
pearl 656
sickle-billed 654
swallow-tailed 657
Kittiwake
common 992
kotzebue's 993
red-legged 993
short-billed 993
Kittiwakes 992
Kittlitz's murrelet 1077
Knee 126
cap 126
Knee
joint 126
Knives 25, 52
Knob-nosed auklet 1072
Knot 822
Knudsen's
petrel 1043
wedge-tailed shearwater 1033
Kotzebue's kittiwake 993
Krider's red-tail 685
Kumlien's gull 985
Kurile shearwater 1038
Kyska ptarmigan 748
Labelling, 21, 23, 53, 79
Labels 23, 24
Labrador
auk 1064
duck 934
gvrfalcon 667
jay 501
spruce grouse 733
twister 804
Labyrinth
'of ear, 193, 194, 196
of trachea 50, 208
Lacrymal
bone 171
duct 185
gland 185, 187
Lacteals 205
Ladder-backed
woodpecker 583
three-toed 589
Lady-bird 912
Lady of the waters 878
Lajvo-carotidinae 204
Lagena 195
Lagopus 743
albus 48
evermaniii 749
lagopus 744
alleni 745
leucurus 749
rupestris 745
atkhensis 747
nelsoni 747
reinhardti 747
townseiidi 748
welchi 748
Laguna sparrow 426
Laletes osburni 361
Lamellate bill 107
Lamellirostral 106
Laniellirostres 887
Lamina
spiralis 194
terniinalis 181
Laminae of tarsus 131
Laminiplantar tarsus 131
Laminiplantation 132
Lam porn is mango 545
Land
geese 897
rails 859
Laniidae 369
Laniina; 369
Lanius 370
boreal is 370
ludovicianus 371
anthonyi 372
excubitorides 371
gambeli 372
Lanner, american 667
Lanners 663
Laopteryx priscus 1097
Laornis edvardsianus 1095
Lapland
longspur 398
waxwing 359
Lapp
owl 637
owls 636
Lapwing 769
Lapwings 769
Large-billed
crested flycatcher 520
pufiin 1066
sparrow 407
wag-tail warbler 334
western wood pewee 526
Larger white-cheeked goose 904
Laridit 982
Lariime 982
Lark
brown 303
bunting 445
desert horned 507
dusky horned 508
field 472
finch 441
giraud's horned 507
horned 505
meadow 472
western 472
merrill's horned 508
mexican horned 508
pallid horned 750
prairie horned 506
ruddy horned 508
sand 835
scorched horned 508
sea 785
shore 505
sky 508
snow 395
sonoran horned 507
sparrow 441
sparrows 441
streaked liorned 507
texan horned 507
Larks 503
horned 504
meadow 471
I.arus 983
affinis 988
argentatus 988
smithsonianus 988
barrovianus 984
braehA'rhynchus 991
californicus 989
canus 990
dehiwarensis 990
glaucescens 985
glaucus 984
heermanni 991
kiimlieni 985
leucopterus 985
marinus 986
nelsoni 986
occidentalis 987
schistisagus 987
veg« 989
Larvre of insects 55
Larvnx 208
"lower 210
Latericorn 108
Laughing
goose 898
gull 995
Lavy 1082
Law of priority 80
INDEX.
1121
Lawrence's
black-throated diver 1050
crested flycatcher 521
goldfinch 393
stilt petrel lOiG
warbler 312
Lawyer 792
Laysan albatross 1024
Lazuli painted finch 451
Lazy-bird 466
Leach's fork-tailed petrel 1042
Lead kites 654
Lead-back 820
Least
auklet 1072
bittern 885
bush-tit 273
Canada goose 905
flycatcher 530
greenlet 368
gull 998
petrel 1041
sandpiper 813
snow goose 901
tern 1015
Leather-back 946
Le conte's
bunting 411
grasshopper sparrow 411
thrasher 288
Leg
])lumage of 128
relative length of 129
Leguatia gigantea 65
Length of leg, relative 129
" Lengths " of parts 24, 25
Leptopelecanus 958
Lesser
atlantic fulmar 1029
Canada goose 905
coverts 116
prairie hen 741
scaup duck 923
snow goose 900
tell-tale 832
woodcock 803
yellow-shanks 832
Lestoriiis crassipes 1094
Leucocytes 202
Leucosticte 386
aleutian 388
atrata 387
australis 387
black 387
brown-capped 387
gray-crowned 387
griseinucha 388
Hepburn's 388
tephrocotis 387
litoralis 388
Lewis' woodpecker 597
Light-footed rail 854
Lightning huninicrs 549
I-ightwood knot ',14(1
Likeness, degrees of 71
I^iniicola platvrhvncha 798
Liniicolii- 762^ IO!)(l
Liniiii'nii;:inns 848
Liln(.^a 82.")
fedoii .S25
liii'inastica 827
lapponica baucri 826
limosa H28
Limpkin 849
Lincoln's song sparrow 416
Lingula 157
Lining of wings 116, 117
Linnet
american 391
brewster's 391
pine 391
purple 381
red 381
Linnets 374, 391
red-poll 389
Linota
tlavirostris brewsteri 353
Little
american water-hen 856
auk 1080
black and white duck 930
black crake 858
hawk 689
rail 858
black-headed duck 923
blue darter 658
heron 880
brown crane 848
duck 930
buff flycatchers 543
fishing duck 949
guinea woodpecker 587
gull 998
horned owls 631
kill-cu 832
olivaceous flycatchers 520
oriole 342
red-breasted rail 856
seed-eater 452
sheldrake 949
wavey 900
western flycatcher 529
white egret 878
heron 880
wild goose 905
woodcock 803
Live coals 342
Liver 221, 865
Lizard bird 005
Lloyd's black-eared bush-tit 275
Lobate font 137
Lobation 137
Lobe-foot phalarope 795
Lobes 103
Lobipes 795
lobatus 795
Loddigesia
niirabilis 121
Logcock
black-billed 581
white-billed 580
Loggerhead shrike 371
]>omita wren 294
Lomvia
allinis 1092
anti(|ua 1092
Long-i)eak. greater 809
Long-hilled
curlew 841
marsh wren 298
Long-crested jay 496
Long-eared owl 624
Long-exserted tail-feathers 123
Longirostral 106
Loiigipennes 973
Long-legged
plover 831
snipe 831
stormy petrels 1044
Long-neck cracker UI2
Long-shanks 792
Longspur, alaskan 398
71
Longspur
bav-winged 400
black-breasted 400
black-shouldered 399
chestnut-collared 399
lapland 398
painted 399
smith's 399
white-tailed 399
Long-spurs 390, 400
Long-tailed
chat 339
chickadee 270
duck 931
ducks 931
hareld 931
jiiger 980
tern 1012
Long-toed stint 814
Long-winged swimmers 973
Loon
arctic 1050
black-throated 1050
common 1048
pacific 1050
red-throated 1051
sprat 1051
yellow-billed 1050
Looiis 1047
Loose (ilumage 36
Lophodytes 949
cucuUatus 940
Lophophanes 268
atricristatus 269
castaneifrons 269
bicolor 268
texensis 268
inornatus 268
cineraceus 269
griseus 269
wollweberi 269
Lopliortyx 758
californica 758
vallicola 759
sranibeli 759
Lophosteon 149
Loral 103
Lord and ladv 933
Lore 103
Lorum 103
Louisiana
clapper rail 854
egret 878
seaside sparrow 414
water thrush 334
Love doves 715
" Low " in scale of organization 76
Lower larvnx 210
Loxia 384
curvirosira minor 385
stricklandi 386
leucoptera 385
Loxiine finches 374
Lucifer
hummers 552
hummingbird 552
Lucy's warbler 313
Lumbar vertebra- 146
Lunda 1066
cirrata Idtiti
Lungs of birds 206
I^ustre (loves 718
Lymph 205
Lymphatic system 201
Lvmphatics 205
Lv re- bird 122
1122
INDEX.
Macaws 616
Macfarlane's screech owl 634
Macgillivray's
seaside finch 413
warbler 336
Machinery of classification 77
Macrorhamphus 807
griseus 808
scolopaceus 808
Maggot snipe 785
Magnolia warbler 327
Magpie 493
anierican 493
blaclv-billed 493
vellow-billed 494
Magpies 493
Maize-bird 468
Maize-thief 468
Maizers 468
Mala 103
Malacorhynchus membranaceous
914
Malar region 103
Mallard 914
black 915
gray 914
Mallards 913
Mallemuck 1028
Malleus 168
Malpighiaii stratum 82
Mammalia 60, 68
Mandible 105, 172
under 108
upper 109
Mandt's guillemot 1878
Mangrove
cuckoo 610
warbler 319
Mantle 101
Mantled oyster-catcher 788
Manubrium 150
Manus 113
Manx shearwater 1035
Marbled murrelet 1076
Marble-wing sandpiper 838
Mareca 916
aniericana 917
peuelope 916
Marginal fringes of toes 137
Marian's marsh wren 299
Marionette 930
Marlin 825
brown 825
common 825
crooked-bjlled 843
field 827
red 825
ring-tailed 827
Marling-spike 978
Marrock 1082
Marsh
birds 844
blackbird 468, 470
blackbirds 405, 468
blue-bill 924
clapper 853
goose 905
hawk 652
hens 852
owl 625
owls 624
robin 457
snipe 807
tern 1002
wren 298
niarian's 299
Marsh
wren, worthington's 298
wrens 298
Marsh-hen 853
Marsupium 190
Martin
Cuban 357
purple 356
vesper 357
western 357
Marj'land
col in 753
partridge 753
quail 753
yellow-throat 337
Masked
bob white 755
woodpeckers 588
arasking pufiins 1062
Massena partridge 761
jMaterialization 180
Materials for taxidermv 25, 26
Mavis 285
Maxilla 103
Maxillary
bone 168
line 103
Maxillo-palatine
bar 158
bone 168
Maximilian's jav 492
iMaybird 465, 822
May-cock 770
May white-wing 943
Mavnard's mangrove cuckoo 611
Mcdougall's tern 1013
Jlrgregor's house finch 384
JMikay's snowtlake 396
Meadow
chicken 856
hen 853, 862
lark 471
tlorida 472
rio grande 472
pipit 302
snipe 807, 815
starlings 471
western 472
Meadow-wink 465
Mealy red-poll 390
american 391
greenland 390
Mearn's
junco 433
thrasher 288
Measurements, directions for 24
Meat hawk 500
Meatus
auditorius 102, 164
externus 191
internus 193
Mechanism
of leg-bones 127
of wing-bones 112, 114
Meckel's
cartilage 158, 174
ganglion 183
Median coverts 116
Medio-palatine ossification 179
Medio-tarsal joint 127
Mediterranean shearwater 1033
Medulla
oblongata 181
spinalis 182
Megalestris 975
skua 976
MegapodidiB 710
Megapodius 710
Megascops 631
asio 633
aikeni 634
bendirei 634
cineraceus 635
floridanus 634
kennicotti 634
maccalli 635
macfarlanei 634
maxwelliaj 634
flammeola 636
idahoensis 636
trichopsis 635
Melanerpes 595
erythrocephalus 595
formicivorus 595
angustifrons 597
bairdi 596
Melanetta 943
Meleagridida; 726
Meleagris 727
altus 1089
antiquus 1089
celer 1089
gallopavo 727
intermedia 728
Osceola 729
snperbus 1089
Melittarchus 513
Melopelia 715
leucoptera 715
Melospiza 415
cinerea 422
georgiana 417
insignis 422
lincolni 416
striata 417
melodia 418
caurinas 421
clementaj 421
cleonensis 420
cooperi 420
fallax 419
graminea 420
heermanni 420
ingersolli 421
juddi 419
merrilli 421
montana 420
morphna 421
pusilla 420
rivularis 420
rufina 421
samuelis 420
Members of birds 97, 105
Membrana
putaminis 228
tynipani 160
Membranous labyrinth 194, 195
Mendocino song sparrow 420
Meninges of brain 181
Men-o'-war 969
Mentum 103
Menura superba 122
Merganser 948
american 948
americanus 948
buff-breasted 948
hooded 949
red-breasted 49, 949
serrator 949
white 951
Mergansers 890, 947
Merginae 947
INDEX.
1123
Mergus 951
albellus 951
Merlin
american 673
black 673
european 674
Merlins 670
ISIeroblastic eggs •2'27
Merriam's owl 629
Jlerrill's
horned lark 508
parau(|ue 563
song sparrow 421
Merry-thought 153
MerrV-wing 928
Merula 249
continis 250
migratoria 249
propiiiqua 250
Mesencephalon 181
Mesethmoid 166
Mesoblast 233
Mesometry 227
Mesomyodi 509
!Mesomyodian 211, 245
Mesorhinium 110
Mesozoic 62
Messina quail 7"il
Metacarpus 1 12
Metagnathous bills 105
Metatarsal
accessory 127
bones 427
spurs 139
Metatarsus 125
Metencephalou 181
Methriopterus 285
Metosteon 150
Metovuni 227
Mexican
black hawk 694
bluebird 258
blue bunting 452
brown towhee 460
chickadee 271
cormorant 965
creeper 280
crested flvcatcher 519
cross-bill" 386
flicker 600
goldlincli 394
goshawk 693
griiunfl dove 716
horni-d lark 508
jaf,-an:i 766
screech owl 635
summer finch 424
turkey 727
Miasm 1!)
Micrasi^r 64!i
Micropalaiiia Hd'.t
hiniantoims 809
Micropallas (i45
wiiitneyi 645
Micmpodiihe 555
M iiTopodinic 556
Micropus apns 90
Micruria 11)77
Midilen<l<>r<T's stint 814
Middl.- idvcrls 116
Migratory iiuail 751
MilliT's vesper sparrow 402
Milvagii 677
Milviiia' 653
Milvuhis 512
forlicatus 512
Milvulus
tyrannus 512
Milvus 653
Mimina* 281
Mimus 282
polyglottus 283
Minute auklet 1072
.Miocene birds 64
Mire-drum 684
Mississippi kite 655
Mitrephanes 532
Mniotilta 307
varia 307
Mniotihida; 304
Moas 65, 1092
Mockers 282
Mocking-bird 283
ferruginous 285
french 285
mountain 282
Mddidlus 139
Moilenioke 1028
Mdllv mawk 1028
Molothrus 466
ater 466
obscurus 467
Momotida' 571
.Moniotus ca-ruleiceps 571
Jlonerula 230
Mongolian plover 782
Monkey-faced owl 623
Monogamy 232
.Miintezuma ([uail 761
Moon-bill 924
Moor-hen 862
Moor-hens 860
Moose-bird 500
Morcom's hummingbird 551
Morillon, american 928
Morocco-head 948
Morocco-jaw 944
Morphological classification 66, 68
Mor])hology 67
Mosquito-hawk 568
Moss-head 949
Motacilla 300
alba 301
ocularis 301
Motacillida- 300
Mother carev's chickens 1041
Moths 55
Motor nerves 180
Mottled
duck 915
owl 633
Moult 91
of bill 108
Mound-birds 720
Mountain
chickadee 271
dove 718
duck 933
eagle 695
jav 495
mocking-bird 282
oriole 478
pheasant 741
Iilover 782
quail 74ii, 757
solitary greenlet 366
song s|>arrow 420
sparrow 379
Mountebank 333
Mounting birds 40
Mourning
dove 714
Mourning
warbler 336
Mouse hawk 652
Mouth 92, 216
Mowyer 841
Mucronate tail-feathers 123
Mud-coot 862
Mud-dipper 946
Mud goose 905
Mud-hen 853
small 85i'5
white-billed 862
Mud-hens 860
Mud swallow 354
Muddy-belly 771
Mullerian ducts 221
Mumniilicatiou 47
Murre 1032
briinnich's 1083
californian 1083
common 1082
pallas' 1084
Murrelet
ancient 1074
black-throated 1074
craveri's 1078
gray-headed 1074
Japanese 1075
kittlitz's 1077
marbled 1076
short-billed 1077
temminck's 1075
townsend's 1076
vigors' 1077
white-bellied 1077
wrangel's 1076
xantus' 1077
Murrelets 1068
nipper-nosed 1074
peaked-nosed 1075
Murres 1059, 1081
Muscicapa
acadica 528
fulvifrons 530
querula 528
subviridis 528
Muscles of birds 198, 200
Muscovy 909
Muscular
sense 197
system 198
tissue 198
Musician tanagers 347
Musk duck 909
Musk ducks 909
Mussel duck 923
Mute swan 893
Mutilation 3S
Muzzle-load<'r 2
My aunt huldy 1132
Mvama'ba
Levis 198
striata 198
Mycteria 870
americana 870
My(lence]>haloii 181
Myiadestes 259
townsendi 329
Myiadestina' 259
Myiarchus 518
cinerascens 520
nuttingi 521
crinitus 518
lawreiicei 521
nliva^cens 521
iiiexicauua 519
1124
INDEX.
Myiarchus
mexicanus magister 520
Myiodynastes 517
luteiventris 517
Myiozeteles 516
texeusis 517
Mvlo-hvoid 217
MVologv 198
MVrtle bird 324
MVxa 109
Myxotheca 108
Natl of bill 107
Nails of toes 138
Names, scientific 78
Nape 98
Nares 110, 184,216
Naricorn 108
Narrow-fronted woodpecker 597
Nasal
bones 171
fossa 109
gland 184
scale 110
turbinal 179
Nashville warbler 313
Natatorial foot 135, 136
Natural
affinities 71
selection 66
Nauclerus 657
Neboux's boobv 955
gull 1000
Neck 98, 101
Nelson's gull 986
rock ptarmigan 747
sharp-tailed tinch 412
woodpecker 587
Neochloe 362
Neocorys 303
Neomorphinae 605
Neophron percnopterus 649
Neossoptiles 82
Nerve-tissue 180
Nervous system 180
Nestor productus 65
Nests and eggs, collecting 50
Nests, plea for study of 54
Netta 921
rufina 922
Netting birds 4
Nettium 918
carolinensis 918
crecca 918
Neural
arch 141
spines 142
Neurapophyses 143
Neurology 180
Neuranici'ba
Candida 180
cinerea 180
Nevada sage sparrow 429
Newfoundland ptarmigan 748
willow ptarmigan 745
New york water thrush 333
Nictitating membrane 185, 186
Nidicolous birds 82
Nidilication 233
Nidifugous 82
Nigger goose 964
Night-coursers 563
Night-hawk 568
chapman's 570
florida 570
Night-hawk
sennett's 569
texan 570
western 570
Night-hawks 568
Night heron
black-crowned 882
yellow-crowned 883
Night herons 881, 882
Night partridge 803
Nightingale, Virginian 455
Night-jar 566
Night-jars 5f!2
american 564
Night-peek 804
Nilotic tern 1002
Nine-killer 370
Nipper-nosed murrelets 1074
Nocturnal birds of prey 619
Noddies 1019
Noddv 946
Noddy tern 1019
Noisy plover 774
Nomenclature 78
binomial 79
rules of 80
trinomial 80
Nomonyx 947
dominica 947
Nonpareil 450
western 450
Nootka hummingbird 550
North american birds
classitication of 237
systematic synopsis of 243
Northern
black cloud swift 558
brown crane 848
towliee 461
downy woodpecker 587
eider duck 938
flicker 600
hairy woodpecker 586
parula warbler 308
phalarope 795
pileated woodpecker 581
raven 487
sharp-tailed grouse 737
shrike 370
spotted owl 629
Nortliwest fish crow 489
Northwestern flicker 601
red-shafted woodpecker 601
Norwegian gvrfalcon 666
Nostrils 110 "
Notajum 100
Notiocorys 302
Notochord 157
Notornis 149
Nucha 98
Nuchal
bone 961
region 101
wood|>ecker 591
Number
of phalanges 133
of toes 131
Numbering of toes 133
Numenius 839
arquata 840
borealis 843
hudsonicus 843
longirostris 841
phseopus 842
tahitiensis 842
Nun white 951
Nutcracker
american 490
dark's 490
Nuthatch
brown-headed 278
Canadian 277
Carolina 277
european 276
pygmy 277
red-bellied 277
slender-billed 277
white-bellied 277
white-naped 278
Nuthatches 276
typical 276
Nuttallornis 524
Nuttall's
pewee 524
poorwill 567
tern 1002
woodpecker 583
Nutting's crested flvcatcher 521
Nyctala 637
acadica 638
tengmalini richardsoni 637
Nyctanassa 882
violacea 883
Nyctea 639
nyctea 639
NyctibiiuiB 562
Nycticorax 881
naevius 882
Nj'Ctidromus 563
albicollis merrilli 563
Oak-woods sparrow 423
Obliquus
inferior 187
superior 187
Obscure
greenlet 368
jay 502
Observations, record of 21
Obturator foramen 155
Occipital
bone 162
condyles 102
style" 961
Occiput 102
Ocean ites 1045
ocean icus 1045
Oceanitin;c 1044
Oceanodronia 1042
crvptoleucura 1043
furcala 1044
homoehroa 1043
hornbvi 1044
kaedingi 1042
leucorrhoa 1042
macrodactyla 1043
melania 1043
socorroensis 1044
Ochthodromus 781
Oculi-motor nerve 183
Ocyphaps 709
Odontoglossas 887, 1091
Odontoid process 145
()dontolca'63, 244, 821
Odontophorina- 752
Odontophorus 752
Odontornithes 1087
Odontotorma3 63, 243, 1087
(Edemia 942
americana 942
deglandi 943
INDEX.
1125
CEdemia
fusca 943
perspicilbita 944
CEsophagus 217
(Estrelata 1038
tisheri 1040
hssitata 1039
scalaris 1040
Oil-gland 89
Old billv 932
Old-ticld lark 472
Old graiitiy 932
injun 931
molly 932
Old-squaw 931
Old-wife 931
Old-world
goldtiiichcs 394
partridges 750
quail 750
tree cuckoos 611
vultures (i49
warblers 2G1
Olecranon 113
Olfaction 184
Olfactory
foramen 166
lobes 181
nerves 182
Oligomyodian 245
Olivaceous crested flycatcher 521
flvcatchers 526
Olive '788
warbler 318
Olive-back, tuneful 255
Olive-backed thrush 255
Olive-black towhee 458
Olive-sided tlvcatcher 524
Olor 894
Olnios 112
Ontogeny 71
Onychoprion 1016
Oology
described 221
study of 50
Oophoron niasculinum 224
Operculum 110
Opetiorliyncluis 211
Ophthaliiiic nerve 183
Opisthocoelous vertebra; 144
Opisthocomi 719
Opisthocomus cristatus 149, 719
Opisthotic bone 163, 193
Oporornis 335
Optic
foramina 165
lobes 171, 181
nerves 181, 190
thalami 181
Orange-crowned warbler 314
Orbicularis oculi 186
Orbit of eve 102. 185
Orbital
process of (|uadrate 168
region 102
Orliito-nasal septum 166
Orbito-splienoid 164
Orchard oriole 476
texas 477
Order 71, 72, 73
Ord's ibis 805
Oregon
chickadee 271
grass finch 402
jav 502
olive-bnrked thrush 255
Oregon
robin 253
ruffed grouse 743
snow-bird 431
song-sparrow 421
towhee 458
Oreophasina; 721
Oreophasis derbianus 721
Oreortj'x 756
pictus 757
continis 758
plumilerus 757
Oreospiza 462
chlorura 462
Organization, scale of 76
Organs
of circulation 201
of digestion 215
of generation 223, 225
of locomotion 115
of respiration 205
of special senses 180
Oriole
arizona hooded 478
auduboii's 478
lialtimore 475
black-and-vellow 478
black-headed 478
bullock's 470
lid.ided 477
little 342
mountain 478
orchard 476
paris' 478
Scott's 478
texas orciiard 477
Orioles 474
american 474
Ornithichnites 62
Ornithion 533
imberbe 534
ridgwaj'i 534
Ornitholite 63
Ornithological book-keeping 22
Ornithology delined 59
Oniillioscelida 62
Oroscoptes 282
montanus 282
Ortalis 721
vetula maccalli 721
Ortolan
(sora or rail) 856
Os
humero-scapulare 151
iunominatum 154
lacrynio-palatinum 171
magnum 113
prominens 114
uncinatum 171
Oscine podothcca 131
()scines69, 246
()si)rev petrel 1028
( )s|)reys 698
Osseous s^'sfem 140
Ossicle of knee-joint 125
Ossicles
of ear 142
Ossicula auditus 142
Ossilic ci'Mlrcs 140
C)ssifraga 102M
gigantea 102S
Osteamcrha" 155
Osteological preparations 48
Osteology 140
Osteoses 140
Ostrich, skull of 175
Otahiti curlew 842
Otic
capsule 162
ganglion 183
Otidida; 845
Otis tarda 216
Otocorys 504
alpestris 505
adusta 508
arenicola 507
clirys(da>ma 508
giraudi 507
leucoliema 507
merrilli 508
pallida 507
praticola 506
rul)ea 508
strigata 507
Otocrane 193
Otogvps auricularis 649
Otoliths 196 ,
Ouzel 260
water 260
Ovaries 45, 46, 221, 225
Oven-bird 333
Oviduct 226
Oviposition 229
Ovisac 226
Ovulation 229
Ovum 222
Owl
acadian 638
aiken's screech 634
american barn 623
hawk 642
long-eared 624
wood 628
arctic american saw-whet 637
barred 628
burrowing 647
California screech 634
gnome 643
jiygmy 643
Canadian or luidsonian 642
cat 630
day 642
dusky homed 631
dwarf screech 636
elf 645
ermine 639
european hawk 640
ferruginous pygmy 644
Hammulated screech 636
riorida barred 629
burrowing t;4S
screech 112, 634
gnome 648
gray 633
great grav 636
horned 630
hoot 628, 630
hoskins' pygmy 644
kennicott's screecii 634
kirtland's 638
lapp 637
little horned 633
macfarlane's screech 634
marsh ti25
merriam's 629
mt'xican screech 635
m<Mikev-faced ti23
muttl.'d 633
northern spotted 629
pacific horned 631
pygmv 643
rain 623
1126
INDEX.
Owl
red 633
richardson's 637
rocky mountain screech 634
saw -whet 637
screech 633
short-eared 625
snowy 639
spectral 637
spotted 629
screech 635
texas barred 629
screech 635
wagler's 635
western barred 629
white-fronted 638
white-horned 631
xanthus 629
Owl-head 770
Owls, 619
barn 621, 622
brown 626
burrowing 646
eagle 629
eared 623
elf 645
gnome 643
gray 626
great grav 636
horned 629
hawk 640
hoot 629
lapp 636
little horned 631
marsh 624
pygmy 643
saw-whet 637 .
screech 631
snow 630
sparrow 643
wood 626
Ox-bird 820
Ox-eye 770
Oxyechus 774
Oyster-catcher
american 788
bachman's 789
black 789
brown-backed 788
european 788
frazar's 789
mantled 788
Oyster-catchers 787
Pachyrhamphus 535
major 535
Pacific
bar-tailed godwit 826
eider 940
fulmar 1029
gray-winged gull 986
horned owl 631
house wren 297
loon 1050
orange-crowned warbler 314
sootv shearwater 1037
thick-billed guillemot 1084
whimbrel 842
Paddv 946
Paddv-whack 946
Pagophila 994
alba 994
Painted
bunting 450
duck 933
Painted
finch 450
indigo 451
lazuli 451
purple 450
finches 450
geese 901
goose 901
longs pur 399
redstart 343
Paisano 605
PaljBoborus unibrosus 1089
Palffiocycnus falconer! 894
PalKornithida; 613
Palwornithinfc 613
Palajospiza bella 1087
Pahuotetrix gilli 1089
Palaeotringa
litoralis 1096
vagans 1096
vetus 1096
Palatal
bones 169
structure, types of 174
Palate, hard 169
Palatine bones 169
Pale-breast 771
Pale ring-neck 779
Pallas'
cormorant 966
murre 1084
pigeon hawk 674
Pallasicarlo 966
Pallid horned lark 507
Palm warbler 331
Palmate foot 137
Palmation 137
Palmerston frigate 971
Palpebrje 102
PaludicoIa3 844, 1090
Panaj'an tern 1017
Pancreas 221
Pandion 699
haliaetus carolinensis 699
Pandionid;B 698
Panniculus carnosus 206
Paon de mer 836
Papabote 837
Papantzin 546
Papilla 82
Papillose 108
Parabuteo 679
unicinctus harrisi 679
Parachordal cartilage 157
Paradise
tern 1012
trogon 574
Paragnathous bill 105
Paraline painted finch 452
Parasite 379
Parasitic jager 978
Parasphenoid 161, 165
Parauchenia 101
Parauque, merrill's 563
Pardela 1031
Paridai 267
Parietal bones 162
Paring 267
Paris' oriole 478
Parkman's wren 297
Parovaria 221
Parra gvmnostoma 139
Parrakeet 616
Parridie 765
Parroquet
auklet 1070
Parroquet
Carolina 616
Parroquets 616
Parrot, thick-billed 617
Parrots 611
beaked 617
carinate 614
sea 1062
wedge-tailed american 616
Part I 1
II 59
III 243
IV 1087
Partridge 749, 752
american 753
birch 741
blue 761
californian 758
cedar 732
chestnut-bellied scaled 761
common 753
drumming 741
florida 754
gambel's 759
marj'land 753
massena 761
night 803
old world 750
plumed 757
san pedro plumed 758
scaled 761
spruce 732
swamp 732
texas 755
willow 744
Partridges 749
american 752
Parula 307
warbler 308
warblers 307
Parus 270
atricapillus 270
occidentalis 271
septentrionalis 270
carolinensis 211
agilis 271
cinctus alascensis 273
gambeli 271
hudsonicus 272
columbianus 272
evura 273
stoneyi 272
meridionalis 271
rufescens 272
neglectus 272
Pasadena thrasher 288
Passenger pigeon 711
Passer 379
domesticus 379
montanus 380
Passerculus 402
bairdi 403
beldingi 407
princeps 403
rostratus 407
guttatus 408
sanctorum 408
sandwichensis 405
savanna 406
savanna alaudinus 408
bryanti 407
Passerella 442
iliaca 442
fuliginosa 443
megarhyncha 445
schistacea 443
INDEX.
1127
Passerella
iliaca Stephens! 445
iinalascensis 443
Passeres 69, 244, 1087
acromyodi 245
inesomyocU 509
Passerina 394
hyperboreus 396
nivalis 395
townsendi 396
Passerine
foot 135
sternum 151
Pasture-bird 771
Pasture plover 837
Patch-head 944
Patch-polled coot 944
Patella 125
Pathetic nerve 183
Pavo
bicalcaratus 139
Pavoncella 769, 836
pugnax 836
Pea-bird 475
Peabody-bird 438
Peaked-nosed nuirrelets 1075
Peak-tail 912
Peale's
egret 880
peregrine 670
Pearl kites 656
Peasweep 709
Pecten 190
Pectination
of claws 138
of toes 138
Pectoral
arch 151
of carinatae 152
of ratitse 152
Pectoral
muscles 199
sandpiper 815
sandpipers 813
Pectoral is
major 199
niedius 199
minor 199
Pectus 101
Pedicle of quadrate bone 108
Pediocietes
lucasi 1089
nanus 1089
Pediocorys 302
Pedifjccetes 736
phasianellus 152, 737
campestris 738
columi)ianus 737
Pediononuis torquatus 719
Peep 813
Peet-weet 835
Pelagic cormorant 967
Pelagodroma 1046
marina 1046
Pelargoniorplni' 864
Pelecanid;u 956
Pelecanus 957
californicus 059
conspicijlatus 957
crispus 957
fuscus 95S
onocrotahis 722
rufesccns 722
Pelican, amt-ricaii
lirown 958
californiun 959
Pelican, american
white 957
Pelicans 956
Pelick 862
Pelidna 820
alpina 820
paciiiea 820
Pelionetta 944
Pelvic arch 153
Pelvis 153
Pencilled cormorant 965
Pendulinus 470
Penelopina' 721
Penguins 1087
Peninsular
cardinal 454
painted finch 451
seaside sparrow 414
Pennaceous feathers 85
I'enna' 85
Peniisylvanian pipit 303
Pentosteon 113
Pepe-bird 524
Perchers proper 244
Perdicidw 749
Perdiciiiaj 750
Peregrine falcon 069
Peregrines 669
Perilymph 196
Periosteum 140
Periotic bones 102, 103, 193
Perisoreus 500
canadensis 500
capitalis 501
fumifrons 501
nigricapillus 501
obscurus 502
griseus 502
Perissoglossa 315
Perister:e 706
Peristeromorphic 706
Peristeropodes 720
Pernis apivorus 653
Pessulus 21 1
Pests, insect 55
Peto 268
Petrel
ashv fork-tailed 1043
black-capped 1039
black fork-tailed 1043
bulwer's 1040
checkered 1031
common stormy 1041
fisher's 1040
gray fork-tailed 1044
giiailalupe 1043
liawaiian 1043
hornbv's fork-tailed 1044
kacding's fork-tailed 1042
knudscn's 1043
lawrence's stilt 1046
leach's 1042
fork -tailed 1042
least 1041
osprey 1028
pigeon 1031
pintads 1031
St. kilda 1028
sandwich island 1043
scaled 1039
socorro fork-taili'd 1044
s(|uarc-tuilcd sturmv 1041
stilt stormy 1045
stormv 1041
white-bellied 1046
white-faced 1046
Petrel
white-rum ped 1042
Wilson's stormj' 1045
Petrels 1026
clipper stormy 1046
columbine 1040
diabolic 1038
fork-tailed stormy 1042
frigate stormv 1045
gadfly 1038
long-legged stormy 1044
short-legged stormy 1040
stormy 1040
stilt storm\- 1045
wedge-tailed stormy 1041
wilsonian stormy 1045
Petrochelidon 354
fulva 355
lunifrons 354
Petrosal bone 163, 193
Peuca>a 422
aestivalis 423
bachmani 423
arizona' 424
cassiiii 425
mexicana 424
rulicei)s 425
Peucedramus 317
Pewee
brewster's 526
large-billed western wood 526
nuttall's 524
water 522
wood 525
western 526
Pewit 769
rivcatcher 522
flycatcluM-s .-,21
Pezophaps solitarius 65
Phaethon 972
lethereus 972
rubricauda 973
Phai-thontid* 971
I'haethusa 1002
Pha'iniipepla 360
nitcns 361
PhalacrocoracidiT' 959
Phalacrocorax 962
bicristatus 966
carbo 963
diloplius 963
albociiiatus 965
cincinnatus 964
tioridanus 964
idahensis 1091
macropus 1092
mexicanus 965
jiclagicus 967
respleiidens 967
penicillatus 965
perspicillatus 966
Phahvnoptilus 567
nitidus 508
nuttalli 567
californicus 568
Phalanges 112
caprimulglne 133
cypselinc 133
number of 133
of foot 127
Phalanx 112, 114, 127
riialarope
american 794
Hat-billed 797
gray 797
hyperborean 795
1128
INDEX.
Phalavope
northern 795
plain 794
red 797
red-necked 795
tricolor 794
Wilson's 794
Phalaropes 793
coot-foot 796
fringe-foot 793
lobe-foot 795
Phalaropodidse 793
Phalaropus 796
fulicarius 797
Phalcobienus 677
Phaleridinffi 1068
Phaleris 1071
Phaps 707
Pharomacrus mocinno 121, 574
Pharynx 216
PhasianidK 722
Phasianinae 723
Phasianus
colchicus 725
socmmeringi 726
torquatus 725
versicolor 725
Pheasant (English) 725
"Pheasant" 725, 741
common 725
copper 726
drumming 741
duck 912
green 725
japan 725
mountain 741
ring 725
somniering 726 ■
Pheasants 723
Philacte 901
Philip sparrow 379
Philohela 803
minor 803
Phlogcenas 707
Phoebastria 1024
Phoebe bird 522
black 522
bridge 522
sayan 522
Phoenicopterida? 888
Phcenicopterus 888
andinus 888
copei 1091
ruber 888
Phoenicorodias 888
Phj'llopseustes 261
borealis 261
Phylogenv 71
Ph'vlum 66
Pia mater 182
Pica 493
nuttalli 494
pica hudsonica 493
Picariffi 537, 1088
Picarian birds 537
Pici 576
Picicorvus 490
columbianus 490
Picida; 576
Piciform birds 576
Picinae 577
Pickax sheldrake 949
Picket-tail 912
Pick-me-up 992
Picoides 588
americanus 589
Picoides
americanus alascensis 590
dorsal is 590
arcticus 589
Piculets 576
Pied
brant 898
duck 934
gray duck 912
wigeon 912
Pied-billed
grebe 1058
Pied-winged
coot 943
curlew 829
Pies 492
smoky 492
Pigeon
guillemot 1079
hawk 658, 670
petrel 1031
woodpecker 599
Pigeon
band-tailed 710
cape 1031
passenger 711
prairie 771
red-billed 710
squamous 711
sea 1078
viosca's 710
white-collared 710
white-crowned 711
wild 711
Pigeons 709, 711
arboreal 709
true 709
Pigeon-tail 912
Pigeon-toed fowls 720
Pigmy nuthatch 278
Pike's tern 1012
Pike-tail 912
Pileated woodpecker 581
Pileolated sylvan flvcatcher 341
Pileum 102
Pill-willet 829
Pill-will-willet 829
Pilot 770
Pine
bullfinches 377
creeper 332
finch 391
grouse 734
hen 734
jav 495
"linnet 391
spirit 253
warbler 332
Pineal body 181
Pine-creeping warbler 332
Pine-woods sparrow 423
Pinicola 377
enucleator alaskensis 378
californica 378
canadensis 377
fiammula 379
montana 378
Pinion 112, 113
Pink, river 333
Pink-footed shearwater 1035
Pink-sided snow-bird 432
Pinnated grouse 739
of martha's vineyard 739
Pinnatipedes 67
Pin-neck grouse 739
Piiion jay 492
Piiionero 492 ,
Pintado petreM031
Pin-tail 946
doves 714
duck 912
grouse 736
Pin-winged doves 711
Pipilo 456
aberti 462
consobrinus 460
erythrophthalmus 457
alien i 458
f uscus 460
albigula 461
carolai 461
crissalis 461
mesoleucus 460
seniculus 461
maculatus arcticus 458
atratus 460
dementis 460
megalonvx 460
Oregon us 458
Piping plover 779
Pipit'
meadow 302
red throated 303
sprague's 303
Pipits 302
sky 303
Piramidig 568
Piranga 347
erythomelas 348
hepatica 349
ludoviciana 349
rubra 348
cooperi 349
rubriceps 350
Piscivorous kingfishers 572
Pisk 568
Piskasish 905
Pitangus 516
derbianus 516
Pituitarv
bodV 181, 182
space 157
Plain
phalarope 794
tit-mouse 268
Planesticus 80
Planta 130
Plasma 202
Plaster-bill 944
Platalea 867
leucorodia 867
Plataleidffi 868
Plates of podotheca 130
Platycercinai 616
Platypsaris 535
aglaiaj 535
albiventris 535
Plautus 1086
impennis 1086
Plectropterus 890
Plegadis 865
autuninalis 865
guarauna 865
Pleura? 101
Pleurapophyses 143
Pleurosteon 150
Pliocene birds 64
Ploceidffi 230, 374
Ploughshare bone 148
Plover 767
alwargrim 771
american golden 770
INDEX.
1129
Plover
asiatic f^olden 772
belted piping 780
big yellow-legged 831
bishop 785
black-bellied 770
bull head 770, 771
candlestick 830
chattering 774
chicken 785
common 771
crested green 769
european golden 773
ring 777
lesser ring 778
field 771, 837
four-toed 770
golden 771
grass 837
gray 770
green 771
highland 837
kildeer 774
long-legged 831
mongolian 782
mountain 782
noisy 774
pasture 837
piping 779
prairie 783
red-legged 785
ring 773, 775
ruddy 824
semipalniated 775
snowy ring 780
Spanish 829
sparked-back 785
spotted 771
Swiss 770
three-toed 771
upland 837
whistling 770
Wilson's 781
yellow-legged 832
Plover-billed turnstones 784
Plovers 767
beach 773
golden 771
ring 773
sand 773
shore 773
true 767
Plumse 87
Plumage 81
changes of 90, 94
of foot 128
Plumbeous
bush-tit 274
chickadee 271
gnat-catcher 265
greenlet 360
Plumed
partridge 757
(|uail 756
Plumous feathers 86
Phimulaccous feathers 86
Pliimui:f 86
Pnouniaticity of skeleton 141
Pneumatocysts 20t!
Pneumatology 205
Piieumipgastric nerve 183
Poacher 917
Pochard
amcrican 926
retl-crcstcd 922
Pochard- 925
Pocket-lens 27
Podasocys 782
montanus 783
Podicipedida' 1051
Podicipes 1058
cristatus 1055
Podilymbus 1058
podicipes 1058
Podium 132
Podotheca 130
Point-barrow glaucous gull 984
Point pinos snowbird 432
Poison 26, 40
Polar snow bunting 396
Pole-backed woodpecker 590
Polioptiia 264
californica 260
coerulea 205
obscura 265
plumbea 265
Polioptilin;v 264
Politician, the 367
Pollex 112, 114
Polyborina- 677
Polyboroides 651
Polyborus 677
" chcriway 677
lutosus 078
Polyglot 338
Polymj'odian 245
Pomatorhine jiiger 977
Pond-iTow 862
Pond-hen 862
Pond sheldrake 949
Pons varolii 181, 182
Pooecetes 401
gramineus 401
affinis 402
continis 402
Poor skins, restoring 47
Poor-will
dusky 568
frosted 568
nuttall's 567
Poor-wills 567
Pope 450, 1004
Pope's nose 120
Porphyrios 801
Portal system of veins 203
Portio
dura 193
mollis 193
Portland tern 1012
Por/.aiia 850
Carolina 850
jamaicensis 858
coturniculus 859
noveboracensis 858
porzana 850
Position of digits 134
Post-frontal
bone 163
processes 162
Post-oi.il arch 158, 160
Post-orbital region 102
P()st-])alaline processes 170
I'o-t-sacral vertebra- 148
l'ost-zyga|)<)physes 143
I'owder. gun 4
l'i(wder-down feathers 88
I'ra'coi-es 82
Prairie
blackbird 47i>
brant H9S
chicki'ii of the northwest 737
falcon 607
Prairie
goose 905
hen 739
hens 739
horned lark 506
pigeon 771, 837, 996
plover 783. 837
sharp-tailed grouse 738
snipe 837
sparrow 403
warbler 328
Preening plumage 89
Preinaxillary 105, 170
Prenasal cartilage 159, 167
Pre-oral arch 158
Prepalatines 170
Preparations
osteological 48
wet 48
Presphenoid 164
Pressirostral 106
Pre-zygapophyses 143
Pribifof snow bunting 396
Primaries 118
Primary coverts 110
spurious 119
Primordial kidneys 221
Princclv tern 1007
Priocciia 1029
glacialoides 1030
Prioiinus 1031
cinereus 1032
Priori! V. law of 80
Proceliaria 1041
pelagica 1041
Procellariida- 1026
Procellariinw 1040
Procelsterna 1002
I'rocadous vertebra? 144
Procoracoid 151, 152
Progne 356
crvptoleuca 357
subis 350
hesperia 350
Prometheus 324
Pronation 115
Pro-otic bone 103, 193
Propubis 155
Prosencephalon 181
Prothonotary warbler 309
Protonotaria 309
citrea 309
Protoplasm 202
Prototype 75
Prototypic groups 76
Protovum 227
Protozoa 70
Proventriculus 218
Prusiano 450
Prybilof sandpiper 819
Psaltriparus 273
lloydi 275
minimus 273
californicus 273
plumbeus 274
santarita- 274
Psi'udogryphus 701
californianus 702
I'silopa-dic birds 82
Psilorhinus 492
morio 493
Psiloscops 036
Psittaci Oil
Psittacida-613
I'tiirmigan 743
aduk 748
1130
INDEX.
Ptarmigan
alien's willow 745
atkhan 747
attu rock 749
evermann's rock 749
greenland 747
kyska 748
nelson's rock 747
newfoundland 748
willow 745
reinhardt's rock 747
rock 745
townsend's rock 748
turner's rock 747
nnalashka 747
Welch's 748
white-tailed 749
willow 48, 745
Pterocletes 706
Pterodactyls, 62, 81
Pterosauria 62
Pterygoid bones 169
Ptervla
alaris 89, 115
caudalis 89, 121
cruralis 89
dorsalis 89
femoral is 89
humeralis 89
spinalis 89
ventralis 89
Pteryh-E 89
Pterj'lography 89
Pterylosis 89 '
Ptilogonatiiia? 360
Plilogonys -560
Ptilonorhynchus 230
Ptilopa'dic birds 82
Ptilopus 709
Ptilosis 82
Ptinus brunneus 55
Ptychorhamphus 1073
aleuticus 1073
Pubes, Pubic, Pubis 155
PufHn
auk 1064
common 1064
glacial 1066
horned masking 1063
large-billed 1006
tufted 1066
masking 1066
Puffininre 1031
Puffins 1062
masking 1062
Puffinus 1032
assimilis 1037
auduboni 1035
auricularis 1036
boreal is 1034
conradi 1092
creatopus 1035
cuneatus 1033
fuliginosus 1037
gravis 1034
griseus 1037
kuhli 1033
opisthomelas 1036
puffinus 1035
tenuirostris 1038
Pug-nosed auklet 1069
Pullastne 706
PuU-doo (Poule d'eau) 862
Pulmonary organs 205
Pulmonic circulation 201
Pulviplumes 88
Pumpkin-blossom coot 942
Punctate 108
Pupil of eye 189
Purple
bullfinches 381
crow-blackbird 482
finch 381
cassin's 382
gallinule 861
grackle 482
linnet 381
martin 356
painted linch 450
sandpiper 818
Purre 820
Purres 820
Puttock 681
Pygmy
auklet 1071
curlew 821
finches 452
nuthatch 277
owl 643
Pygopodes 1046, 1092
Pvgostyle 120, 148
Pylorus 219
Pyramidalis muscle of eye 187
Pyrocephalus 533
rubineus mexicanus 533
Pyrrhula 379
cassini 379
coccinea 379
Pyrrhuloxia 453
arizona 453
sinuata 453
peninsula3 454
texana 454
st. lucas 454
texas 454
Pyrrhurina; 613
QUA-BIRD 882
Quadrate bone 167
Quadrato-jugal bone 168
t^uadratus muscle of eye 187
Quail 749, 752. See also Partridge
american 753
arizona 759
black 761
blue 761
brewster's 761
common 753
of europe 751
doves 719
florida 754
fool 761
harleqnin 761
helmet 758
hooded 755
maryland 753
messina 751
migratory 751
montezuma 761
mountain 757
old world 750
plumed 756
san pedro mountain 758
sea 785
shell 760
snipe 808
sparrow 408
texas 755
top-knot 758
valley 758
Virginian 753
Quail-head 4] 2
Quails 749
american 752
Quaily 837
Quake-tail 301
homeyer's 301
Quandy 932
Quank 277
(^uawk 882
Quebrantahuesos 1028
Queen hummers 564
Queleli 702
Quelelis 677
Querquedula 919
cyanoptera 919
discors 919
Quesal 574
Quill-feathers 118
Quil!-tail 946
<,)uill-tailed coot 946
(.^uinckor 9(13
(iuink 903
(iuiscalinaj 479
Quiscalus 431
niacrurus 482
major 482
quiscula 482
ameus 483
aglanis 483
Quit, black-faced grass 453
(^uits, grass 453
Rabihorcado 971
Kadiale 112, 113
Radius 112, 113
Raft duck 925
Rail
belding's 856
California clapper 854
Caribbean clapper 853
Carolina 856
chicken-billed 856
clapper 853
common S53
european land 859
florida clapper 854
great red-breasted 854
king 854
light-footed 854
little black 858
red-breasted 856
louisiana clapper 854
Virginia 856
wavne's clapper 854
yellow 858
Rail-bird 856
Rails 850, 851, 852
land 859
Rain-crow 608, 610
Rain-crows 607
Rain-dove 010
Rain owl 628
Ralli 850
Rallidre 850
IJalliform birds 850
Ralliformes 850
RalliniB 851
Rail us 852
beldingi 856
crepitans 853
saturatus 854
waynei 854
elegans 854
levipes 854
longirostris caribba(;us 853
obsoletus 854
scotti 854
INDEX.
1131
Rallus
virginianus 856
Ealpli's trichas 3:S8
Kami of bill 108
llamicorn 108
Kaptatores 617
Kaptores 617, 1088
Raptorial foot 136
Kasorcs 719
Rasorial foot 137
Katitif 68, 244, 1092
Katite
birds 244
sternum 149
Raven
anierican 485
northern 487
white-necked 487
Ravens 485
Razor-billed auk 1085
Record of observations 21
Recti muscles of eve 187
Rectrices 121,122"
liecurvirostra 790
americana 790
avocetta 790
Recurvirostrida; 789
Red
coot-footed tringa 797
cross-bill 385
flamingo 888
goose 900
linnet 381
marlin 825
owl 633
phalarope 797
riitFed grouse 743
sandpipf-r 822
thrush 285
Red-and-buff-shouldered blackbird
468
Red and-white-sliouldered black-
bird 470
Red-back 820
Red-backed
hummingbird 550
sandpiper 820
snow-bird 433
Red-bellied
hawk 686
nuthatch 277
redstart 344
snipf 808
woodpecker 593
Red-billed
mud-hfn 860
pigeon 710
tropic-bird 972
Redbird
black-winged 348
cardinal 455
crested 455
summer 348
Virginia 455
western summer 349
K.'d-brcast 822
Ued-breastcd
finch 383
godwit 827
goosander 949
merganser 949
sandpiper 822
sheldrake 949
shoveller 911
snipe 808
woodpecker 591
Red-cockaded woodpecker 582
Red-crested pochard 922
Reddish egret 880
Red-eyed
cowbird 468
green let 363
Red-faced cormorant 966
Red-footed boob}' 954
Red - fronted flycatching warbler
344
Red-head 925
anierican 925
Red- headed
broad-bill 925
raft duck 925
teal 918
woodpecker 595
lied-heads 925
Itcd-legged
kittiwake 993
plover 785
Red-legs 785
Rednapcd sapsucker 591
Red-necked
grebe 1055
phalarope 795
Red-poll
anierican niealv 391
common 389
greater 390
greenhmd niealv 390
holboll's 390
linnets 389
yellow warbler 331
yellow-bfcllicd warbler 332
Red-shafted woodpecker 600
Redshank, european 830
Red-shouldored
blackbird 470
buzzard 685
heron 875
Red-spotted blue-throat 259
Redstart
anierican 342
blue-throated 259
painted 343
red-bellied 344
Redstarts 341
Red-tail
krider's 5
st. lucas 685
western 685
Red-tailed
buzzard 682
tropic bird 973
Red-throated
diver 1051
pipit 303
sapsucker 591
woodpecker 592
Redwing 251
bahaman 469
sonoran 469
Red-winged
i)lackbird 468
i)l:i('kl>irds468
thrush 251
Recii-bir.l 465
R.cil wrens 294
i:e.f goose 904
Reeve 836
Hctlex action 180
Refulgent hummingbird 54C
Regions of the body 99
I\<'gislralion 21
Rcgulina' 261
Regulus 261
calendula grinnelli 263
obscurus 262
pliyllobasileus calendula 262
satrapa 262
olivaceous 264
Rehusak 744
Reinhardt's
gull 988
rock ptarmigan 747
Remiges 115
Reptiles 60
Respiration, organs of 205
Respiratory system 205
Resplendent cormorant 967
Restoration of poor skins 47
Rete mirabile 205
Reticulate tarsus 130, 131
Reticulations of podotheca 130
Retina 186
Ketrorse 110
Kluu'his 84
Rhamphosynthlipsis 1075
Rhampotliecu 108
Rhea 176
Rhinencephalon 181
Rhinoceros auklet 1069
Rhinotheca 108
Rhoad's titmouse 272
Rhodostethia 998
rosea 998
Rhynchodon 669
Rhvnchofalco 676
Rhynchophanes 400
niaccowni 400
Rhyiichopin:e 1019
Rhynchops 1020
nigra 1020
Rhynchopsitta 617
pachvrlivncha 617
Riblets 144
Ribs 148
Rice-bird 465
Richardson's
dusky grouse 735
jaeger 978
owl 637
pigeon hawk 673
Rictal bristles 104
Rictus 111
Ridgway's
col in 755
rtycatcher 534
rosy (inch 387
snowbird 433
RietTer's hummingbird 553
Rima glottidis 210
Ring-bill 924
Ring-billed
black-head it24
gull 990
shutHer 924
Ring dove 565
pheasant 725
plover 775
european 778
lesser euro|>ean 778
snowy 7S0
plovers 773
" Ringed " kinglishcr 573
Ring-neck
duck 924
|)alc 779
plover 773
liing-iu'cked
black -head 924
1132
INDEX.
Ring-necked scaup 924
King-tailed
eagle 695
marl in 827
Rio granae
jay 500
meadow-lark 472
turkey 728
vellow-throat 338
Rissa 992
brevirostris 993
tridactyla 992
kotzebuei 993
River
ducks 908
pink 333
Rivoli hummingbird 546
Road runner 605
Robin 250
allied 250
american 249
golden 475
ground 457
marsh 457
Oregon 251
St. lucas 250
sandpipers 822
western 250
wood 253
Robin-breast 822
Robin-sandpiper 822
Robin-snipe 808, 822
Rock
duck 933
ptarmigan 745
sandpiper 818
SMndpipers 817
snipe 818
sparrow 426
swilt, white-throated 557
swifts 557
wrens 292
Rock-bird 818
Rock-wren guadalupe 292
Rocky mountain
blue-bird 258
creeper 280
downy woodpecker 587
garrot 929
hairy woodpecker 586
jay 501
pine grosbeak 378
screech owl 634
Rode goose 903
Rodgers' fulmar 1029
Rook 946
yocal organs of 213
Rose
flj'catching warblers 344
tanager 348
Rose-throated becard 535
Roseate
spoonbill 868
tern 1013
Rose-breasted
song grosbeak 448
Ross'
goose 901
rosy gull 998
Rostrhamus 654
sociabilis 654
Rostrum 105
of sphenoid 164
of sternum 150
Rosy finch
alien's 387
Rosv finch
"baird's 388
brandt's 388
ridgway's 387
swainson's 387
Rosy finches 386
Rosy gull
bonaparte's 996
franklin's 996
ross' 998
Rosy gulls 994
Rotili 1080
Rough-winged swallow 356
Round-crested duck 949
Royal tern 1005
Ruby-crowned kinglet 261
Ruby-throated hummingbird 547
Rudder ducks 945
Rudders 121
Ruddy
dWer 946
dove 718
duck 946
horned lark 508
plover 824
shieldrake 909
Ruff 836
Ruffed
grouse 741
heath-cock 741
Ruffs of birds 104
Rufous-bellied hummingbird 553
Rufous-crowned summer finch 425
Rufous-tailed flycatchers 518
Rug;* 108
Rules of nomenclature 80
Rump 100
Runner, road 605
Russet-backed thrush 255
Rusty
grackles 480
hinge 482
Rusty-crowned falcon 674
Sabink's gull 999
Sabre-bill 841
Sacral
plexus 147
vertebra? 146
Sacro-iliac anchylosis 153
Sacro-sciatic notch 154
Sacrum 146, 147, 153
Saddle-back 986
Sage
cock 736
grouse 735
hen 736
Sage sparrow
black-faced 427
California 428
nevada 429
Sage sparrows 427
Sage thrasher 282
Sagmatorhina
lathami 1067
sucklej'i 1069
Saguaro woodpecker 594
Saint domingo
duck 947
grebe 1058
Saint lucas
cactus wren 291
cardinal 456
flycatcher 531
pyrrhuloxia 454
red-tail 685
Saint lucas
robin 250
sparrow 408
thrasher 287
towliee 461
woodpecker 583
Salivary glands 216
Salpinctes 292
guadalupensis 292
obsoletus 292
Salt marsh song sparrow 420
Salt-water
marsh-hen 853
sheldrake 949
teal 946
Samuels' song sparrow 420
San clemente
house finch 383
song sparrow 421
towhee 460
wren 296
Sanderling 824
San diego
song sparrow 420
sparrow 407
towhee 460
Sandhill crane 848
Sand-])igeons 706
Sandpiper
aleutian 819
american green 833
ash-colored 822
baird's 814
bartramian 837
bonaparte's 816
black-bellied 820
black-breasted 819
buff-breasted 838
cooper's 816
coues' 819
curlew 821
damascene 814
elliott's 819
equestrian 836
european green 833
ferrugineous 821
freckled 822
green 833
grisled 822
least 813
pectoral 813
purple 818
prvbilof 819
red 822
red-backed 820
red-breasted 822
robin 822
rock 818
semipalmated 810
sharp-tailed 817
solitary 833
spoon-billed 811
spotted 834
stilt 809
upland 837
western semipalmated 811
solitary 834
white-rumped 816
Sandpipers 798
curlew 821
dunlin 820
feather-leg 817
fighting 836
marble-wing 838
pectoral 813
purple 818
INDEX.
1138
Sandpipers
robin 8-22
rock 817
semipal mated 810
spotted 834
spottv-throat 813
stilt 80!»
Sand-lari^ 835
Sand plovers 773
Sand-runner 785
Sandwich
island petrel 1043
sparrow 405
tern 1008
San pedro
jay 499
mountain quail 758
plumed f)artri(ige 758
snowbird 433
Santa barbara sons; sparrow 420
Santa cruz jay 498
Santa vita bush-tit 274
Siipsucker
red-naped 591
red-throated 591
Sap-sucking woodpeckers 590
Sarcorhamplii 700
Sarcorhamphidie 700
Sarcorhamphina" 701
Sarcorliamphus grvphus 700
Sasia 132, 133
Saurognatliism 179
Saurognathous skull 179
Sauropsida (iO
Saurune 243
Savanna blackbird 004
sparrow
common 406
western 407
sparrows 402
Saw-bill 948, 949
Saw-bills 571, 948
Saw-whet owl 637
arctic american 637
Saw-whet owls 637
Saxicola 256
a-nanthe 256
Sayan phoebe 522
Sayornis 521
nigricans 522
phicbe 522
say a 522
Say's pewit Hycatcher 522
Scala
media 196
tympani 194
vestibuli 194
Scale, nasal 110
of organization 76
Scaled
dove 716
partridge 761
petrel 1039
Scansores 537
Scansorial foot 136
Scape 84
Scaphoid tail 124
Sca|)holunarc 112, 113
Scapula 113, 152
accessoria 151
Scapular arch 49. 151, 152
guilli'mot 1078
Scapulare KM)
Scapulars lOO
Scardafella 716
iiica 7 III
Scarlet
ibis 867
tanager 348
Scaup, ring-necked 924
Scaups 922
Schizognathism 176
Schizognathous skull 176
Schizorhinal nasals 171
Schizothecal podotheca 131
Science defined 59
Scientific names 78
Scissor-bill 1020
Scissor-tail 512
Scissors 25, 52
Sclavonian grebe 1056
Scleroskeletal bones 140
Sclerosteous bones 174
Sclerotal bones 188
Sclerotic 186, 188
Scoldeiiore 932
Scolder 932
Scolecophagus 480
afiinis 1088
cyanocephalus 480
Scolopacidie 798
Scoloi)ax 804, 1096
rusticula 805
Scopus unibretfa 869
Scorched horned lark 508
Scoter
american black 942
velvet 943
european velvet 943
surf 944
white-winged 943
Scoters 942
Scotiaplex 636
cinerea 637
lapponica 637
Scott's
clapper 854
oriole 478
seaside finch 414
sparrow 426
Scout 1082
Scouty-allen 978
Scrapper 547
Screech owl 633
California 634
riammulated 636
llorida 634
kennicott's 634
texas 635
Screech owls 631
Scrub jay 497
Scutella 140
Scutellate podotheca 130
Scutelliplantar tarsus 130
Scuttock 1082
Sea
brant 943
coot 943, 944
black 942
white-winged 943
coots 942
drake 939
duck 939
(lucks 920
I'Hgles 696
lark 785
parrot 1004
parrots 1062
l)ie 788
(|uail 785
Sea-crow 862
Sen-dotterel 785
Sea-dove 1080
Sea-hawk 976
Sea-hen 976
Sea-horse 1028
Sea-pheasant 912
Sea-pigeon 1078
Seashore sparrow 407
Seaside
finch 413
florida 415
sparrow 408
sparrows 408
Sea-swallow 1010
Sea-swallows 1000
Sea widgeon 912
Secondaries 119
Secondary
coverts 116
sexual characters 95
Sedge-hen 853
Seed-eater, little 452
Segmentation of the vitellus 230
Sefasphorus 549
alleni 550
rioresii 549
henshawi 550
platycercus 550
rufus 550
Selby's sylvan flycatcher 340
Selection
natural 66, 95
sexual 66
Sella turcica 204
Semen 224
Semicircular canals 194, 195
Semilunar membrane 211
Semipalmate
foot 137
tattlers 839
Semipalmated
plover 775
sandpiper 810
snipe 829
tern 1018
Semipalmation 137
Semiplumes 87
Semitendiuosus 201
Senex 677
Sennett's
buzzard 680
night-hawk 569
seaside linch 414
thrasher 285
warbler 308
Sense of
hearing 190
sight 184
smell 184
taste 197
touch 197
Sensori-motor nerves 180
Sensory nerves 180
Septo-maxillary lt>9, 179
Septo-nasal 179
Serrate bill 107
Serration of tarsus 131
Serum 2(t2
Sesamoid bones 140, 174
Setirostres 561
Setoj)haga 341
miniata 344
pieta 343
niticilla 342
Setophagina- 305
Sex, determination of 45
Sexual chnrncter» 94
1134
INDEX.
Sexual selection 96
Shad-bird 807
Shad-spirit 807
Shaft of feather 84
Shag 963
violet 966
Shags 962
Shamble-sticker 370
Shank 127
Shapes of tail 123
Sharp-shinned hawk 658
Sharp-tail 912
Sharp-tailed
tinch 412 _
grouse 737
sandpiper 817
Sharpe's
finchlet 452
pygmy finch 452
Shearwater
atlantic sooty 1037
audubon's 1035
black-tailed 1032
black-vented 1036
cinereous 1033
common atlantic 1034
cor}''s 1034
dark-bodied 1037
eared 1036
greater 1034
knudsen's wedge-tailed 1033
kurile 1038
manx ]035
mediterranean 1033
pacific sooty 1037
pink-footed 1035
similar 1037
slender-billed 1038
smutty-nosed 1032
sooty 1037
Strickland's 1037
townsend's 1036
wandering 1034
Shearwaters 1031
fulmar 1031
Sheldrake
american 948
buff- breasted 948
hooded 949
little 949
pickax 949
pond 949
red-breasted 949
salt-water 949
summer 949
swamp 949
wood 949
Shell
doves 716
quail 760
Shieldrake, ruddv 909
Shieldrakes 909
Shining fiy-snapper 360
Shiny-eve 466
Shoe-biil 870
Shooi 978
Shoot, how to 8
Shore-birds 762
Shore larks 505
plovers 773
Short-billed
kittiwake 993
marsh wren 299
murrelet 1077
Short-eared owl 625
Short-footed tern 1012
Short-legged stormy petrels 1040
tattler 839
Short-neck 815
Short-tailed
albatross 1024
buzzard 689
tern 1018
Shot 4
Shot-gun 1
Shot-pouch 946
Shoulder 112
Shoulder-blade 152
Shoulder-girdle 151
Shoulder-knot grouse 741
Shovel-bill 911
Shoveller 911
duck 911
Shrieker 828
Shrike
California 372
common american 371
great northern 370
island 372
loggerhead 371
white-rumped 371
Shrikes 369
gray 370
true 369
Shrups 804
ShuflSer 862, 923
ring-billed 924
Sialia 257
arctica 258
mexicana anabelae 258
bairdi 258
occidentalis 258
sialis 257
asurea 257
Siberian
gull 988
titmouse 273
yellow wagtail 301
Sickle-bill 841
Sickle-billed kites 654
Sierra
jay 496
snowbird 432
Sight, sense of 184
Sigmoid flexure of neck 98
Silk buntings 446
Silk-tail 359
Silver-back 822
Silver ternlet 1015
Silver-tongue 418
Similar shearwater 1037
Simorhynchus 1070
cassini 1072
cristatellus 1070
dubius 1071
pusillus 1072
pygmajus 1071
tetraculus 1071
Simpleton 820
Singing
dove 715
ducks 931
of birds 212
Sinus rhomboidalis 184
Siskin, american 391
Siskins 391
Sitodrepa panicea 55
Sitta 276
cassia 276
canadensis 277
carolinensis 277
aculeata 277
Sitta
carolinensis atkinsi 277
pusilla 278
P3-gmfea 278
leuconucha 278
Sittella 276
Sittidaj 276
Siurus 332
auricapillus 333
motacilla 334
naevius 333
notabilis 334
Skait-bird 978
Skeleton of birds 140
Skeletonizing 48
Skimmer, black 1020
Skimmers 973, 982, 1019
Skire crake 785
Skua 975
common 976
great 976
Skuas 975
Skull
development of fowl's 157
of birds 155
Skunk blackbird 465
Skunk-head 944
Skunk-top 944
Skylark 508
Skylarks 508
Sky
pipits 303
swifts 557
Slate-colored
fox sparrow 443
junco 430
Slaty-backed gull 987
Sleepy
brother 946
coot 946
duck 946
Sleepy-head 946
Slender-billed
fulmar 1030
nuthatch 277
shearwater 1038
Small
blue and white herons 880
egret herons 878
gray goose 905
green-crested flycatcher 528
mud-hen 856
Small-billed wagtail warbler 333
Smee 912
Smell, sense of 184
Smew 949, 951
Smews 951
Smith's
cahow 1035
longspur 399
Smoker 841
Smoking duck 917
Smoky pies 492
Smutty coot 942
Smuttv-nosed
jay 501
shearwater 1032
Snail hawk 654
Snake-bird 968
Snake-birds 968
Snake hawk 657
killer 605
Snaring birds 3
Snipe 798, 805
american 806
big-headed 803
INDEX.
1135
Snipe
blind 803
brant 785, 820
brown 808
checkered 785
common 80G
pool 830
crooked-billed 820
double 805
duck 829
english 800
european 806
fall 820
grass 915
gray 808
greater 805
horse-foot 785, 822
irish 790
jack 807
long-lfg^red 831
maggot 785
marsh 807
meadow 807, 815
prairie 837
quail 808
red-bellied 808
red-breasted 808
robin 808, 822
rock 818
semipalmated 829
stone 831
true 805
web-toed 807
western red-breasted 808
whistling 803
white-bellied 822
white robin 822
Wilson's 80G
winter 820
Snow
bunting 395
polar 396
pribilof 396
geese 898
goose 685
grouse 743
gull 994
lark 395
owls 639
sparrows 429
Snowbird 395
baird's 434
black 430
Carolina 431
cinereous 433
eastern 430
gray-headed 433
guadahipe 433
hybrid 431
Oregon 431
pink-sided 432
point pinos 432
red-backed 433
ridgwav's 433
san pedro 433
sierra 432
wliite-wiiiged 430
black 430
Snowbirds 429
Snowllakc 395
inrkav's 396
townsend's 396
Snowl 949
Snowv
heron 878
owl 639
Snowy
ring plover 780
Snub-nosed
auklet 1070
auklets 1070
Snuff-taker 944
Social sparrow 435
Socorro fork-tailed petrel 1044
Solan goose 954
Solitaire (!5
Solitaires 259
Solitary
greenlet 365
sandpiper 833
tattler 833
Somateria 937
dresseri 939
mollissima borealis 938
spectabilis 941
v-nigrum 940
Somatopleura 233
Sonimering pheasant 726
Song grosbeak
black-headed 448
rose-breasted 448
Song grosbeaks 447
Song of birds 212
Song sparrow 418
gray 419
liiicoln's 416
Samuels' 420
swamp 417
Song sparrows 415
Songless passeres 509
Sonora summer warbler 319
Sonoran horned lark 507
red-wing 469
Sootv
albatross 1026
fox sparrow 443
grouse 735
guillemot 1080
shearwater 1037
song sparrow 421
tern 1016
Sora 856
Soree 850
Southeast fish crow 490
Southern
brown crane 848
hairy woodpecker 586
sand-hill crane 148
South-southerland 931
South-southerly 931
Spanish
curlew 866
plover 829
Sparked-liack jilover 785
Sparling-fowl 948
Sparrow 379
aleutian song 422
ail saints 408
arizona chipping 430
arteinisia 429
baird's 403
barren-ground 404
belding's marsh 407
bishoff's song 422
black-<-hinned 437
biack-faci'd sage 427
blenched yellow-winged 410
brewer's 437
brown's song 420
brvant's marsh 407
bush 436
California sage 428
Sparrow
Canada 434
chipping 435
cinereous song 422
clay-colored 437
common savanna 406
dakota grasshopper 411
song 419
desert song 419
dusky seaside 415
eastern fox 442
english 379
european 379
tree 380
Held 436
forbush's song 417
fox 442
gambel's crown 439
golden crown 448
grasshopper 408
gray sage 429
song 419
harris' 440
heermann's song 420
henslow's grasshopper 410
hooded crown 440
liouse 379
intermediate crown 439
ipswich 404
kadiak song 422
laguna 426
large-billed 407
lark 441
le conte's grasshopper 411
lincoln's song 416
louisiana seaside 414
meiidiicino song 420
nierrill's song 421
miller's vesper 402
mountain 379
song 420
nevada sage 429
oak-woods 423
peninsular seaside 414
philip 379
pine-woods 423
prairie 403
rock 420
sage 427
saint lucas 408
salt marsh song 420
Samuels' song 420
san clemente song 421
san diego 407
song 420
sandwich 405
santa barbara song 420
savanna western 407
Scott's 426
seaside 413
slate-colored fox 443
social 435
song 418
sooty fox 443
song 421
Stephens' fox 445
swam)) song 417
telicma song 421
texas 403
thick-billed fox 445
tiiwnscnd's fox 44.3
tree 4'I4
turkey 457
western field 436
lieiislow's 411
lark 442
1136
INDEX.
Sparrow
western tree 435
white-crowned 439
white-throated 438
worthen's 437
yakutat song 421
yellow-winged 408
Sparrow hawk 674
Cuban 676
Sparrow owls 643
Sparrows 379
chipping 434
crown 437
fox 442
grass 401
grasshopper 408
ground 402
lark 441
quail 408
sage 427
savanna 402
seaside 408
snow 429
song 415
Spatula 911
ch'peata 911
Spatulate
bill 107
tail-feathers 122
Spear-billed grebes 1053
Specialized forms 76
Species 71, 72, 73
Specitic
characters 72
names 80
Speckle-belly 898, 916
Speckle-billed coot 944
Speckled brant 898
Speckled canon wren 293
Speckled tailed wren 295
Spectacle coot 944
Spectacled
cormorant 906
eider 936
guillemot 1080
Spectral owl 637
Speotyto 646
cunicularia floridana 648
hypogaea 647
Spermatozoa 224
Spheniscomorpha^ 177, 1046
Sphenoid bone 164
Spheno-palatine ganglion 184
Sphenotic bone 162
Sphyropicus 590
ruber 591
thyroideus 592
varius 591
nuchalis 591
Spider-bird 522
Spike-bill 949
Spike-billed curlew 825
Spike-tail 912
Spinal
accessory nerve 183
chord 182
column 143
nerves 183
Spindle-tail 912
Spine-tail 946
grouse 735
swifts 558, 559
Spinus 391
notatus 392
pin us 391
Spirit-duck 930
Spiza 446
americana 446
townsendi 447
Spizella 434
atrigiilaris 437
breweri 437
monticola 434
ochracea 436
pallida 437
pusilla 436
arenacea 436
socialis 435
arizonas 436
wortheni 437
Splanchnology 215
Splanchnopleura 232
Splatterer 862
Splenial bone 172
Split-tail 912
Sponge hummer 948
Spoon-bill 946
roseate 868
ducks 911
Spoonbilled
butter-ball 946
sandpiper 811
Spoonbills 868
american 868
Sporophila 452
moreleti sharpei 452
Spot-rump 827
Spotted
greenland dove 1078
grouse 732
owl 629
plover 771
sandpiper 834
screech owl 635
warbler 327
Spotty-throat sandpipers 813
Sprague's pipet 303
Sprat loon 1051
Sprig-tail 912
Sprit-tail 912
Spruce
grouse 732
partridge 732
Spurious primary 119
Spurred towhee 460
Spurs
of wing 120
of foot 139
Spur-winged birds 120
Squam duck 959
Squamosal
bone 163
process 163
Squamous pigeon 711
Square-tailed stormy petrels 1041
Squatarola 770
squatarola 770
Squat-snipe 815
Squatter 815
Squawk 882
Squealer 591, 771, 933
Stake-driver 884
Stands for birds 44
Stapedial
cartilage 160
elements 192
Stapes 191
Star buzzards 693
Stariki, crested 1070
Starikis 1070
Starling 503
Starlings, american 463
Starlings
meadow 471
old world 502
typical 502
Starncenadina? 719
Starncenas 719
cyanocephala 719
Starrv hummers 552
Steel-head 946
Steganopodes95], 1091
Stegannpus 793
wilsoni 794
Stelgidopteryx 356
serripennis 356
Stelleria's 935
Stcller's
eider 936
jay 495
Stellula 552
calliope 552
Stenonine duct 216
Stephens'
fox sparrow 445
greenlet 367
whippoorwill 567
Stercorariida> 975
Stercorarius 976
longicauda 980
parasiticus 978
pomatorhinus 977
Sterna 1003
aleutica 1014
ana'stheta 1017
antillarum 1015
caspia 1004
dougalli 1013
elegans 1007
forsteri 1009
fuliginosa 1016
crissalis 1016
hirundo 1010
maxima 1005
paradisea 1012
sandvicensis acuflavida 1007
trudeaui 1009
Sternese 1003
Sternin* 1000
Sterno-tracheales 208
Sternula 1015
Sternum 149
Sthenelides melanocor3-pha 894
Stib 820
Stick-tail 946
Stiif-tail 946
Stigma of ovisac 227
Stilt 789
black-necked 792
sandpiper 809
sandpipers 809
stormy petrel 1045
Stilts 789, 791
Stimulation 21
Stint
american 813
long-toed 814
middendorff's 814
Wilson's 813
St. kilda petrel 1038
St. lucas
finch 383
sparrow hawk 675
Stock-dove 708
Stock-duck 914
Stock-ducks 913
Stomach, examining 47
Stone-bird 831
INDEX.
113'
Stone-chat 256
Stone curlew 829
Stone-pecker 785
Stone-sni[)e 831
Stoney's titmouse 272
Storage, cases for 56
Stork
american wood 869
series 868
Storks 869
true 870
Storm-crow 610
Storm V
petrel 1041
petrels 1040
Stragulum 101
StraTiv 1082
Straw'-taiis 972
Streaked horned lark 507
Streptocerj'le 573
Striate 108
Strickland's shearwater 1037
Striges 619
Strigidiv 623
StrigiiKi' 623
Stringopinit 613
Stringops habroptilus 75, 244, 616
Striped flycatchers 517
Striped-head 843
Strisores 537
Strix 626
nebulosa 628
alien! 629
I helveolum 629
occidentalis 629
caurinus 629
Struthio 176
Struthious birds 69, 1095
Structure
aniitomical 139
epidermic 82
of birds 59
of feathers 84
types of 74
Stub-and-twi^t 946
Stuffing birds 40
Sturnella 471
magna 472
argutula 472
hoopesi 472
neglecta 472
Sturnelliiiiv 471
Sturnida; 502
Sturnina? 502
Sturnus 502
vulgaris 503
Stvlo-hyal 192
StVlo-hyoid 217
Sulj-, the prelix 77
Subgenus 80
Submaxillary line 103
Subocular bar 158
Subspecies 78
Subulate 106
Su('(-ess, (|ualirications for 5
Sucklev's pigeon hawk 673
Sula 953
bassana 954
brewstcri 955
ryanops 954
h.xostyla 1091
nebouxi 955
piscator 954
suin 955
Sulcata claws 139
Sulci 108
Sulcus, nasal 110
Sulidae 953
Sulphide of carbon 57
Sulphur-bellied flycatcher 517
Sultana gallinules 861
Summer
duck 910
tinch 423
arizona 424
bach man's 423
bay-winged 427
cassin's 425
rufous-crowned 425
flnches 422
redbird 348
sheldrake 949
tanagers 347
teal 919
warbler 319
vellow-bird 319
yellow-legs 832
Sundevall's boob}' 954
Super-, the prefix 77
Superb cardinal 456
Superior maxillary nerve 183
Superorbital gland 184
Supination 115
Supra-occipital 162
Supra-orbital 102
Supra-renal capsules 46
Surangular bone 172
Surf
duck 942
ducks 942
scoter 944
Surf-bird 789
Surf-birds 784
Surfer 944
Sui'inam tern 1018
Surnia 640
ulula 640
caparoch 640
Suspensorium of mandible 158
Suture of bones 140
Swaddle-bill 911
Swainson's
buzzard 686
rosy flnch 387
thrush 255
warbler 310
Swallow
ami'rican barn 352
bahaman 354
bank 355
barn 352
blue-green 354
cbimnev 559
cliff 354
Cuban 355
crescent 354
eaves 354
mud 354
rough-winged 356
violet-green 353
white-bellied 353
Swallows 350
bank 355
barn 352
cliff 354
iris 353
rouu'h-wingod 356
vidlet-vtivet 353
Swallow-tailed
duck 931
flvcatchor 512
giill lOUO
72
Swallow-tailed
gulls 1000
kite 657
kites 656
Swamp
angel 254
blackbird 468
partridge 732
sheldrake 949
song sparrow 417
warblers, golden 309
Swan
bewick's 896
common american 895
european wild 896
trumpeter 895
whistling 895
whooping 896
Swans 890, 893
white 894
Swift
chimney 559
northern black cloud 558
vaux's 560
white-throated 557
Swifts 555, 556
chimney 558
cloud 559
rock 557
sky 557
spine-tailed 558, 559
typical 556
Swimmers
long-winged 973
tube-nosed 1021
Swinhoe's wagtail 301
Swiss plover 770
Sycamore warbler 330
Sylvia
carbonata 332
montana 332
Svlvicolid:v 304
Sylviidie 261
Sylviime 261
Symbolic formulation wanted 77
Svmmetrical ligures from feathers
"83
Sympathetic nervous svstem 180,
'183
Symphemia 829
semipalmata 829
inornata 830
Symphysis
mandibular 172
pubic 153
Syndactyle foot 135
Syngnesious foot 135
Synopsis, systematic
of fossi'l birds 1087
of n. a. birds 243
Synovia 140
Synthliborhamphus 1074
anti(|uus 1074
unii/usume 1075
Syrinx 210. 245, 246
Syrnium 640
Systematic synopses 243, 1087
TABfLAK view of higher groups
240
Taction 197
Tachybaptes 1058
Tacliycincta 353
bicolor 353
thalussina 353
Tadivtriurchis 680
1138
INDEX.
Tadorna cornuta 897
Tadpole 949
Tail 120
shapes of the 123
Tail-bones 120
Tail-coverts 121
Tail-sacrals 147
Taking cold 19
Tammj' norie 1064
Tanager
blue-headed 347
cooper's 349
crimson-headed 349
grav's 350
hepatic 349
musician 347
rose 348
scarlet 348
Tanagers 347
summer 347
TanagridtB 347
Tangle-picker 785
TantaliniB 869
Tantalus 869
loculator 869
Tarrock 992
Tarsal
bones 125, 126
cartilages of eye 186
Tarso-metatarsus 125, 186
Tarsus 127, 128, 131
Tar-weed canary 394
Taste, sense of 197
Tattler
bartram's 837
long-legged 831
semipahiiated 829
short-legged 839
solitary 833
wandering 839
Tattlers 829
green 833
semipalmatcd 829
solitary 833
Taxidermy 28
Taxonomic equivalence of groups
72
Taxonomy 05
Teal 8
american green-winged 918
blue-winged 919
cinnamon 920
european green-winged 918
red-headed 918
summer 919
white-faced 919
winter 918
Teals
blue-winged 919
green-winged 918
Teaser 978
Tectrices 115, 121
inferiores (tail) 121
(wing) 110
majores 116
medise 116
minores 116
superiores (tail) 121
(wing) 116
Teeter-tail 835
Tegumentary system 82
Tehema song sparrow 421
Teleoptiles 82
Teleotype 75, 76
Teleotypic groups 76
Telephone cuckoo 611
Tell-tale, greater 831
Tell-tales 830
Telmatodytes 298
mariana; 299
palustris 898
griseus 298
paludicola 299
Telmatornis
affinis 1096
priscus 1096
Temminck's murrelet 1075
Temporal
bone 163
region 103
Tendons of wing 115
Tengmalm's owl 637
Tennessee warbler 315
Tensor patagii 199
Tenuirostral 106
Terete 106
Teretistris 305
Tergum 100
Tern
aleutian 1014
american l)lack 1018
least 1015
anglican 1002
antillean 1015
arctic 1012
black 1017
boy's 1008
bridled 1017
cabot's 1008
Caspian 1004
caj'enne 1005
common 1010
crimson-billed 1012
crissal sooty 1016
ducal 1008
egyptian 1002
elegant 1007
forster'8 1009
gull-billed 1002
havell's 1009
imperial 1004
kentish 1008
least 1015
long-tailed 1012
marsh 1002
nicdougall's 1013
nilotic 1002
noddy 1019
nuttall's 1002
panayan 1017
paradise 1012
pike's 1012
Portland 1012
princely 1007
roseate 1013
royal 1005
sandwich 1008
semipalmated 1018
short-footed 1012
short-tailed 1018
sooty 1016
Surinam 1018
trudeau's 1009
white-headed 1009
white-winged 1018
Wilson's 1010
Ternlet, silver 1015
Terns 973, 982, 1000
black 1017
gull-billed 1002
Tertials 118
Tertiaries 119
Tertiary birds 64, 1087
Testes, "Testicles, 45, 46, 221, 223
Tetradactyle birds 132
Tetrao urogallus 731
Tetraonida- 730
Teuchit 769
Texan, Texas
barred owl 629
beardless flycatcher 534
bird-of-paradise 512
cailon wren 293
cardinal 454
dusky duck 915
flycatcher 517
grackle 482
green kingfisher 574
guan 72]
horned lark 507
night-hawk 570
orchard oriole 477
pj'rrhuloxia 454
quail 755
screech owl 635
seaside finch 414
sparrow 463
thrasher 285
wild turkey 728
woodpecker 583
Thalamencephalon 181
Thalassaiitus pelagicus 698
Thalasseus 1004
Thalassogeron 1025
culminatus 1025
Thalassornis leuconota 921
Thamnophilus 211
Theory of evolution 60, 62
Thicklbilled
fox sparrow 445
night-herons 882
parrot 617
Thigh or thigh-bone 125
Thin skins 36
Thistle-bird 393
Thoracic
duct 205
vertebrae 145
Thorax 146
Tlirasaiitus 695
harpyia 695
Thrashe/285
arizona 287
bendire's 287
bow-billed 286
California 288
crissal 289
curve-billed 286
desert 289
le conte's 288
mearn's 288
pasadena 288
sage 282
St. lucas 287
sennett's 285
texas 285
yuma 288
Thrashers 284
Three-toed
birds of n. am. 132
gulls 992
plover 771
woodpecker
black-backed 589
ladder-backed 589
pole-backed 590
woodpeckers 588
Throat 101
INDEX.
1139
Thrush
alice"s 256
bicknell's 256
brown 285
dwarf hermit 254
gray-cheeked 255
golden-crowned 333
ground 285
hermit, audubon's 254
eastern 254
western 254
new york water 333
olive-backed 255
Oregon olive-backed 255
red 285
red-winged 251
russet-backed 258
swaiiison's 255
townsend's fly-catching 259
varied 251
vesper 250
water 333
willow tawny 254
Wilson's (or tawny) 253
wind 251
wood 253
wvoming water 334
Thrush blackbirds 480
Thrushes 247, 248
fly-catching 259
true 251
typical 248
Thryomaues 295
be wick i 295
leucogaster 295
spilurus 295
brevicaudus 296
corroensis 296
leucoplirvs 296
Thryothorus"294
ludovicianus 294
berlandieri 294
miameiisis 294
lornitensis 294
Thumb 114
Thunder-pumper 884
Thurber's junco 432
Thyellodroma 1033
Thyro-ary tenoid muscles 210
Thyro-cricoid muscles 210
ThjTo-hyal 173
Thyro-hyoid muscles 210
Thvroid cartilage 210
Tibia 125
Tibial ei)iphvses 126
Tibiale 126 "
Tibio-tarsus 125, 126
Tictioiiroma muraria 278
Ticbodromina- 278
Tick-bird 604
Tiga, 132, 133
Tigrisoma 871
Tilt-up 835
'I'imburdoodle 804
Timcliida' 266
Times to go n-shooting 11
Tinamida- 725
Tinanioii, skull of 176
Tiiinmous 09, 574
Tinamus rol)U'-Ius 176
ritiea tlnvifrontella 55
Tinker 1082, 10H5
Tinnuncukis 674
Tippet grouse 741
Tip-up i835
Titlark amcrican 303
Titmice 207, 270
Titmouse
ashy 269
black-capped 270
black-crested 269
bridled 269
bright-headed 275
chestnut-backed 272
chestnut-fronted 269
gray 209
hudsonian 272
plain 208
rlioad's 272
Siberian 273
stonev's 272
texan' tufted 268
tufted 268
well-tailed 273
vellow-headed 275
Titte"rel 842
Titvrin;e 534
Toad-head 771
Tobacco, use of 21
Toes, number of 132, 133
Tolmie's warbler 336
Tomia, Tomium 108, 111
Tongue of birds 216, 217
Tooth, egg 111
Tooth-billed pigeon 708
Toothed trogons 575
Topiltzin 547
Top-knot quail 758
Topography of birds 96, 100
Torch-bird"325
Totanus 830
tlavipes 832
niehinoleucus 831
nebularius 831
totanus 830
Totipaliiiate
birds 951
foot 137
Totipalmation 135
Touch, sense of 197
Tough-head 946
Tourne-pierre 785
Tow-head 949
Towhee
abert's 462
anthony's 461
arctic 458
brown 400
californian 461
canon 460
crissal 401
grav 462
gri(ii-tailed 402
giiadaliipe 400
nicxicati brown 460
northern brown 461
olive-black spotted 458
Oregon 458
saint lucas 461
san clemente 460
san dicgo 400
white-throated brown 401
Towhee l)unting 407
spurred 400
white-eyed 458
Tiiwliees 456
Townsend's
liunting 447
cormorant 905
lly-<'atchiiig thrush 259
fox sparrow 443
murrelet 1076
Townsend's
rock ptarmigan 748
shearwater 1036
snowtlake 396
warbler 321
Trabecuhe of skull 157
Trachea 207
of ducks 50
of merganser 49
Tracheal
labvrinth 208
syrinx 211
tvmpanum 208
Tracts, feathered 89
Traill's flycatcher 529
Tramp 379
Transocular line 103
Transportation of birds 45
cases for 56
Trapping birds 3
Trays 34. 54
Tread of eggs 227
Tree
bunting 434
cuckoos 607
duck 949
autumnal 907
black-bellied 907
fulvous 906
ducks 906
grouse 732
mice 276
sparrow 434
Treron 708
Treviranus, lamella? of 195
Triassic formation 02
Trichas, ralph's 338
Tricolor 595
blackbird 470
phalarope 794
woodpeckers 595
Tridactvie
foot 132
birds 132
Triddler 815
Trifacial nerve 183
Trigeminal nerve 183
Tringa 822
canutus 822
coot-footed 795
grav 797
red "797
Trinomial nomenclature 79
Trivia 196
Trochanter 125
Trochilida" 543
Trochiius 547
alexandri 548
cdlubris 547
violijugularis 548
Trochlear 120
Troglodytes 296
at'don 296
a/.tecus 296
]>arkmani 297
Troglodvtidie 280
Troglodytina- 289
Trogon 575
ambiguus 575
copper-tailed 575
Trogonida' 575
Trogons 574, 575
toothed 575
Tropic l)ird
catesby's 972
grunt's 972
1140
INDEX.
Tropic bird
red-billed 972
red -tailed 973
yellow-billed 972
Tropic birds 971
Troupiiil 479
Troupialis 471
Troupials 474
Trout-bird 771
Trudeau's tern 1009
True
columbine birds 706
doves 709
pigeons 709
plovers 767
thrushes 251
Trumpeter swan 895
Trunk of birds 96, 98
Tryngites 838
rufescens 838
Tube-nosed swimmers 1021
Tuberculum of rib 149
Tubinares 1021, 1092
Tufted
cormorant 965
puffin 1066
titmouse 268
Tule marsh wren 299
Tuneful olive-back 255
Turbinal bones 162
TurdidiB 247
Turdinre 248, 249
Turdus 251
iliacus 251
migratorius 153, 250
Turkey 727
common wild 728
domestic 727
eastern wild 728
florida wild 729
mexican 727
rio grande 728
sparrow 457
texiin wild 728
vultures 701
Turkey buzzard 703
buzzards 702
Turkeys 726
Turner's rock ptarmigan 747
Turnices 719
Turnicida; 719
Turnstone 783, 784, 785
black-headed 786
Turnstones 784
plover-billed 784
Turtle dove 714
Tweezer 948
Twister labrador 804
Tylari 131
Tj'mpanic bone 167
Tympaniform membrane 211
Tympanuchus 739
americanus 739
attwateri 741
cupido 739
pallidicinctus 741
Tvmpanum
of ear 191
of trachea 208
Type 75
Types of structure 74
of feathers 86
of palate 191
Typical and subtypical groups 75
swifts 556
thrushes 248
Tyrannidiv 510
TyranniniV 510
Tyrannus 513
dominicensis 514
melancholicus couchi 515
tyrannus 513
verticalis 515
vociferans 515
Tyrant flvcatchers 510
Tysty 1078
Tzacatl 553
UiNTOKNis lucaris 1088
Ulna 112, 113. 119
Ulnare 112, 113
Umbilicus of feather 84
Unalashka ijtarmigan 747
Uncinate processes 148
Uncle huldy 932
Uncle sani coot 943
Under
mandible 105
parts 99
tail-coverts 121
wing-coverts 116
Unfeathered spaces 89
Unguicorn 108
Unguirostral 106
Unguis of bill 107
Unicorn auklet 1069
Upland
plover 837
sandpiper 837
Uplander 837
I'pper
mandible 105
parts 99
tail-coverts 121
wing-coverts 116
Ureters 222, 223
Uria 1081
affinis 1092
antiqua 1092
lomvia 1083
arra 1084
troile 1082
californica 1083
Urile 966
Urin;iry
bladder 223
organs 221
Urogenital
organs 221
sinus 220
Uro-hyal 173
Uropygial gland 89
Uropygium 100
Urosacral vertebrae 120, 147
Urosteon 150
Urubitinga 694
anthracina 694
Valley quail 758
Valuation of characters 73
Vane of feather 85, 118
Vanellus 769
vanelhis 769
Vanneau 769
Varied
bunting 450
creeping warbler 307
thrush 251
Vas deferens 223
Vascular system 201
Vaux's swift 560
Veery 253
Vega gull 989
Velvet
duck 943
scoter 943
Velvet-breast 948
Veneered woodpecker 602
Venous system 201
Venter 99, 101
Ventricles
of brain 181
of heart 202
Ventriculus glandulosus 218
Verdin 275
Vermilion flycatcher 533
Versatile toes 132
Vertebra, see Vertebrae
Vertebra- 143
caudal 147
cervical 144
coccygeal 147
dorsal 145
dorso-lumbar 145
thoracic 145
lumbar 146
plan of 141
sacral 146
urosacral 147
Vertebrarterial canal 145
Vertebrates, Vertebrata 60, 81
Vertex 97
Vesicles
cerebral 181
seminal 224
Vesiculae seminales 224
Vesper
martin 357
thrush 250
Vesper-bird 401
Vestibule of ear 194, 195
Vibrissag 104
Vigors' murrelet 1077
vireo 332
wren 295
Viguacarbo 965
Violet shag 966
Violet-green
cormorant 967
swallow 353
Violet-throated hummingbird 548
Violet-velvet swallows 353
Viosca's pigeon 710
Vipa 769
Vireo, see Greenlet
Vireo 362
anthon3''s 368
atricapillus 369
belli
pusillus 368
flavifrons 365
huttoni 367
obscurus 368
stevensi 368
noveboracensis 367
maynardi 367
solitarius 365
alticola 366
cassini 366
lucasanus 366
plumbeus 366
vicinior 366
vigors' 332
Vireolanius 361
Vireonidae 73, 361
Vireos 361
Vireosylvia
bonaparte 363
INDEX.
1141
Vireosylviii
calidris barbatulus 363
rtaviridis 364
gilvus 364
swainsoni 365
olivaceus 3(i3
philadelpliicus 364
Virginia
nightingale 455
rail 856
redbird 455
Virginian colin 753
Virginia's warbler 313
Visceral
arches 158
clefts 158, 164
Vision, sense of 184
Vitelline membrane 226, 227
Vitellus 226
Vitreous humor 186, 180
Vocal
chords 211
organs 210, 211, 212
Vomer
of coccvx 120
of skufl 167
Vultur
monachus 649
umbrosus 1089
Vulture
black 705
burroughs' turkey 704
common turkov 703
king 701
Vultures
american 700
king 701
old world 649
turkey 701
Vulturina-" 619
Waders 762
Wagell 986
Wagler's owl 635
Wagtail
>iberian 301
yellow 301
swinhoe's 301
white 301
Wagtail warbler 334
golden-crowned 333
large-billed 334
\\'agtail warblers 332
Wagtails 300
Wakc-u]. 599
Wall creeyier 278
Wamp 93!t
Wandering
all)atro>< 1023
slu-arwaier 1034
tattler S-iO
Wapacuthu 639
^\'arble^
anrlubon's 324
azure 323
bachman's 312
bay-breasted 326
bell's fly-catch iiig 346
black -and-veli"w 327
blackburn'"s 324
black-inaskiMJ ;i37
black -r>oll 326
black-lhniatcd blue 322
gray 322
green 320
Idoodv-sided 327
Warbler
blue-eyed yellow 319
blue golden-winged 312
blue-headed yellow-rump 327
blue-winged yellow 311
blue yellow-backed 308
brasher's tly-catchiug 345
cairn's black-throated blue 323
Calaveras 314
Canadian fly-catching 341
cape may 317
carmine tly-catching 345
ccnilcan -Vl'-'i
chotimt-hi'aded 319
clu'-^tnut-sided 327
Cincinnati 312
Connecticut 335
crape 336
dusky orange-crowned 315
golden 319
golden-cheeked 321
golden-crowned wagtail 333
grace's 328
green black-capped tlv-catching
341
lu'inlock 325
hiTuiil 321
hooded lly-catching 340
kennicott's 261
kentuckv 335
kirtland's 330
large-billed wagtail 334
lawrence's 312
lucy's 313
macgillivray's 336
magnolia 327
mangrove 319
mourning 336
nashville 313
northern parula 308
olive 318
orange-crowned 314
pacilic 314
palm 331
parula 308
pine 332
pine-creeping 332
prairie 328
l»romellieus 324
prothon(jtarv 309
red-fronted "fly-catching 344
rose fly-catching 344
sennet't's 308
small-billed wagtail 333
sonora summer 319
spotted 327
summer 319
swainson's 310
sycamore 330
tennessee 315
tolmie's 336
lownseud's 321
Virginia's 313
western 321
western black-capped tlv-catch
ing34l
western vellow-rumped 324
while-bri.wed 3:)(l
while-p(dl 307
white-throated 312
Wilson's .'141
wnrm-eating 309
yellow-bellied red-poll 3:i2
vellow-ernwned .'(24
vellow-ixdl 319
yellow red-poll 331
Warbler
vellow-rumped 326
yellow-throated 330
yellow-throated ground 337
Warblers
american -304, 305, 312
blue yellow-backed 308
canebrake 310
carmine fly-catching 345
creeping 307
crowned flv-catching 345
flv-catching 340, 342, 344
golden 319
ground 334
old world 261
parula 307
swamp 309
wagtail 332
willow 261
wood 315
worm-eating 309, 310
Warbling
green let 364
western 365
Ward's heron 875
Warrior, black 682
Washington, binl of 696
Water
ouzel 260
pewee 522
Water-hen 862
little american 856
^^■ater-|.artridge 946
Water-pheasant 912
Water thrushes 333
Water-turkev 969
Water-witch' 1059
Wattles 103
Wavev
bfue 899
common 900
horned 901
little 900
yellow 900
Waxwing
black-throated 359
boliemian 359
Carolina 359
cedar 359
laiiland 359
Waxwings 358
Wayne's clapper rail 854
Weapons for c(dlecting 3
Weaser 948
Webbed foot 1.39
Web-toed snipe 807
Weilge-tailed
anierii-an parrots 616
gull 998
stormy petrels 1041
Welch's ptarmigan 748
Well-tailed titmouse 273
Western
american goldfinch 393
barred owl 62!'
black-capped warbler 341
!)luebird 2.^S
blue grosbeak 450
chickadee 271
crow l>lackbird 483
dowiteheraos
evening gro>beak .'177
lield s)>arrow 4.'I6
golden-cpsted kinglet 264
goshawk 6t;2
grass linch 402
1142
INDEX.
Western
grebe 1054
henslow's sparrow 411
hermit thrush 254
herring gull 987
house wren 29G
kingbird 515
lark sparrow 442
martin 357
meadow lark 472
night-hawk 570
nonpareil 450
red-breasted snipe 808
red-shouldered buzzard 686
red-tail 685
savanna sparrow 407
solitar}- sandpiper 834
summer redbird 349
tree spaiTow 435
warbler 321
warbling vireo 365
willet 830
winter wren 298
wood pewee 526
yellow-bellied tiycatcher 531
yellow-billed cuckoo 610
yellow-rump 324
j-ellow-throat 337
Wet preparations 48
Whale bird 797
Whale-head 870
Wheat duck 917
Whew 916
Whewer 916
Whiffler 928
Whim 916
Whimbrel
american 843
pacific 842
Whimbrels 839
Whippoorwill 566
arizona 567
Stephens' 567
Whip-tom-kelly 363
Whiskered auklet 1071
Whiskey
jack 500
John 500
Whistle duck 928
Whistle-wing 928
Whistler 916
american 928
brass-eyed 928
Whistling
plover 770, 771
snipe 803
swan 895
Whitebird 395
White
brant 900
crane 848
gannet 954
grouse 737, 744
guillemot 1078
gvrfalcon 664
heron 876
horned owl 631
ibis 866
merganser 951
nun 951
pelican 957
robin-snipe 822
White-back 927
White-bellied
becard 535
darter 969
White-bellied
murrelet 1077
nuthatch 277
petrel 1046
snipe 822
swallow 353
wren 295
White-bellv 737, 917
White-biir862
White-billed
coot 862
logcock 580
¥/hite-browed
crown sparrow 439
warbler 330
White-crested cormorant 964
White-crowned
pigeon 711
sparrow 439
White-eared humming xicotencal
554
Wbite-e3'ed
greenlet 367
towhee 458
White-faced
glossy ibis 865
petrel 1046
teal 919
Whiteflesher 741
White-fronted
dove 713
owl 638
White-head 944
White-headed
bald brant 899
goose 899
gull 991
jay 501
sea eagle 696
tern 1009
woodpecker 588
White-naped nuthatch 278
White-necked raven 487
White-poll warbler 307
White-rump 827
White-rumped
petrel 1042
sandpiper 816
shrike 371
White-scop 944
White-shouldered sea eagle 698
White-tailed
buzzard 680
dowitcher 808
kite 656
longspur 399
ptarmigan 749
sea eagle 696
White-throated
brown towhee 461
rock swift 557
span-ow 438
warbler 312
White-wing
black 943
doves 715
gray 943
White-winged
blackbird 445
black tern 1018
cross-bill 384
grebe 1058
guillemot 1078
gull 985
scoter 943
sea coot 943
White-winged
snow-bird 430
surf duck 943
Whooper 896
Whooping
crane 848
swan 896
Wide-awake 1016
Wigeon 916
american 917
coot 946
european 916
gray 916
green-headed 917
pied 912
sea 912
Wigeons 916
Wild
canary 319, 393
dove 714
duck 914
pigeon 711
turkev 728
Willet 829
western 830
Williamson's woodpecker 592
Willock 1082 •*
Willow
goldfinch 393
grouse 744
partridge 744
ptarmigan 744
thrush 254
Will-willet 829
Wilsonia 340
canadensis 341
mitrata 340
pusilla 341
pileolata 341
Wilsonian stormy petrels 1045
Wilson's
autograph 58
bluebird 257
plover 781
school-house 58
snipe 806
stint 813
stormy petrel 1045
svlvan flvcatcher 341
tern lOlO"
thrush 253
warbler 341
Wind thrush 251
Windhover
american 674
european 674
Windpipe 208
of merganser 49
Wing-coverts 116
Wing-feathers 115
Wings of birds 111
Winker of eve 186
Winnard 251
Winter
chip-bird 434
duck 912
goose 905
hawk 685
rock-bird 818
snipe 820
teal 918
wren 297
alaskan 298
western 298
yellow-legs 831
Wish-bone 153
INDEX.
1143
Witch, black 604
Wolffian bodies 221
Wood
duck 910, 949
grouse 732
ibis 8G9
owl, ainerican 028
owls 626
pewee 525
tiycatcliers 523
sheldrake 949
stork, americau 809
thrush 253
Woodcock
american 803
european 804
lesser 803
little 803
Woodcocks 803
Woodheii 803
Woodliouse's
jay 498
junco 433
Woodpecker
alaskaii three-toed 590
ant-eatiiiff 595
arizona 585
acorn 595
audul)()n's 586
ayres' 000
Laird's 596
batchelder's 587
black-backed three-toed 589
black-breasted 592
boddaTt's 580
brown-headi'd 592
cabanis' 580
collared 597
Columbian downy 588
hairy 580
downy 587
gairdner's 588
gila 594
gilded 601
golden-winged 599
great guinea 585
hairy 585
harris' 580
insular red-sliaf(cd 001
ivory-billed 580
ladder-backed 583
three-toed 589
lewis' 597
little guinea 587
narrow-fronted 597
nelson's 587
northern downy 587
hairv 580 "
pih?ated 581
northwestern red-shafted 001
nuchal 591
nuttall's 583
pigeon 599
pileated 581
pole-hacked three-toed 590
red-brllicd 593
r»'d-br.-aslfd 59!
red-r.K-kad.il 582
red-hfa(hMl 595
red-»huflcd 000
rcd-throuled 592
roekv nuiuntain downy 587
liairv 580
St. Iucas583
snguaro 59 I
Houthcrn hairv 580
Woodpecker
texan 583
veneered 602
white-headed 588
Williamson's 592
yellow-bellied 591
yellow-fronted 594
yellow-shafted 599
Woodpeckers 570, 577
black-and-white spotted 582
bristle-bellied 597
gilded 598
masked 588
pileated 580
sap-sucking 590
three-toed 588
tricolor 595
zebra 593
Woodsnipe 803
Wood-warbler, see Warbler
Wool-head 930
Work, a good day's 15
Worm-eating swamp warblers 309
warbler 309
Worthen's sparrow 437
Worthington's marsh wren 298
VVrangel's murrelet 1076
Wren
alaskan winter 298
baird's 295
berlandier's 294
bewick's 295
cerros island 296
floridian 294
great Carolina 294
guadaloupe 290
house, eastern 290
western 296
loniita 294
marsh, long-billed 298
short-billed 299
parkman's 297
rock 292
san cleniente 290
speckled-tailed 295
tule 299
vigors' 295
western winter 298
white-bellied 295
winter 297
Wrens 289
cactus 291
canon 293
Carolina 294
marsh 298, 299
house 290
reed 277
rock 275
true 277
winter 297
Wrtii-til 200
henshaw's 207
Wren-tits 200
Wright's flvcatcher 532
Wrinkle-nosed anklet 1073
Wrist-joint 112
Wrynecks 57l'>
Wiirdfuiann's heron 870
Wyoniiny water thrush 334
XANTIlDIK.rilAl.lS 470
xanthiicfphalus 470
Xanthura 500
luxuosa 500
Xanthu!) owl ti29
Xantus'
becard 535
jay 499
murrelet 1077
Xantus bunnningbird 554
Xema 999
sabinei 999
Xenopicus 588
albolarvatus 588
Xicotencal, white-eared humming
554
Xiphoid process 150
Yakut AT song sparrow 421
Yarup 599
Yarwhelp 828
Yelk
of eggs 220
Yellow
crake 858
red-poll warbler 331
wagtail Siberian 301
wavey 900
Yellow-and-red-shafted flicker 600
Yellow-backed warbler, blue 308
Yellow-bellied
tlycatcher 530
red-poll warbler 332
woodpecker 591
Yellow-bill 942
Yellow-billed
cuckoo 010
loon 1050
magpie 494
tropic bird 972
Yellow-bird 393
summer 319
Yellow-breasted chat 338
Yellow-crowned
night heron 883
warbler 324
Yellow-footed booby 955
Yellow-fronted woodpecker 594
Yellow-green greenlet 304
Yellow-liammer 599
Yellow-headed
blackbird 470
titmouse 275
Yellow-legged
goose 898
plover 832
Yellow-legs
common S:!2
greater 83 1
summer 832
winter 831
Yellow-nosed albatross 1025
Yellow-poll warbler 319
Yellow-nitnpcd warbler 324
Yellow->liafted woodpecker 599
Yell..wshauks8:il
greater 831
lesser 832
Yidlow-shins. griMtcr S31
Yellow-throat
belding's 33S
tlorida 338
hoary-headed 338
maryland 337
rio grando 338
western 337
Yellow-throated
greenlet 305
).,rouiid warbler 337
warbler 330
1144
INDEX.
Yellow-winged sparrow 408
bleached 410
Yelper 831
Yoke-toed birds 132
Yucker 599
Yuma tlirasher 288
Zamelodia 447
ludoviciana 448
inelanocephala 448
Zebra-bird 593
Zebra woodpeckers 593
Zebrilus 871
Zenaida 715
zenaida 715
Zenaida dove 715
Zenaidinai 712
Zenaidura 714
niacrura 714
Zona pellucida 226
Zone-tailed hawk 086
Zonotrichia 437
albicollis 438
coronata 440
leucophrys 439
gambeli 439
intermedia 439
Zonotrichia
querula 440
Zoological
characters 70
groups 72
table of 81
Zygapophyses 143
Zvgodactvle 445
birds" 132
foot 136
Zvgodactylous arrangement 132
Zygoma J 68
Zygomatic arch 168
APPENDIX
EXHIBITING THE NUMERATION AND NOMENCLATURE OF THE AMERICAN
ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION CHECK-LIST OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, SO
FAR AS AFFECTED BY ELIMINATIONS AND CHANGES MADE IN THE
TENTH, ELEVENTH, AND TWELFTH SUPPLEMENTS TO THE CHECK-LIST,
IN COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING NOMENCLATURE OF THE
KEY; AND INCLUDING ADDITIONS TO THE CHECK-LIST.i
Note. — The daggers (f) indicate the numbers of the "Hypothetical List" of the
Check-List.
761 b. Merula migratoria achrustera Batcheldkh. Southeun Robi.v. Merula
migratoria achrustera Batcheldek, Proc. N. Engl. Zool. Club, i, 1900, 101. The Carolinas
and Georgia.
COUES KEY.
Hesperocichla n<evia.
763 a. Ixoreus naevius meruloides (Swains.). Noktherx Vauied Thrush.
Ixoreus ncevius meridoules Riciimund, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash, xv, 8.5, April lio, 1902. In-
terior of northern Alaska and eastward, wintering in southern California. (C/. Gkinxell,
Auk, xviii, April, 1901, 142.)
UNION LIST.
763. Ixoreus njevius.
Hylocichla aonalaschk?e.
aonalaschka; aiiduboni.
aonalaschkse pallasi.
759. Hylocichla guttata.
759a. guttata auiluboui.
759/^ guttata pallasii.
759 c. Hylocichla guttata nana (Aud.). D\v.\aF Hermit Thrush. Hylocichla
r/uttata nana Brewster, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. xli, 1902. Pacific coast region, from
Washington southward, breeding south to Sierra Nevada region, east in migrations to
Nevada and Arizona and south to Lower California and western Mexico.
Hylocichla ustulata almaj. | 758c. Hylocichla ustulata almae.
765 rj. Saxicola cenanthe leucorhoa (Gmel.). Gree.nland Wheatear. Saxicola
oenanthe leucorhoa Srj:.iNK(;Eit, Pioc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxiii, No. 1220, 1901,476. Greenland,
adjacent portions of North America, and Iceland, migrating by way of the British Islands
and France to western Africa. The North American range of .S. cenanthe is tlms restricted
to Alaska.
Regulus calendula grinnelli. | 749rj. Regulus calendula grinnelli.
742 t. Chamaea fasciata phaea 0.sgood. Coast Wren-tit. (Viavirra Jhsriata phcea
Osgood, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. xiii. I><99, 41. Coast region of Oregon and California from
Astoria, Oregon, to Marin Co., California.
' See Tenth Supplement, Auk, xviii, July, i;»01 ; Eleventh Supplfuu-ui, Auk. xu, July, VXyi ; Twelfth Supplement,
Auk, XX, July, 11)03.
1146
APPENDIX.
741 b. Parus rufescens barlovvi J. Grinxell. Barlow's Chickadee. Parus rtifes-
cens barlowi^. Grinnell, Condor, ii, 1000, 127. Coast range of California, from Monterey
Co. to San Francisco Bay.
COUES KEY.
Lophophanes bicolor.
bicolor texensis.
atricristatus.
inornatus.
inornatus griseus.
inornatus cineraceus.
wollweberi.
727 c. Sitta carolinensis nelsoni Mear>'S. Rocky Mountain Nuthatch. Sittn
carolinensis nelsoni Mearns, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxiv, 1902, 923. Rocky Mountain re-
gion of the U. S., soutli into Mexico (Chihuahua and Sonora).
727 d. Sitta carolinensis lagunae Brevvstek. Saint Lucas Nuthatch. Sitta caro-
linensis lagunce Brewster, Auk, viii, 1891, 149. Cape region of Lower California. {Cf.
Brewster, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. xli, 1902, 203. ) The range of Sitta c. aculeata thus
becomes restricted to the Pacific coast region of the U. S.
UNION LIST.
731.
Bjeolophus bicolor.
731a.
bicolor texensis.
732.
atricristatus.
733.
inornatus.
733rt.
inornatus griseus.
733^.
inornatus cineraceus
734.
wollweberi.
Certhia farailiaris americana.
I 726. Certhia familiaris americanus.
726 d. Certhia familiaris zelotes Osgood. Sierra Creeper. Certhia familiaris ze-
lotes, Osgood, Auk, xviii, April, 1901, 182. Cascade Mountains of Oregon and the Sierra
Nevada of California. Certhia f. occidentalis thus becomes restricted to the Pacific coast
region, from Sitka, Alaska, to Marin Co., California.
703(7. Mimus polyglottos leucopterus (Vigors). Western Mockingbird. Mimus
polyglotlos leucopterus ]\Iearns, Auk, xix, Jan. 1902, 70. Southwestern LT. S., from Texas
to the Pacific, southward into Mexico and Lower California.
Harporhynchus rufus.
705. T(
jxostoraa rufum.
longirostris sennetti.
706.
longirostre sennetti
curvirostris.
707.
curvirostre.
curvirostris palmeri.
707a.
curvirostre palmeri.
bendirei.
70S.
bendirei.
cinereus.
709.
cine re urn.
cinereus mearnsi.
709a.
cinereum meai'nsi.
redivivus.
710.
redivivum.
lecontei.
711.
lecontei.
crissalis.
712.
crissalis.
719 c. Thryomanes bewickii cryptus Oberholser. Thryomanes hewickii cryptus
Oberholser, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxi, 1898, 425. Texas except the extreme western part
and probably north to Kansas, and south to Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
719 1/. Thryomanes bewickii charienturus Oberholser. Thryomanes betvictii chari-
enturus Oberholser, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxi, 1898, 435. Coast region of southern Cali-
fornia, north to about Pasadena; south to about lat. 28°, Lower California; Santa Catalina
Island, Cal.
719 e. Thryomanes bewickii calophonus Oberholser. Thryomanes bewickii calo-
phonus Oberholser, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxi, 1898, 440. Pacific slope, from Oregon to
southern Vancouver Island and valley of Fraser River, British Columbia.
COUES KEY.
Anorthura hiemalis.
hiemalis paciticus.
alascensis.
APPENDIX. 1147
UNION LIST.
722. Olbiorchilus hiemalis.
722 a. hiemalis pacificus,
723. alascensis.
722 6. Olbiorchilus hiemalis helleri Osgood. Kadiak Winter Wren. Anorthura
hiemalis helleri Oscjood, Auk, xviii, April, liJOl, 181. Olbiorchilus hiemalis helleri Ober-
HOLSER, Auk, xix, April, 1902, 179. Kadiak Island, Alaska.
723.1. Olbiorchilus meligerus Oberholser. Aleutian Wren. Anorthura meli-
yera Oberholser, Auk, xvii, Jan. 1900,25. Olbiorchilus meligerus Oberholser, Auk, xix,
April, 1902, 178. The westernmost islands of the Aleutian group, Alaska.
Telmatodytes palustris.
palustris paludicola.
palustris griseus.
[Not admitted to the Key.]
marianse.
725. Telmatodytes palustris.
725a. palustris paludicola.
7256. palustris griseus.
725c. palustris plesius.
725.1. marianse.
656 a. Dendroica auduboni nigrifrons (Brewster). Dendroica auduboni nigrifrons
RiDGWAY, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. N(j. .5(1, Pt. IF, 1902, 555. "Mountains of southern Ari-
zona (Iluachuca and Chiricahua ranges) and southward through mountains of Chihuahua
to Durango."
681c. Geothlypis trichas arizela Oberholser. Geothlypis trichas arizela Ober-
holser, Auk, xvi, .July, 1899, 257. I'acific coast region, from southern British Columbia
to northern Lower California, west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada; in winter south to
Cape St. Lucas and Tejuc.
681 f/. Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swains.). Northern Yellow-throat.
Geothlypis trichas Imichidactyla W. 1'almku, Auk, xvii, July, 1900, 221.
681 e. Geothlypis trichas siuuosa J. Grinnell. Salt Marsh Yellow-throat.
Geothlypis trichas sinuosa Grinnell, Condor, iii, May, 1901, 65. Salt marshes of San Fran-
cisco Bay, California. (C/. Riugway, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 50, Pt. II, 1902, 672.)
Geothlypis poliocephala ralphi. | 682.1. Geothlypis poliocephala.
685 6. Wilsonia pusilla chryseola Hidgway. Golden Pileolated W.\rbler.
Wilsonia pusilla chryseola Ridgway, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 50, Pt. II, 1902, 714. Pacific
coast district, from southern California to British Columbia, southward during migration to
Arizona, l^ower California, and western Mexico.
f 18.1. Piranga rubriceps.
614. Iridoprocne bieolor.
615. Tachycineta thalassina lepida.
615a. Tachycineta thalassina brachyptera Brewster. Saint Lccas .Swallow.
Tachycinitii thalassina bniciiiijitera Bkkws i i:i:, Bull. .Mus. Comp. Zool. xli, 1902. 167. Cape
region of Lower California.
612.2. Petrochelidon melauogastra (.Swai.\>.). Mi:.\ican C'l.iii .Swallow. Mex-
ico, south to Guatemala, north into Arizona, along the San Bernardino and Santa Cruz
rivers. {('/. Mearns, Proc. Biol. Soc WaNh. xiv, 17S, Sept. 25, 1901.)
Clivicola riparia. I <ilii. Ki|)aria riparia.
Vireo gilvus swainsoni V 1 ^VHn. N'ireo gilvus swainsonii.
t)31 //. Vireo noveboracensis bermudianus (P..\N(is and Bkaoiki ). Bermida
\'iKi;<) Vireii //eniiiidiaini> I'.\.\(;> ;iii<l r.n.vKi i i . .\uk, xviii. July. 1901,252. Bernmda
Islands.
I'lranga rubriceps.
I achycineta bieolor.
thalassina.
1148
APPENDIX.
631 c. Vireo noveboracensis micrua Nelson. Small White-eyed Vireo. Viren
novebomcensis micrus Nelson, Auk, xvi, Jan. 1899, 30. Northeastern Mexico, northward
to Rio Grande Valley, Texas. (C/. Mearns, Auk, xix, Jan. 1902, 87.)
COTJES KEY.
Vireo belli pusillus.
Hesperiphona vespertina.
vespertina montana.
Pinicola enucleator canadensis.
Astragalinus psaltria arizona;.
Passerculus bairdi.
princeps.
sandwichensis.
sandwichensis savanna.
sandwichensis alaudinus.
sandwichensis bryanti.
beldingi.
rostratus.
rostratus guttatus.
sanctorum.
544 6. Passerculus rostratus halophilus (McGregor). Lagoon Sparrow. Am-
modramus halophilus McGregor, Auk, xv, July, 1898, 265. Salt marshes in the vicinity of
Abreojos point, Lower California.
UNION LIST.
633.1
. Vireo pusillus.
514.
Hesperiphona vespertina.
514a.
vespertina montana.
515.
Pinicola enucleator leucura.
[Eiiminated.]
545.
Coturniculus bairdii.
541.
Passerculus princeps.
542.
sandwichensis.
542a.
sandwichensis savanna.
5i2b.
sandwichensis alaudinus
512c.
sandwichensis bryanti.
543.
beldingi.
544.
rostratus.
544a
rostratus guttatus.
544c.
rostratus sanctorum.
Ammodramus savannarum passerinus.
savannarum perpallidus
546. Coturniculus savannarum passerinus.
546a. savannarum bimaculatus.
546 6. Coturniculus savannarum floridanus Mearns. Florida Grasshopper
Sparrow. Coturniculus savannarum floridanus Mearns, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxiv,
1902, 915. Central Florida (Kissimraee prairie region).
Melospiza melodia.
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
mslodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
melodia
insignis,
juddi.
fallax.
montana.
heermanni.
samuelis.
cooperi.
pusillula.
rivularis.
graminea.
clement*.
morphna.
merrilli.
rufina.
caurinas.
581. Melospiza cinerea melodia.
58iy. cinerea juddi.
581a. cinerea fallax.
5816. cinerea montana.
581c. cinerea heermanni.
581 J. cinerea samuelis.
581??j. cinerea cooperi.
581/. cinerea pusillula.
b^lg. cinerea rivularis.
581/;. cinerea graminea.
581J. cinerea clemeutae.
581e. cinerea morphna.
581A;. cinerea merrilli.
581/. cinerea rufina.
581n. cinerea caurina.
581.1. cinerea insit)nis.
581 0. Melospiza cinerea kenaiensis (Ridgway). Kenai Song Sparrow. Me-
lospiza cinerea kenaiensis Ridgway. Bull. U. S. Nat Mus. No. 50, Pt. I, 1901, 375. Coast
of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, from east side of Cook Inlet to Prince William Sound.
APPENDIX.
1149
COUES KEY.
Peucaea arizonae. >
mexicana. >
Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia.
leucophrys gambeli.
Pipilo maculatus atratus.
UNION LIST.
576. Peucaea botterii.
554a. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii.
5546. leucophrys nuttalli.
588d. ripilo maculatus atratus.
588 e. Pipilo maculatus magnirostris Brewster. Lahgk-billed Towhee. Pipilo
maculatus magnirostris BitEwsxEu, Auk, viii, April, 1891, 140. ^lountaiu districts of south-
ern Lower California.
591f/. Pipilo fuscus carolse.
602. Sporophila morelleti.
[603.] Tiaris bicolor.
[603.1.] canorus.
498a. Agelaius phoeniceus sonoriensis.
Pipilo fuscus carola).
Sporophila moreleti sharpei.
Euetheia bicolor.
canora.
Agelseus phoeniceus sonoriensis.
498 f?. Agelaius phoeniceus fortis Ridgway. Thick-billed Redwing. Agelaius
phoeniceus fortis Rid(;\vay. Proc. Wash. Acad. Sci. iii, April, 1901, 153. Central North
America, breeding northward; in migrations from Manitoba south to Illinois, Indian Terri-
tory, and western Texas, westward to and including the Rocky INIountains, and south to
Arizona and Chihuahua.
498 e. Agelaius phoeniceus neutralis Ridgway. Sax Diego Redwing. Agelaius
phoeniceus neutralis Ridgway. Proc. Wash. Acad. Sci. iii, April, 1901, 153. Great Basin
district of United States, southwestward to southern California and northern Lower
California.
498/. Agelaius phoeniceus caurinus Ridgway. Northwestern Redwing.
Agelaius phoeniceus caurinus Ridgway. Proc. AVash. Acad. Sci. iii, April, 1901, 153.
Northwest coast, in Washington and British Columbia; northern California in winter.
501c. Sturnella magna argutula.
505. Icterus cucullatus sennetti.
513a. Megaquiscalus major macroiuus.
513. Megaquiscalus major.
4786. Cyanocitta stelleri diademata.
Sturnella magna argutula.
Icterus cucullatus.
Quiscalus macrurus.
major.
Cyanocitta stelleri macrolopha.
478 (I. Cyanocitta stelleri carlottae Osgood. Queen Charlotte Jay. Cyano-
citta stelleri carlottce Osgood, N. Am. Fauna, No. 21, 1901, 46. Queen Charlotte Islands,
British Columbia.
480.2. Aphelocoma texana Uiixjway. Texan Jay. Aphelocotna texana IIiogway,
Auk, xix, Jan. 1902, 70. Southwestern Texas, from Concho and Kerr counties west to the
Davis mountains.
482 a. Aphelocoma sieberii couchii (Baird). Couch's Jay. Aphelocoma sieberii
couchi Oberholskk, Auk, xix, 1902, 300. Northeastern Mexico to soutliwestern Texas
(Chisos Mountains).
Xanthura luxuosa.
Perisoreus obscurus griseus.
Otocorys alpestris leucohi'ma.
alpestris arcnicohi.
alpestris chrysohvina
483. Xantiioura luxuosa glaucescens.
485a. Porisoreus oliscurus griseus.
474a. Otocoris alpestris arcticola.
474c. alpestris leucohrma.
474e. alpestris actia.
171/. Otocoris alpestris hoyti Itisiiop. I
hui/ti BiSHor, .\uk, .\ni, IMh;, l:;(). •• In .summei
nvr'- IIukm;i> I.akk. Otocori< alpestris
Hrilisli .Vmcrica troni the west shore of
1150
APPENDIX.
Hudson Bay to the valley of the Mackenzie River, north to the Arctic coast, south to Lake
Athabasca; in winter southward to Nevada, Utah, Kansas, and Michigan, casually to Ohio
and New York (Long island)." (C/. Oberholser, Proc. U S. Nat. Mus. xxiv, 1902,
812.)
474/. Otocoris alpestris occidentalis (McCall). Montezuma Horned Lark.
Otocoris alpestris occidentalis Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1899, 21. "In summer
central New Mexico, west to central Arizona; in winter south to northern Sonora and Chi-
huahua, Mexico, and southeast to Texas." {Cf. Obekholsp:r, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxiv,
1902, 856.)
474 ?«. Otocoris alpestris insularis Townsend. Island Horned Lark. Otocoris
alpestris insularis Townsend, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. xiii, 1890, 140. Santa Barbara Islands,
California.
COUES KEY. UNION LIST.
Milvulus tyrannus. [442.] Muscivora tyrannus.
forficatus. 443. forficata.
Myiozetetes texensis. [450.] Myiozetetes similis superciliosus.
454 h. Myiarchus cinerascens pertinax (Baird). Lower California Fly-
catcher. Myiarchus cinerascens pertinax Brewster, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zodl. xli, 1902,
117. Southern Lower California.
458 o. Say ornis nigricans semiatra (Vigors). Western Black Phcebe. Sayornis
nigricans semiatra Nelson, Auk. xvii, April, 1900, 125. Pacific coast of the United States
and Mexico, from Oregon to Colima, eastward to Arizona. ^. nigricans thus becomes re-
stricted in the United States to Texas, New Mexico, and southeastern Arizona.
Contopus borealis.
Einpldonax insulicola.
Trochilus violijugularis.
Amizilis tzacatl.
cerviniventris chalconota.
459. Nuttallornis boreahs.
464.2. Enipidonax insulicola.
fl6.2. Trochilus violajugulum.
438. Amizilis tzacatl.
439. cerviniventris chalconota.
393/". Dryobates villosus picoideus (Osgood). Queen Charlotte Woodpecker.
Queen Charlotte Island.s, British Columbia. Dryobates picoideus Osgood, N. Am. Fauna,
No. 21, 1901, 44.
391 e. Dryobates pubescens turati (Malherbe). Willow Woodpecker. Dryo-
bates pubescens turati VV. K. Fisher, Condor, iv, 1902, 68. "California, except desert ranges
and eastern slope of Sierra Nevada, coast region north of Marion Co., and region north of
upper end of Sacramento Valley." (Cf. Fisher, Condor, iv, 1902, 70 )
Picoides americanus alascensis. 1 401 a. Picoides americanus fasciatus.
403a. Sphyrapicus ruber notkensis (Suckow). Northern Red-breasted Sap-
sucker. Sphyrapicus ruber notkensis Richmond, Proc. Biol. Soc Wash, xv, 89, April 25,
1902. Western British Columbia, south to the coast region of Washington and Oregon.
Asyndesmus torquatus
Centurus carolinus.
aurifrons.
uropygialis.
Colaptes mexicanus.
382.1. Rynchopsitta pachyrhyncha (Swains.). Thick-billed Parrot. Central
Mexico, northward, casually, to the Chiricahua Mts. (Lusk, Condor, ii, 1900, 129.)
408. Asyndesmus torquatus.
409. Centurus carolinus.
410. aurifrons.
411. uropygialis.
413. Colaptes cafer collaris.
COUES KEY.
Strix nebulosa.
nebulosa alleni.
nebulosa helveolum.
[Not admitted to the Key.]
APPENDIX. 1151
UNION LIST.
368. Syrniuin varium.
368o. varium alleni.
3686. varium helveolum.
375a. Bubo virginianus pallescens.
375 e. Bubo virginianus elachistus Brewster. Dwarf Horned Owl. Bubo vir-
ginianus elachistus Brewster, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zocil., xli, 1902, 96. Lower California.
373.2. Megascops xantusi Brewster. Xaxtus's Screech Owl. Meqascops
xantusi Brewster, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zocil., xli, 1902, 93. Cape region of Lower California.
Scotiaptex cinerea. I 370. Scotiaptex nebulosa.
cinerea lapponica. I [370rt.] nebulosa lapponica.
372a. Nyctala acadica scotaea Osgood. Northwest Saw-whet Owl. Xydaln
acadica scotcea Osgood, N. Am. Fauna, No. 21, 1901, 43. Puget Sound region, north to
Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia.
Falco sparverius deserticolus.
Buteo borealis lucasanus.
latissimus.
Pseudogryphus calif ornianus.
Columba squamosa.
360a. Falco sparverius phalcjena.
[Eliminated.]
343. Buteo platypterus.
324. Gymnogy])S californiaiius.
[314.1.] Columba squamosa.
320 6. Columbigallina passerina bermudiana (Baxgs and Bradlee). Bermuda
Grouxd Dove. ColumhigaUinu bermudiana Bangs and Bradlee, Auk, xviii, July, 1901,
250. Bermuda Islands.
Meleagris gallopavo.
gallopavo fera.
Canachites canadensis labradorius.
310. Meleagris gallopavo merriami.
310a. gallopavo silvestris.
[Cancelled.]
298 6. Canachites canadensis osgoodi Brsnop. Alaska Spruce Grouse. Cana-
chites canadensis osgoodi Bishop, Auk, xvii, .\pril, 1900, 114. Upper Yukon region and
thence northwest to Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet.
298 c. Canachites canadensis canace (Linn.). Canadian Sprixe Grouse. Cana-
chites canadensis canace Norton, Proc. Portland Soc. Nat. Flist. i). Art. viii. May, 1901,
151. Northern Minnesota, northern New York, northern New England, New Brunswick,
and the Canadian zone of southern ami eastern Canada.
304a. Lagopus leucurus altipetens Osgood. Southern White-tailed Ptar-
migan. Lagopus leucurus (diipileus Osgood, Auk, xviii, April, 1901. 180 Southern Rocky
INIts. (Colorado, New Mexico, etc ).
Cyrtonyx montezumse. | 296. Cyrtonyx montezumje mearnsi.
[269.1.] Eudromias morinellua (Linn.). Dotterel. Northern Europe and northern
Asia, south in winter to thf Mediterranean and northern Africa. .Vccidental at King
Island, Alaska (Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1900, 22).
273. Oxyechus vociferus.
280. Ochthodroinus wilsonius.
281. Podasocys mo n tan us.
iEgialitis vocifera.
wil.sonia.
Poda.socYS muiitanus.
283.1. Arenaria morinella (Linn.). Rcddy Tuunstonk. Arenaria vwrinella W.
Palmer, FurSc.il.s and Fur Sc.ij \A. N. Pai-. Oc. iii, ISIUI. 4(t8, 412. .Vrctic Amrrtca from
the Mackenzie River eastward, southward in migration, chiefly coa.stwise, to I'atagouia and
1152
APPENDIX.
the Falkland Islands. The range of .4. inlerpres thus becomes restricted to the Old World,
Greenland, and western Alaska.
COUES KEY.
Actodrouias nnnutilla.
damascencis.
bairdi.
maculata.
fuscicollis.
acuminata.
Arquatella maritima.
couesi.
ptilocnemis.
Pelidna alpiua.
alpina pacifica.
Ancylochilus ferrugineus.
Rallus crepitans waynei.
scotti.
194 a. Ardea herodias fannini Chapman.
herodias fannini Chapman. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat.
Islands and coast region of British Columbia.
Ardea wardi.
Herodias egretta.
Garzetta candidissima.
Hydranassa tricolor ruficoUis.
Dichromanassa rufa.
Florida coerulea.
Butorides virescens.
virescens frazari.
virescens anthonyi.
Nyctanassa violacea.
UNION LIST.
242. Actodromas minutilla.
[242.1.] damacensis.
241. bairdii.
239, maculata.
240. fuscicollis.
2o8. acuminata.
235. Arquatella maritima.
236. couesi.
237. ptilocnemis.
[243.] Pelidna alpina.
243o. alpina pacifica.
244. Erolia ferruginea.
211c. Rallus crepitans waynei.
2115. crepitans scottii.
Northwest Coast Heron. Ardea
Hist, xiii, 1901, 87. Queen Charlotte
1946. Ardea herodias wardi.
196. Herodias egretta.
197. Egretta candidissima.
199. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis.
198. Dichromanassa rufescens.
200. Florida caerulea.
201. Butorides virescens.
201rt. virescens frazari.
2016. virescens anthonyi.
203. Nyctanassa violacea.
133a. Anas obscura rubripes Brewster. Red-legged Black Duck. Anas ob-
scura rubripes Brew.ster, Auk, xix, April, 1902, 184. Atlantic coast, during migration,
from Newfoundland to Virginia, and west to Arkansas ; breeding range not definitely known,
but includes northern Labrador and Hudson Bay region.
Pelecanus fuscus.
Larus argentatus sniithsonianus.
Fulmarus glacialis minor.
gjacialis rodgersi.
Puffinus cuneatus.
It
80.1.
96.1.
Pelecanus occidentalis.
[Eliminated.]
[Eliminated.]
Fulmarus rodgersi.
Puffinus cuneatus.
96.2. PufEnus bnlleri Salvin. New Zealand Shearwater. New Zealand; north
casually to California (LooMis, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., ser. 3 (zool.), 1900, 319.)
Puffinus auduboni.
Colymbus dominicus.
Fratercula arctica glacialis.
92. Puffinus Iherminieri.
5. Colymbus dominicus brachypterus.
loa. Fratercula arctica naumanni.
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